Heavy afternoon storms flooded streets across Heredia and western San José on Sunday, trapping people behind fast-rising water and forcing rescues in at least four places. If you live in the area or are driving through it this evening, expect more rain before the night is over. Firefighters rescued people caught by floodwater in Cruces de San Pablo, Heredia.
In Guachipelín de Escazú, crews worked to free people trapped by rising water in front of the local EBAIS clinic. The Red Cross was called to San Pablo de Heredia at about 2:59 p.m. after a street flooded and several residents could not get out. Reports from the scene said a landslide may have knocked a retaining wall onto a house, though that had not been confirmed.
A creek burst its banks in Santiago de San Rafael de Heredia, and drains overflowed near the Universidad Nacional in central Heredia. In Grifo de Puriscal, a tree came down on power lines. No injuries had been reported as of this afternoon. More storms are on the way. The National Meteorological Institute warned of heavy downpours with thunderstorms through the afternoon and evening, with the mountains north and east of the Central Valley at greatest risk. That includes the northern part of the greater metropolitan area and Cartago, near Braulio Carrillo National Park.
Mountain areas could get 30 to 50 mm (1.2 to 2 inches) of rain in short bursts, and 70 to 80 mm (2.8 to 3.1 inches) in some spots. That much water in a short time is more than city drains can carry, which is why streets turn into rivers so quickly. Isolated wind gusts could reach 80 km/h (50 mph). That is strong enough to bring down branches and power lines.
The northern plains and the Caribbean could see 20 to 40 mm (0.8 to 1.6 inches), with spots up to 50 mm (2 inches). Sarapiquí, Pococí and Siquirres are the main concern there. The ground in those cantons is already soaked from earlier rain, so new rain runs straight off into rivers and down slopes. That raises the risk of flooding and landslides. Rain could occasionally reach the Limón coast, while the Pacific coast should see only scattered showers.
The storms are building because moist air is flowing in from both oceans, hot mornings are heating it up, and the Intertropical Convergence Zone is sitting close to us. If you are driving, do not try to cross a flooded street. Moving water just 30 cm (1 foot) deep can float most cars, and you cannot see whether the road underneath has washed out.
Stay away from creeks, rivers and storm drains, even after the rain eases. They can rise within minutes and stay dangerous after the sky clears. If you hear thunder, get inside a building or a hard-topped car until it passes. If you are planning to drive Route 32 toward the Caribbean tonight, consider waiting until morning. Heavy rain is forecast right over the Braulio Carrillo stretch, where the road has a long history of landslides, and conditions there can change quickly after dark.
To report an emergency or ask for a rescue, call 911. October is one of the rainiest months across much of Costa Rica, and afternoon storms like today’s are common through the end of the rainy season.
