Heavy Rains, Raging Rivers and A Tornado Affected Hundreds Last Night
Strong winds and heavy rains were the cause of more than 300 emergencies last night, as Cruz Roja (Red Cross), Bomberos (firefighters) and members of the Comisión Nacional de Emergencias (CNE), were busy attending to the hundreds affected by a tornado in Cartago and flooding in Alajuela, Heredia and various parts of San José.

More than 70 millilitres (2.76 inces) or rain fell on Alajuela last night. The normal is 25 millilitres.

In Cartago, a tornaodo formed shortly at 3:00pm and damaged some 35 houses, raising roof panels and throwing debris around. Fortunately there were injuries reported. Residents worked feverishly to repair the damage to the roofs ahead of the night and the rain.

In Alajuela, in the area known Barrio San José, some 40 passengers were trapped in a bus for several minutes as the roads turned into a raging river. A tractor trailer was used to pull the bus out of harms way.

In Río Segundo de Alajuela, east of the airport, one person was reported missing and could not be located. Cruz Roja officials fear the man may have been pulled by the fast moving waters of the river that over boarded its banks.

In San Antonio de Belén, west of Cariari, the water levels of the river reached mid window of homes along the side of the river. The retaining wall had no effect in stopping the water, mud and debris from causing serious damage to a number of residents.

In total, officials say that they had to evacuate some 101 families in different areas.

According to meteorologist, Gustavo Murillo, of the Instituto Meteorológico Nacional (IMN), the tropical storm blew in from the southern part of the continent and left by this morning.

The weather forecast for today is seasonal conditions, hot sunny mornings and clouds and light to heavy rain in the afternoon and evening.