Wind Advisory in Effect as Powerful Gusts Sweep Across USVI and Puerto Rico

The National Weather Service in San Juan, Puerto Rico, has noted that a Wind Advisory is in effect for the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, with gusts potentially topping 40 mph. Strong winds will continue to generate choppy seas and raise the risk of wildfires.

According to information from the NWS, a Wind Advisory is issued when sustained winds of at least 31 miles per hour last for an hour or more or when wind gusts reach between 46 and 57 miles per hour for any duration.

The NWS said that the current Wind Advisory across both U.S. territories will be in effect until at least 8 p.m. Friday. The windy conditions are partly due to a robust area of high pressure over the Atlantic Ocean.

“[On Thursday,] the main hazard will be the windy conditions, with sustained winds of 20 to 30 mph and gusts potentially exceeding 40 mph, possibly reaching up to 50 mph in localized areas,” the NWS said in an update on Thursday morning. “The [windy] conditions are expected to continue into Friday [before gradually subsiding over the weekend],” the NWS continued.

The NWS explained that the winds may cause hazardous conditions across the local islands.

“The [windy weather] could lead to difficult driving, especially for high-profile vehicles on bridges or exposed roadways,” the NWS warned. “Tree limbs or weak trees may break and fall onto power lines, and outdoor items could be blown around or damaged, [and] minor damage to poorly secured structures are also possible,” the NWS added.

Additional Weather Alerts

The NWS stated that the powerful winds will continue to generate hazardous marine conditions and raise the risk of rip currents. Marine weather alerts will be in effect.