Strong winds whip Escazú, Curridabat

Hold onto your hats and umbrellas, as strong winds that swept through the Central Valley on Friday are expected to continue through the weekend, along with possible heavy showers.

Winds topping 60 kilometers per hour blew through the San José metropolitan area, particularly in the eastern suburb of Curridabat and the southwestern suburb of Escazú, National Meteorological Institute spokesman Werner Stolz told The Tico Times. Strong winds were also felt in the northern and Caribbean regions of the country, he said.

Residents reported downed tree branches, but as of midday on Friday, no injuries had been reported. A high-pressure front over the Caribbean is causing the heavy winds, and is expected to bring significant rainfall over the weekend. Stolz urged residents to be vigilant for flash floods and rising rivers. 

Readers can follow weather developments and advisories on the institute’s website, http://www.imn.ac.cr/alertas/.