Irene was a quite large and impressive tropical wave during most of its journey across the Atlantic Ocean during the week of August 14-20, 2011. For most of this time the wave was nearly surrounded by dry air and with enough vertical wind shear to ensure that any intensification would be slow. Its forward speed of 20 mph somewhat aided the shear in keeping it weak. Irene made landfall over mainland Puerto Rico at 125 am AST on August 22, near Punta Santiago then Luis Munoz Marin International Airport at San Juan recorded its highest wind gust of 59 mph at 218 am AST.  At 300 am AST (0700 UTC) the center was estimated to be 10 miles southwest of San Juan with 70 mph sustained winds, mainly over the Atlantic waters north of the city.
By 500 am AST doppler radar had indicated winds sustained up to 72 knots (83 mph) only 500 to 600 feet above the water. Irene was then officially upgraded to a hurricane though a hurricane warning had already been issued for the region. With the hurricane center moving offshore about this time the strongest winds (north of the center) also moved away from shore. At 536 am AST the buoy near Arecibo recorded its highest wind gust of 37 knots (43 mph). At 900 am AST the center of Irene was directly north of the west coast of Puerto Rico but the hurricane force winds were well offshore with an obviously developing eye on radar.
Puerto Rico was under the effects of Tropical Cyclone Irene from early Sunday August 22 through late Wednesday August 24. Irene made landfall as a tropical storm during the early morning hours of Monday August 22, intensified overland and became a hurricane over northern Puerto Rico around 500 am Monday, before exiting into the Atlantic later that morning. Irene���s most siginificant impact was the heavy rainfall. The first rainbands entered eastern Puerto Rico early on Sunday and persisted through midnight on Wednesday, although additional rainfall was received across some of the east municipalities through Thursday morning August 25. Locations like Gurabo across eastern interior Puerto Rico experienced significant 48 hour rainfall accumulations, with an estimated return period of around 50 years.
Shortly after Irene���s center passed by San Juan on August 22 there were 800,000 homes without electric power and 118,000 without water service. The storm surge from Irene, as expected, was very minor. The highest surges measured were at Esperanza (Vieques) and Fajardo and reached 1.6 feet between 100 am and 200 am (0506z and 0530z respectively). This was during the time that the center of Irene was moving inland over Eastern Puerto Rico.
Damage from flooding was extensive across the region from Irene, however, though wind caused widespread damage it was relatively minor compared to a more significant hurricane. Numerous trees were blown down very early on Monday morning from Fajardo to San Juan Metro. Downed trees were reported to block highways in Gurabo, Adjuntas, Caguas while a down power pole lay on Highway PR-176 in Cupey.
On August 27 Puerto Rico had been declared a major disaster area, and by September 3 additional municipalities were added to provide aid to those impacted, and still more on September 13. In all, there were 29 municipalities approved for individual assistance to individuals and households while 37 municipalities were designated for public assistance to state and local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations for emergency work and the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities.

Tropical Storm in NORTHEAST, PUERTO RICO
From 21-AUG-11 22:29:00 to 22-AUG-11 14:00:00 (AST-4)
Property damage: 4.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Newspaper

The roof from a residence was blown out in Barrio Isidro in Canovanas.

Tropical Storm in SAN JUAN AND VICINITY, PUERTO RICO
From 22-AUG-11 02:32:00 to 22-AUG-11 14:00:00 (AST-4)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Newspaper

A big tree blocked three lanes of the Sabana Seca Avenue from east to west in the municipality of Levittown.

Tropical Storm in SOUTHEAST, PUERTO RICO
From 22-AUG-11 02:40:00 to 22-AUG-11 14:00:00 (AST-4)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Many trees obstructed roadway 3 in route to Punta Santiago in the municipality of Humacao.

Tropical Storm in VIEQUES, PUERTO RICO
From 22-AUG-11 07:38:00 to 22-AUG-11 14:00:00 (AST-4)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Newspaper

A big tree blocked road 997 and fell over power lines in the municipality of Vieques.

