Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands were severely affected by a high surf and coastal flooding situation which peaked on Ash Wednesday, March 19, 2008 through Thursday, March 20, 2008 (during the Easter Holy Week).  Severe conditions, which included unprecedented long period swells of 15-17 seconds and isolated wave heights of 35-40 feet, were continuously felt throughout the following weekend.  The event finally tapered off by Sunday, March 23, 2008.  Notably, this event was the biggest non-tropical swell event to hit the local islands since the Perfect Storm in November, 1991. While there were no injuries or deaths, there were multiple reports of road closures, debris, hotel and home property damage, and evacuations due to the intensely high surf.

Coastal Flood in NORTH CENTRAL, PUERTO RICO
From 19-MAR-08 22:00:00 to 20-MAR-08 10:00:00 (AST-4)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Debris and sand deposits were reported along road 681 from Barceloneta to Arecibo, the surf was reaching the coastal road. In the Vega Alta municipality the Balandra sector in Cerro Gordo was closed. In Vega Baja road 686 was closed near the Puerto Nuevo beach. In Arecibo the seafront Victor Rosa Avenue was closed, the same suffered significant damage and erosion.  The high surf also eroded the fence surrounding the Arecibo lighthouse.

Coastal Flood in NORTHEAST, PUERTO RICO
From 19-MAR-08 22:00:00 to 20-MAR-08 10:00:00 (AST-4)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

High surf broke into a coastal vacation home at Sector Villa Falcon, Playa Fortuna in Luquillo. At La Pared sector the surf washed on the road.

Coastal Flood in NORTHWEST, PUERTO RICO
From 19-MAR-08 22:00:00 to 20-MAR-08 10:00:00 (AST-4)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Surf encroaching on parking lot at Punta Maracayo in the municipality of Hatillo. Punta Maracayo camping ground was evacuated, 80 persons were relocated to the hotel. Road 485 in Camuy was closed. Road 119 from Hatillo to Camuy was closed. In Isabela road 466 at Playa de Jobos was closed.

High Surf in NORTHEAST, PUERTO RICO
From 19-MAR-08 00:00:00 to 20-MAR-08 23:59:00 (AST-4)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

High surf broke into a coastal vacation home at Sector Villa Falcon, Playa Fortuna in Luquillo. At La Pared sector the surf washed on the road.

High Surf in NORTHWEST, PUERTO RICO
From 19-MAR-08 00:00:00 to 20-MAR-08 23:59:00 (AST-4)
Property damage: 776.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Surf encroaching on parking lot at Punta Maracayo in the municipality of Hatillo. Punta Maracayo camping ground was evacuated, 80 persons were relocated to the hotel. Road 485 in Camuy was closed. Road 119 from Hatillo to Camuy was closed. In Isabela road 466 at Playa de Jobos was closed.

High Surf in NORTH CENTRAL, PUERTO RICO
From 19-MAR-08 00:00:00 to 20-MAR-08 23:59:00 (AST-4)
Property damage: 2.50M
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Debris and sand deposits were reported along road 681 from Barceloneta to Arecibo, the surf was reaching the coastal road. In the Vega Alta municipality the Balandra sector in Cerro Gordo was closed. In Vega Baja road 686 was closed near the Puerto Nuevo beach. In Arecibo the seafront Victor Rosa Avenue was closed, the same suffered significant damage and erosion.  The high surf also eroded the fence surrounding the Arecibo lighthouse.

High Surf in SAN JUAN AND VICINITY, PUERTO RICO
From 19-MAR-08 00:00:00 to 20-MAR-08 23:59:00 (AST-4)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Surf reaching the sea wall at Ocean Park. Road 187 at Pi��ones was closed to traffic from the Cangrejos bridge to Vacia Talega Sector in Pi��ones. Several homes were affected by the swells in Pinones and Colobo, eleven families were relocated. The San Juan Bay was closed to marine traffic.

Coastal Flood in SAN JUAN AND VICINITY, PUERTO RICO
From 19-MAR-08 22:00:00 to 20-MAR-08 10:00:00 (AST-4)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Surf reaching the sea wall at Ocean Park. Road 187 at Pi��ones was closed to traffic from the Cangrejos bridge to Vacia Talega Sector in Pi��ones. Several homes were affected by the swells in Pinones and Colobo, eleven families were relocated. The San Juan Bay was closed to marine traffic.