Last Updated: December 19, 2025
Puerto Rico's river systems have shown varying streamflow rates across the region, presenting a diverse picture for water enthusiasts and environmental analysts. Notably, the Rio Culebrinas near the Margarita Damsite in Aguada has experienced a significant uptick in flow, with the latest measurement indicating a streamflow of 1640 cubic feet per second (cfs), a sharp 47.75 cfs increase in the past 24 hours, which is 188.62% of the river's normal flow for this time of year. This could be of interest for whitewater activities if safety conditions allow, but it also raises a potential concern for flooding in nearby areas. Meanwhile, the Rio Grande De Loiza at Caguas has seen a considerable decrease in streamflow, down by 47.12 cfs in the last day, now flowing at an abnormally low rate of 110 cfs, which is 40.46% below the expected norm, indicating a potential flow drought that could affect water availability in the region.
In contrast, the Rio Guanajibo near Hormigueros remains close to its average flow at 198 cfs, just 12.02% below normal, despite a decrease of 1.98 cfs over the last 24 hours. This suggests stable conditions for the river, which is important for the ecosystem and local communities relying on these waters. The Rio Grande De Arecibo below Utuado, which traverses a significant watershed, is currently at 143 cfs, marked by a slight decline and running at 27.79% of its typical flow, which may impact seasonal trends in the area. The Rio Grande De Anasco near San Sebastian and the Rio Culebrinas at Highway 404 near Moca also report diminished streamflows at 290 cfs and 106 cfs respectively, hinting at lower-than-average water levels that could affect the surrounding habitats and any recreational usage of these rivers. These varying streamflows across Puerto Rico's rivers highlight the need for ongoing monitoring to manage water resources effectively and to prepare for the impacts on the environment and human activity.
Puerto Rico has a tropical climate with high precipitation rates, intense storms, and frequent floods. The island has several major surface flows, including the Rio Grande de Loiza, Rio de La Plata, and Rio de La Seda. There are several dams and reservoirs to control water flow, with Carraizo and La Plata being the largest. The island's hydrology is influenced by the topography, bedrock, soil, and vegetation. The watershed management plan is based on the need to reduce flooding and erosion, improve water quality, and conserve natural resources. The snowpack has no correlation with hydrology in Puerto Rico due to its tropical location. The island is prone to flash floods and landslides, which are worsened by deforestation, urbanization, and climate change.
Residents and visitors in Puerto Rico, particularly along the north-facing beaches of the island and Culebra, are urged to exercise extreme caution due to life-threatening rip currents effective until this afternoon, December 19. The National Weather Service in San Juan has highlighted the potential dangers of these powerful currents, which can sweep even strong swimmers away from the shore into deeper waters, making it challenging to return safely. If you plan to visit coastal areas, including popular regions near San Juan, please heed local warnings, stay vigilant, and consider postponing any water-related activities until conditions improve.