Flash Flood in NAGUABO, PUERTO RICO
From 22-AUG-11 08:20:00 to 22-AUG-11 10:45:00 (AST-4)
Location: NAGUABO
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

PR-31 was reported flooded due to Rio Blanco out of its banks and PR-192 also flooded due to a creek out of its banks.

Flash Flood in MAUNABO, PUERTO RICO
From 22-AUG-11 08:37:00 to 22-AUG-11 10:45:00 (AST-4)
Location: MAUNABO
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Rio Maunabo was reported out of its banks flooding road 759 and Barrio Tumbao, La Garona sector.

Debris Flow in WESTERN INTERIOR, PUERTO RICO
From 22-AUG-11 10:46:00 to 22-AUG-11 10:46:00 (AST-4)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Newspaper

A lane of road PR-605 colapsed, isolating 300 families in Bibi Abajo community.

Flash Flood in COMERIO, PUERTO RICO
From 23-AUG-11 13:55:00 to 23-AUG-11 17:00:00 (AST-4)
Location: COMERIO
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Families were relocated from their homes due to flooding.

Flash Flood in COMERIO, PUERTO RICO
From 23-AUG-11 13:27:00 to 23-AUG-11 21:00:00 (AST-4)
Location: COMERIO
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

A 72 year old women was relocated from her home at Georgetti street in the urban area of Comerio due to flooding.

Flash Flood in CAROLINA, PUERTO RICO
From 23-AUG-11 12:00:00 to 23-AUG-11 12:00:00 (AST-4)
Location: CAROLINA
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Newspaper

A 62 year old woman in her vehicle was overtaken by flood waters as she attempted to drive across a flooded roadway PR-857 in Barrio Canovanillas, Cohitre sector. The women was rescued by citizens and taken to a local hospital where she later died.

Flash Flood in OROCOVIS, PUERTO RICO
From 22-AUG-11 14:01:00 to 22-AUG-11 14:01:00 (AST-4)
Location: OROCOVIS
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Newspaper

A creek was reported out of its banks flooding road 155, Los Sandovales sector. A couple of residents were trapped in their homes.

Debris Flow in NORTHEAST, PUERTO RICO
From 22-AUG-11 23:15:00 to 22-AUG-11 23:15:00 (AST-4)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Newspaper

A big tree blocked road 30 near exit to University of Puerto Rico in Humacao.

Tropical Storm in NORTHEAST, PUERTO RICO
From 22-AUG-11 08:00:00 to 22-AUG-11 14:00:00 (AST-4)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Downed trees were reported along road 193 and 983 in the municipality of Luquillo.

Tropical Storm in WESTERN INTERIOR, PUERTO RICO
From 22-AUG-11 08:00:00 to 22-AUG-11 14:00:00 (AST-4)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Downed trees were blocking traffic along roads PR-123 Km 26.09, PR-135 Km 30.09 and PR-526 Km 2 in the municipality of Adjuntas.

Tropical Storm in EASTERN INTERIOR, PUERTO RICO
From 22-AUG-11 08:00:00 to 22-AUG-11 14:00:00 (AST-4)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Large downed tree on PR 187 blocking ramp traffic from Caguas to Gurabo.

Tropical Storm in EASTERN INTERIOR, PUERTO RICO
From 22-AUG-11 08:00:00 to 22-AUG-11 14:00:00 (AST-4)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Downed trees were reported along PR-52 Km 22.1 From Caguas to San Juan, PR-52 km 26.4 From Caguas to Cayey. Downed power cables in Bairoa,Caguas along PR-30.

Tropical Storm in WESTERN INTERIOR, PUERTO RICO
From 22-AUG-11 08:00:00 to 22-AUG-11 14:00:00 (AST-4)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Downed tree blocking traffic along road PR-141 Km 19.1 in the municipality of Adjuntas.

Debris Flow in WESTERN INTERIOR, PUERTO RICO
From 22-AUG-11 08:00:00 to 22-AUG-11 08:00:00 (AST-4)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

A 6 meter landslide was reported along PR-611 in Utuado.

Tropical Storm in SAN JUAN AND VICINITY, PUERTO RICO
From 22-AUG-11 08:00:00 to 22-AUG-11 14:00:00 (AST-4)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Downed power pole with electric cables on roadway PR-176 in Cupey.

