Tropical Storm Karen Arrives in Puerto Rico Hours After Earthquake
(September 24, 2019) — Puerto Rico, still recovering from Hurricane Maria’s destruction in 2017, was rattled by an earthquake late Monday night. The 6.0-magnitude earthquake occurred mere hours before Tropical Storm Karen began dumping heavy rain on the island.
There were no immediate reports of serious damage or injuries from the quake, which was centered about 50 miles northwest of the island when it struck just before midnight Monday. Several strong aftershocks followed the quake.
Puerto Rico Governor Wanda Vázquez Garced closed schools and government offices Tuesday and urged residents to remain calm.
Tropical Storm Karen began affecting Puerto Rico on Tuesday. At 2 p.m. the storm was centered 65 miles south of the island and moving north at 8 mph. The National Weather Service issued a tropical storm warning, forecasting heavy winds. The storm’s maximum sustained winds increased to 45 mph with higher gusts and was forecast to strengthen over the next two days.
The National Weather Service stated Tropical Storm Karen’s center would pass near or over Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands Tuesday afternoon and then move over the western Atlantic Tuesday night and Wednesday. Puerto Rico’s Bureau of Emergency Management and Disaster Management opened shelters in anticipation of flooded homes.
Read more at USAToday.com.
