Flash Flood — Western Interior, Puerto Rico

2001-05-06 to 2001-05-07 · near Countywide, Western Interior, Puerto Rico

Wider weather episode

A strong upper to mid level trough moved across the region during the period May6-7 producing torrential rainfall across Puerto Rico. This rainfall caused widespread flooding of streams, rivers and roads, and landslides and damaged many local farms. The greatest damages were in the municipalities of Yauco, Guayanilla, San German, Cabo Rojo, Lajas and Mayaguez were at least 450 homes and 20 cars were washed away by the rains and more than 30 roads were blocked by mudslides, landslides and trees. Also, two people in the municipality of Yauco died when their cars were swept by the waters. The highest rainfall accumulation in a 24 hour period was at Lajas with 14.19 inches. Other rainfall amounts were; Yauco 12.75 inches and Adjuntas 9.36 inches. In general rainfall amounts from 7 to 12 inches in a 24 hour period fell over the South, West, and Western Interior sections of Puerto Rico. Rainfall values around Lajas reached the 50 -year 24 hour accumulations and the 100-year 12 hour accumulations.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 5250239. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.