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Flood-Inundation Maps for Río de la Plata in and Near Comerío, Puerto Rico, 2025

Scientific Investigations Report 2025-5094
By:  and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20255094

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Abstract

Digital flood-inundation maps for a 3.1-mile reach of Río de la Plata in and near Comerío, Puerto Rico, were created by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). Water-surface profiles were computed for the stream reach by using a one-dimensional steady-state step-backwater model. The model was calibrated to the current (2025) stage-streamflow relation (rating curve 11.0) for the USGS streamgage 50043800, Río de la Plata at Comerío, Puerto Rico. The resulting hydraulic model was then used to compute 16 water-surface profiles for water levels (flood stages) ranging from 10.00 to 40.00 feet at the streamgage and ranging from “action stage” to above “major flood stage” as reported by the National Weather Service. The 40.00-foot stage was selected because it exceeds the peak stage of 34.86 ft recorded during Hurricane Maria at the USGS streamgage 50043800, Río de Plata at Comerío, Puerto Rico. The simulated water-surface profiles were then used in combination with a digital elevation model derived from light detection and ranging data to map the inundated areas associated with each flood profile.

The flood-inundation maps and the supporting hydraulic model produced by this study can be used by emergency managers and local officials to assess flood mitigation strategies and to define flood hazard areas to help protect life and property, to coordinate flood response activities such as evacuations and road closures, and to aid post-flood recovery efforts.

Suggested Citation

Ostheimer, C.J., and Torres-Garcia, L.M., 2025, Flood-inundation maps for Río de la Plata in and near Comerío, Puerto Rico, 2025: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2025–5094, 15 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20255094.

ISSN: 2328-0328 (online)

Study Area

Table of Contents

  • Acknowledgments
  • Abstract
  • Introduction
  • Methods
  • Data Dissemination
  • Uncertainties and Limitations of Flood-Inundation Maps
  • Summary
  • References Cited
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Flood-inundation maps for Río de la Plata in and near Comerío, Puerto Rico, 2025
Series title Scientific Investigations Report
Series number 2025-5094
DOI 10.3133/sir20255094
Publication Date September 23, 2025
Year Published 2025
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Water Science Center
Description Report: vii, 15 p.; Data Release
Country United States
City Comerio
Other Geospatial Puerto Rico, Rio de la Plata
Online Only (Y/N) Y
Additional Online Files (Y/N) N
Additional publication details