A flash flood watch will remain in effect until Monday evening, according to the National Weather Service.
The NWS issued the advisory Sunday as rain continued to fall across the territory.
The flood watch is in place for the U.S. Virgin Islands, as well as San Juan, Puerto Rico, and the eastern half of that island.
According to the weather service, a flash flood watch means that conditions are favorable for heavy rain across the watch area that might lead to flooding. The NWS urged everyone in the watch area to check their preparedness.
"Keep informed and be ready for quick action if flooding is observed or if a flash flood warning is issued,: the weather service said in its announcement.
According to the service’s forecast, unstable weather conditions will continue to prevail through at least Monday evening as the local islands remain under the influence of an upper level trough.
"This feature will continue to promote the high risk of showers and thunderstorms, particularly across the local waters, the eastern half of Puerto Rico as well as U.S.V.I. overnight and Monday. … Due to already saturated soils across eastern Puerto Rico and U.S.V.I., any additional rainfall will result in rapid rises in rivers and streams as well trigger mudslides in areas of steep terrain," the forecast said.
Among precautions the NWS suggested are 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.
The weather forecast for the coming week calls for more of the same rain and wind that has doused the islands for days. Scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms are predicted for Monday, with east winds from about 14 to 17 knots and seas from five to six feet. That will continue through Wednesday, according to the forecast, then ease back to isolated showers on Thursday before passing through and leaving a partly cloudy sky staring down at some very soggy islands.
