Argentina: Powerful storm, flooding in Buenos Aires April 29

Event

Continued disruptions are likely in Buenos Aires province, notably in the city of Buenos Aires, on Monday, April 30, following torrential rains that struck the day prior. The storm began in the early morning hours of April 29, leading to flooding, hail damage, downed trees, and associated powers outages (100,000 users affected). At least two people were killed (electrocuted) and more than 400 others evacuated. Flooding was reported at both of the city’s airports and on highways. Some of the worst hit areas outside the city of Buenos Aires include Bolívar, Florencio Varela, Quilmes, Morón, Lomas de Zamora, La Matanza, Berazategui, General Rodríguez, and Esteban Echeverría. The Buenos Aires subte (metro) was affected, but services are reportedly normal as of early April 30.

Alerts for violent storms issued by the national weather service SMN remain in place for all or parts of the following provinces: Córdoba, Corrientes, Entre Ríos, Santa Fe, and Santiago del Estero. More rain is forecast for Buenos Aires through at least May 7; further flooding cannot be ruled out.

Advice

Individuals in the above areas are advised to follow local weather forecasts, confirm travel reservations, and adhere to any instructions issued by the local authorities. Remember that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult - and that floodwater may contain wastewater or chemical products; all items having come into contact with the water should be disinfected and all foodstuffs disposed of.