There is still some weeks to go before the rainy season, yet a freak storm Tuesday morning, with heavy rains and strong winds, caused damage in several areas of the greater metropolitan area of San Jose, causing more than usual afternoon traffic chaos.
One of the most affected was the road between Tibás and Santo Domingo, at the bridge over the Virilla river, that has been undergoing road improvements.
Ruta 5, Tibas – Santo Domingo de Heredia, de momento no hay paso por inundación. pic.twitter.com/0Vnyx7NTGW
— Ruta Alterna (@rutaalterna) April 9, 2019
The heavy rains caused a landslide and an exposed sewer pipe burst, causing more water onto the road. The run off also took with it most of the loose material used prior to the asphalt coat.
According to images by rutaalterna.org, a vehicle became temporarily trapped by the water and material.
This morning, Wednesday, crews were continuing the cleanup trying to keep the road open as best as possible for morning commuter traffic. Some 16,000 vehicles daily use the road.
The heavy rain and wind that began around 2 pm lasted almost an hour, causing flooding and fallen trees in various areas of the metropolitan area, such as the Circunvalación Norte, the San Juan de Dios Hospital, Sabanilla, San Pedro, Guadalupe, Curridabaand and the El Socorro neighborhood in San Miguel de Santo Domingo.
In La Uruca, a fallen tree blocked the access ramp from the General Cañas. In El Socorro, a tree fell on a house and parked vehicle.
Emergency crews responded to several calls in Desamparados, Moravia and San Jose center, among others.
Fortunately, there were no reports of any personal injuries, only material damages.
