Puerto Rico: Tropical Storm Karen forecast to pass across the Caribbean Sea September 23

Event

The US National Hurricane Center (NHC) issued an advisory at 02:00 (local time) on Monday, September 23, ahead of the passage of Tropical Storm Karen. As of 02:00, Karen is located at 13.3°N 63.6°W (map here). The tropical storm is tracking northwest at 14 kph (9 mph) with maximum sustained winds of 64 kph (40 mph). Karen is expected to move across the eastern Caribbean Sea in the night of Monday, and pass near or over Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands on Tuesday, September 24. A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for the US Virgin Islands, the British Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico, with Karen forecast to bring wind and rain to the affected areas through Wednesday, September 25.

Associated power outages and disruptions to transportation and business services are possible in areas forecast to be affected by the system over the coming days. 

Advice

Individuals in areas forecast to be affected by the system are advised to monitor local weather reports, confirm flight reservations, adhere to instructions issued by local authorities, anticipate adverse weather and power and transportation disruptions, and remember that running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) is enough to knock over an adult - and never drive through flooded streets; floodwater may also contain wastewater and chemical products.