Alert: Heavy rain in Costa Rica expected along Caribbean coast, in northern regions

Heavy rain is expected along Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast and in the northern regions starting Tuesday, National Emergency Commission (CNE) officials said Sunday. Authorities issued a Green (preventive) Alert for those areas, warning residents and visitors to be wary of potential flooding and landslides.

Thunderstorms with electrical activity are also expected, according to the National Meteorological Institute (IMN).

The south and central Pacific coast will also be affected, but with less intensity.

IMN’s forecast indicates a low-pressure system in the Pacific Ocean will cause heavy showers during most of the coming week, with accumulated rainfall levels of between 50 and 80 millimeters during periods of up to 12 hours.

Emergency officials warned residents of soil saturation and increased flows in the Reventazón, Chirripó, Banano, Sixaola, Pacuare, Colorado and Frío rivers. They also warned communities to be on the lookout for strong gusts that could affect power lines and trees.