A deep and strong surface low pressure across the western north Atlantic, produced large long period north to northwest swells. These swells were up to 20 feet high in some areas with breaking wave between 25 to 30 feet.
During the early morning hours of Sunday March 3rd, the buoy 41043 began to report a sharp increase on the NNW swell height and period. Later that day the near shore Atlantic and Rincon buoys also reported a sharp increase. Reports of large swell affecting the northern and western coast of Puerto Rico began on the afternoon hours. The U.S. Coast Guard rescued 3 surfers in the town of Aguadilla as they could not swim to the shore due to large breakers. Also several roads had to be closed as large swells began to flood them. The most significant damage occurred during late evening and midnight on Sunday when high tide aggravated the flooding process along the west and northern coast of Puerto Rico where several roads were affected by flooding waters and debris. In addition, concrete structures along the coast were affected by the swell energy. Most of the coasts of Puerto Rico and USVI remained highly vulnerable after the impacts of hurricanes Irma and Maria.

Coastal Flood in SAN JUAN AND VICINITY, PUERTO RICO
From 04-MAR-18 18:00:00 to 08-MAR-18 17:25:00 (AST-4)
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Several cars and people were trapped due to flooding caused by the swell action in Pi��ones area. Road 187 was closed due to flooding and large amount of debris affecting the road. Significant erosion occurred along the coast, mainly on Parcelas Suarez.

Coastal Flood in SAN JUAN AND VICINITY, PUERTO RICO
From 04-MAR-18 18:00:00 to 08-MAR-18 17:25:00 (AST-4)
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

The walking pathway along the Bay of San Juan was destroyed. Hundreds of houses reported some kind of damage due to flooding. Swell action also impacted concrete structures in the Puntilla sector. Road 165 at Toa Baja was closed due to flooding and large amount of debris due to swell action. Many schools and government offices were closed.

Coastal Flood in NORTHEAST, PUERTO RICO
From 04-MAR-18 18:00:00 to 08-MAR-18 17:25:00 (AST-4)
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Large swell caused significant erosion along the coast, mainly along the Fortuna sector, where several concrete structures had significant damage. Raods along the area were closed due to the swell action.

Coastal Flood in NORTHWEST, PUERTO RICO
From 04-MAR-18 18:00:00 to 08-MAR-18 17:25:00 (AST-4)
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Large swells affected the Villa Pesquera area, flooding some roads and affecting some concrete structures. Houses were also flooded by the large swells. Beach erosion affected road PR 466. Large amount of debris affected the areas surrounding Jobos Beach.

Coastal Flood in NORTHWEST, PUERTO RICO
From 04-MAR-18 18:00:00 to 07-MAR-18 17:25:00 (AST-4)
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Structural damage along Sandy beach and Don Antonio. Significant damage was reported to the Hotel Casa Islena sea wall.

Coastal Flood in SAN JUAN AND VICINITY, PUERTO RICO
From 04-MAR-18 18:00:00 to 08-MAR-18 17:25:00 (AST-4)
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Several roads along the shore were closed due to flooding and large amount of debris. La Princesa walking path in Old San Juan was partially destroyed by the swell action. Large amounts of debris and sand affected the Ultimo Trolley area. Significant beach erosion occurred along the Condado area.

Coastal Flood in NORTH CENTRAL, PUERTO RICO
From 04-MAR-18 18:00:00 to 08-MAR-18 17:25:00 (AST-4)
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Road Victor Rojas had to be closed due to flooding and large amount of debris. Road 681 was also closed for similar reasons. Road 119 was affected by flooding and large amount of debris.

Coastal Flood in NORTH CENTRAL, PUERTO RICO
From 08-MAR-18 09:00:00 to 08-MAR-18 17:25:00 (AST-4)
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Coastal flooding reported in Urb. Mar Azul, Hatillo PR, which occurred with the combination of the large swell event and the high tide during the overnight hours.