Flash Flood Watch Issued for USVI as Up to 10 Inches of Rain Expected in Certain Areas

The National Weather Service has issued a Flash Flood Watch for the U.S. Virgin Islands, warning of intense rainfall between Thursday and Saturday. Certain areas may see up to 10 inches of rain, raising the risk of flash floods and other hazards.

The National Weather Service in San Juan, Puerto Rico has issued a Flash Flood Watch for the U.S. Virgin Islands and neighboring areas in anticipation of heavy rainfall and thunderstorms expected to intensify between Thursday morning and Saturday morning. The unsettled weather pattern is being driven by a combination of mid-to-upper level atmospheric troughs and abundant moisture from a nearly stationary front, creating conditions conducive to intense thunderstorms across the region.

The NWS forecasts that rainfall totals could reach between 3 to 6 inches, with localized areas in northern and eastern Puerto Rico, Vieques, Culebra, and the U.S. Virgin Islands potentially seeing as much as 8 to 10 inches. Other areas may experience rainfall ranging from 1 to 2 inches. This volume of rain, especially in steep terrain, raises the risk of flash flooding, sudden river surges, and potential mudslides.