Villalba, Puerto Rico

The National Weather Service in San Juan has issued a

* Flood Warning for urban areas and small streams along the Rio de
la Plata... including the Aibonito area northward to Dorado and Toa
Baja.

* Until 1030 am AST

* at 240 am AST... torrential rains across central Puerto Rico have
created several flood situations along Rio de la Plata early this
morning. Since Rio de la Plata is the larger river basin in the
island... it will take several hours for this river to return back to
normal. Therefore... a Flood Warning is now in effect for Rio de la
Plata and their municipalities until 1030 am AST Friday.

A Flood Warning means that flooding is imminent or has been reported.
Stream rises will be slow to react.

Precautionary/preparedness actions...

Most flood deaths occur in automobiles. Never drive your vehicle into
areas where the water covers the roadway. Flood waters are usually
deeper than they appear. Just one foot of flowing water is powerful
enough to sweep vehicles off the Road. When encountering flooded
roads make the smart choice... turn around... dont drown.

A Flood Warning means flooding is occurring or is imminent. Most
flood related deaths occur in automobiles. Do not attempt to cross
water covered bridges... dips... or low water crossings. Never try to
cross a flowing stream... even a small one... on foot. To escape rising
water move up to higher ground.


Lat... Lon 1849 6629 1849 6623 1836 6620 1828 6620
      1822 6619 1816 6621 1816 6625 1820 6625
      1829 6624


Ob

... Flash Flood Watch remains in effect until noon AST today...

The Flash Flood Watch continues for

* two thirds of Puerto Rico... Culebra... Vieques and the U.S.
Virgin Islands...

* until noon AST today

* heavy rainfall has moved early this morning from most of the
local islands... however... few showers are reforming over the
Caribbean coastal waters and spreading across the southwest and
south coastal areas of puerot Rico. Also... a line of showers and
thunderstorms will be affecting Saint Croix within the next half
and hour. Therefore... the potential of flash flooding continues
across the local islands until noon AST today.


Precautionary/preparedness actions...

A Flash Flood Watch means that conditions are favorable for heavy
rain across the watch area... which may lead to flooding. If you are
in the watch area... check your preparedness requirements...
especially if you have interests along area rivers. Keep informed...
and be ready for quick action if flooding is observed or if a Flash
Flood Warning is issued.

People in the watch area should continue to be aware of the
possibility for heavy rainfall. Avoid low lying areas... and be
careful when approaching Highway dips and underpasses. The heavy
rain could also cause mudslides in areas of steep terrain.

Stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio... local TV... radio or your cable
television provider for later statements and possible warnings.

This product... along with other weather... hydrological and climate
information... is available on the web at http://www.Srh.NOAA.Gov/sju
or at http://weather.Gov.