Fiona Strengthens into Hurricane as It Unleashes Heavy Rains in Puerto Rico

Fiona
(Photo : by NOAA NWS National Hurricane Center)

Fiona
(Photo : by Mario Tama/Getty Images)

Puerto Rico will experience heavy rainfalls and flooding after Fiona became the third Hurricane in the 2022 Atlantic season.

The National Hurricane Center's advisory says the heavy rains from Fiona could produce life-threatening flash floods, mudslides, and urban flooding in Puerto Rico and the eastern Dominican Republic.

Hours before Fiona made landfall in Puerto Rico, Fiona strengthened into a hurricane, Accuweather reported that Fiona's landfall will happen at 3:30 p.m (EDT) on September 18, Sunday, on the coast of Puerto Rico, Punta Tocon.

According to AccuWeather:

Fiona became a Category 1 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Scale. The Hurricane had sustained 85 miles per hour winds, and meteorologists said that rain could result in life-threatening flash floods and mudslides. The National Hurricane Center reported that Fiona packed a maximum 85 (140 km/h) of 85 mph on Sunday.
AccuWeather rated Fiona a 2 for the Caribbean based on the AccuWeather RealImpact^TM Scale for Hurricanes. Heavy rains can reach up to 24 inches (600 mm) in some spots.

Fiona will unleash 60 mph to 80mph wind gusts that can stretch across Puerto Rico and Dominican Republic's eastern and central portions.

Furthermore, AccuWeather added that 12 to 18 inches (200-300 mm) is forecasted to make landfall on some parts of southern Puerto Rico.

At the same time, four to eight inches (100-200 mm) of rainfall is expected in parts of Hispaniola, with potential flooding and mudslides.

Additionally, the Virgin Islands, the United States, and the eastern part of the Dominican Republic can expect Fiona Monday.

Rainfall and gusty wind will also stretch to southeastern Bahamas, Turks and Caicos Islands.

Hurricane Fiona

Fiona has damaged power grids and internet lines in Puerto Rico, resulting in outages for over 500,000 residents on Sunday morning.

The power transmission company, LUMA Energy, explained that total power restoration could take several days because of Fiona's damage and the scope of the blackout.

Moreover, the weather website explained that Fiona has a projected course going to a course over southwestern Puerto Rico.

As Fiona moves, it would miss encounters with the 4,000-foot mountains on Puerto Rico and 10,000-foot mountains on Hispaniola, which Fiona can maintain its wind intensity.

Also Read: Typhoon Muifa to Bring Heavy Rain And Gusty Winds to Shanghai, China

Safety

It is essential to value your safety. Fiona will unleash heavy rains causing possible flooding and damage to infrastructure. Being prepared can prevent the potential threat and help you be safe. Here are some reminders.

Listen to your local weather news providing the latest weather advisories.
Avoid going out during the typhoon. Most likely, there are road closures due to downed trees or powerlines.
Follow the immediate announcements from your local weather stations for a possible evacuation.
Keep your mobile phones and power bank fully charged.
Have an emergency bag that can store your medicines, essential food supplies, documents, flashlights, and possibly lifejackets.
If you get injured, immediately visit the nearest health facilities in your area.
Secure outdoor objects and house windows, as Fiona can cause strong winds.