Flood — Vieques, Puerto Rico

2003-11-10 to 2003-11-15 · Vieques, Puerto Rico

Wider weather episode

Heavy rains affected Puerto Rico during the week of November 10-15, leading to widespread flash flooding, and numerous mud, land and rock slides. A total of 19 municipalities were declared a federal disaster area with total damages estimated at around 45 million.On November 10, an active tropical wave approached Puerto Rico and interacted with a mid upper level trough that advanced from the Bahamas into eastern Hispaniola. By Tuesday November 11, the wave evolved into a broad low pressure area over the Caribbean Sea southwest of Puerto Rico. The interaction of both systems produced continuous heavy rains resulting in generalized floods across the island. The heaviest rains affected Puerto Rico through Friday November 14. Rainfall amounts varied from 15 to 20 inches, although the eastern municipality of Naguabo received 22.70 inches. Rainfall values for ceratin areas of Puerto Rico exceeded the 50 year return period, and for other s the 25 year return period. The municipalities of Arroyo, Cabo Rojo, Canovanas, Fajardo, Guanica, Guayama, Juana Diaz, Loiza, Luquillo, Maunabo, Naguabo, Patillas, Rio Grande, Salinas, Santa Isabel, Toa Baja, Yabucoa and Yauco were declared a federal disaster. Infra-structure and personal losses were estimated at 10 million. Agricultural losses accounted for 31 million, with total damages around 45 million. There were two deaths, both by drowning in the municipalities of Ciales and Aibonito. There was another rainy period that followed this event from November 16-18. Rainfall received varied from 8-10 inches in the area of Naguabo to 4 to 6 inches in other locations of east and central Puerto Rico.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 5336071. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.