Hurricane Fiona Bashes Into Puerto Rico

[Webster]

(Weather Underground) Hurricane Fiona is triggering life-threatening flooding and mudslides in Puerto Rico and is spreading its dangerous impacts into the Dominican Republic. While Fiona is expected to track well away from the U.S. East Coast, it could be a significant threat to Bermuda and may end up sweeping into parts of Atlantic Canada late this week.

Here's what we know about Fiona's latest status and threats.

Puerto Rico Pummeled
While Fiona's center is moving away from Puerto Rico, its torrential rain continues to hammer the area. Widespread 6 to 10-inch rainfall totals were reported across much of central, eastern and southern Puerto Rico, with localized amounts over 15 inches in the mountainous interior.

This triggered life-threatening flash flooding and landslides in several locations in Puerto Rico. Flooding trapped residents in the towns of Arecibo, Barranquitas, Caguas, Coqui, Parcelas La Milagrosa and Patillas, according to reports received by the National Weather Service in San Juan. In Utuado, floodwaters washed away a temporary bridge constructed after Hurricane Maria in 2017.

High winds downed trees blocking roads and power had been knocked out to all of Puerto Rico Sunday. Peak wind gusts over 70 mph were reported in several locations, particularly in southern Puerto Rico.

Fiona made landfall as a Category 1 hurricane Sunday near Punta Tocon, on the southwest coast of the island. It was Puerto Rico's first hurricane landfall since the catastrophic strike from Hurricane Maria five years ago this Tuesday.

Forecast
The Dominican Republic will take the brunt of Fiona's strongest winds through Monday. The southeast Bahamas, Turks and Caicos will then take a brush from Fiona Monday night into Tuesday.

After that, an intensifying Fiona could pose a serious danger to Bermuda late Thursday or Friday, then could threaten parts of Atlantic Canada either as a hurricane or an intense post-tropical cyclone Friday night into Saturday. Interests in Bermuda, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland should monitor the forecast of Fiona closely.

Fiona appears to be no direct threat to the U.S. East Coast.

 

[Nebulous's iconNebulous]

 

[Webster]

*deadpans* Looks like Serafin bashing a party with you, me, Gen, Smiley, etc., etc....

 

[Webster]

(The Guardian) Biden says government will 'remains on the job to get it done' in hurricane-ravaged Puerto Rico
President Joe Biden spoke with Puerto Rico’s governor Pedro Pierluisi and promised federal support to help the recovery from Hurricane Fiona, which knocked out power and water to the island.

Here’s what the White House had to say about the call, which took place as Biden returned from Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral in London: President Biden described the surge of Federal support to the island, where more than 300 Federal personnel are already working to assist with response and recovery. In the coming days, as damage assessments are conducted, the President said that number of support personnel will increase substantially.

The President said that he will ensure that the Federal team remains on the job to get it done, especially given that Puerto Rico is still recovering from the damage of Hurricane Maria five years ago this week. Governor Pierluisi expressed his appreciation for the partnership and support that he is receiving already from the Biden Administration.