Flash Flood in AIBONITO, PUERTO RICO
From 22-AUG-11 10:45:00 to 22-AUG-11 10:45:00 (AST-4)
Location: AIBONITO
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

The La Plata river USGS sensor in Aibonito indicated flood stage of 14.45 feet.

Tropical Storm in SAN JUAN AND VICINITY, PUERTO RICO
From 22-AUG-11 06:00:00 to 22-AUG-11 14:00:00 (AST-4)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Near 771 people were reported in shelters across 59 of Puerto Rico 78 municipalities. 800 thousand homes without service, 118 thousand customers without water service.

Tropical Storm in NORTHEAST, PUERTO RICO
From 22-AUG-11 02:22:00 to 22-AUG-11 14:00:00 (AST-4)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Newspaper

Tree branches were reported blocking road 30 in the municipality of Humacao.

Tropical Storm in EASTERN INTERIOR, PUERTO RICO
From 22-AUG-11 02:35:00 to 22-AUG-11 14:00:00 (AST-4)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Newspaper

Trees were blocking roads near Catalinas Mall in the municipality of Caguas.

Tropical Storm in NORTHWEST, PUERTO RICO
From 22-AUG-11 03:05:00 to 22-AUG-11 14:00:00 (AST-4)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Newspaper

A Bambu tree blocked road PR-2 in the municipality of Anasco.

Tropical Storm in NORTHWEST, PUERTO RICO
From 22-AUG-11 05:23:00 to 22-AUG-11 14:00:00 (AST-4)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

A tree was reported blocking road PR-2 near Pan Pepin store in the municipality of Aguadilla.

Tropical Storm in SOUTHEAST, PUERTO RICO
From 22-AUG-11 05:30:00 to 22-AUG-11 14:00:00 (AST-4)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Tree branches blocked road 184 between the municipality of Patillas and Guavate sector.

Tropical Storm in CENTRAL INTERIOR, PUERTO RICO
From 22-AUG-11 06:19:00 to 22-AUG-11 14:00:00 (AST-4)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Newspaper

A tree blocked road PR-150 between the municipalities of Villalba and Coamo.

Debris Flow in PONCE AND VICINITY, PUERTO RICO
From 22-AUG-11 06:42:00 to 22-AUG-11 06:42:00 (AST-4)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

A mudslide blocked road 128, km 22.0 in the municipality of Yauco.

Tropical Storm in EASTERN INTERIOR, PUERTO RICO
From 22-AUG-11 07:42:00 to 22-AUG-11 14:00:00 (AST-4)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Newspaper

A big tree blocked road PR-30 km 11.8 near the exit of road 185 in the municipality of Juncos.

Debris Flow in SAN JUAN AND VICINITY, PUERTO RICO
From 22-AUG-11 10:04:00 to 22-AUG-11 10:04:00 (AST-4)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Newspaper

A landslide was reported at road 174 in the municipality of Guaynabo.

Tropical Storm in VIEQUES, PUERTO RICO
From 22-AUG-11 10:22:00 to 22-AUG-11 14:00:00 (AST-4)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Newspaper

Downed power lines blocked Buena Vista street, Barrio Ca��on in the municipality of Vieques.

Flash Flood in MANATI, PUERTO RICO
From 22-AUG-11 12:18:00 to 22-AUG-11 21:15:00 (AST-4)
Location: MANATI
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Rio Grande de Manati was reported out of its banks at highway PR-2, Cachete sector.

Flash Flood in FAJARDO, PUERTO RICO
From 22-AUG-11 01:07:00 to 22-AUG-11 10:45:00 (AST-4)
Location: FAJARDO
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Rio Fajardo was reported out of its banks flooding road PR-3 with the intersection with highway PR-53.

Flash Flood in CAROLINA, PUERTO RICO
From 22-AUG-11 12:12:00 to 22-AUG-11 14:00:00 (AST-4)
Location: CAROLINA
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Newspaper

Roberto Clemente avenue was reported flooded near Autoridad Acueductos.

