Infrastructure

NWS Warns of Strong Thunderstorm Over Central and Northern Puerto Rico

Updated Jul 7, 2026 · via Primera Hora

The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a warning for a strong thunderstorm affecting interior and north-central municipalities of Puerto Rico on Monday afternoon. According to the bulletin, at 2:52 p.m. (AST) Doppler radar detected an intense storm over the municipality of Corozal, moving west at about 20 miles per hour.

even if a road appears passable, water can hide road damage or have enough force to sweep away a vehicle

Meteorologists warned the storm could generate wind gusts of up to 40 miles per hour, capable of knocking down tree branches and displacing unsecured objects. The system is also producing torrential rain, raising the risk of localized flooding, particularly in areas with poor drainage and on roadways.

The NWS urged residents to seek shelter inside a building if outdoors and to avoid driving on flooded roads. Authorities noted that even if a road appears passable, water may hide road damage or have enough force to sweep away a vehicle, so people should avoid attempting to cross flooded areas and should stay alert to upcoming weather bulletins.