Tropical Storm in SAN JUAN AND VICINITY, PUERTO RICO
From 22-AUG-11 12:36:00 to 22-AUG-11 14:00:00 (AST-4)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Newspaper

Big tree blocked San Patricio Avenue, near Calvary Baptist Church in the municipality of Guaynabo.

Tropical Storm in CENTRAL INTERIOR, PUERTO RICO
From 22-AUG-11 13:04:00 to 22-AUG-11 14:00:00 (AST-4)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Newspaper

Road 141, Km 2.7 at Barrio Rio Grande was obstructed by trees in the municipality of Jayuya.

Flash Flood in JAYUYA, PUERTO RICO
From 22-AUG-11 13:06:00 to 22-AUG-11 13:06:00 (AST-4)
Location: JAYUYA
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Road 144 At Barrio Caricaboa was impassable due to a creek out of its banks.

Flash Flood in LUQUILLO, PUERTO RICO
From 22-AUG-11 13:13:00 to 22-AUG-11 13:13:00 (AST-4)
Location: LUQUILLO
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Newspaper

Flooding was reported at road PR-3 near Luquillo Kiosks.

Flash Flood in CIALES, PUERTO RICO
From 22-AUG-11 14:08:00 to 22-AUG-11 21:15:00 (AST-4)
Location: CIALES
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Newspaper

Families were removed from their homes due to Rio Grande de Manati out of its banks.

Flash Flood in VEGA ALTA, PUERTO RICO
From 22-AUG-11 14:40:00 to 22-AUG-11 23:45:00 (AST-4)
Location: VEGA ALTA
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Newspaper

Rio Cibuco was reported out of its banks at Fatima sector.

Flash Flood in FAJARDO, PUERTO RICO
From 22-AUG-11 18:32:00 to 23-AUG-11 00:15:00 (AST-4)
Location: FAJARDO
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Newspaper

A car was stranded At PR-53 due to Rio Fajardo out of its banks. The person inside the car was rescued.

Debris Flow in WESTERN INTERIOR, PUERTO RICO
From 22-AUG-11 19:47:00 to 22-AUG-11 19:47:00 (AST-4)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

A landslide was reported at PR-605,km 3.1 in the municipality of Utuado.

Flood in VEGA ALTA, PUERTO RICO
From 23-AUG-11 13:06:00 to 23-AUG-11 21:45:00 (AST-4)
Location: VEGA ALTA
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

PR-620 in Barrio Fatima, PR-647 at barrio Ojo de Agua and PR-675 and PR-676 at Barrio Bajuras were reported flooded due to Rio Cibuco out of its banks.

Flood in MANATI, PUERTO RICO
From 23-AUG-11 13:13:00 to 23-AUG-11 21:15:00 (AST-4)
Location: MANATI
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Roads PR-666 and PR-667 were reported impassable due to Rio Grande de Manati out of its banks.

Debris Flow in NORTH CENTRAL, PUERTO RICO
From 23-AUG-11 13:15:00 to 23-AUG-11 13:15:00 (AST-4)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Newspaper

A lane of Road PR-123, Km 71.0 was obstructed by a tree in the municipality of Arecibo.

Flash Flood in VEGA BAJA, PUERTO RICO
From 23-AUG-11 13:21:00 to 23-AUG-11 21:15:00 (AST-4)
Location: VEGA BAJA
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Rio Indio was reported out of its banks flooding roads PR-160 with the intersection with road 4 at Barrio Arenales and road PR-155 at Barrio Colombo.

Flash Flood in CANOVANAS, PUERTO RICO
From 23-AUG-11 15:31:00 to 23-AUG-11 23:15:00 (AST-4)
Location: CANOVANAS
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Loiza Valley, Monte Verde sectors and Las Delicias at Barrio Isidro and Quintas in the municipality of Canovanas all were reported flooded.

Flash Flood in CAROLINA, PUERTO RICO
From 23-AUG-11 11:55:00 to 23-AUG-11 12:00:00 (AST-4)
Location: CAROLINA
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Newspaper

The San Jose lagoon overflowed its banks near Villa Isla Verde apartments.