Uruguay: Adverse weather forecast nationwide through at least Jan. 23

Event

The Uruguayan Institute of Meteorology (Inumet) has warned that adverse weather is expected across Uruguay through at least Jan. 23. A humid and unstable mass of air is forecast to bring thunderstorms and heavy rainfall to the northwest and west from Jan. 18 before moving across the rest of the country. The areas expected to receive the highest accumulations of rainfall are the west coast, south-central and eastern regions. As of Jan. 18, Inumet has issued orange thunderstorm and heavy rainfall warnings (the second-highest level on a four-tier scale) across the far west of the country and yellow thunderstorm and heavy rainfall warnings across much of the rest of western Uruguay. Officials could update and possibly extend the coverage of the relevant weather alerts over the coming days.

The unstable weather follows a record-breaking heatwave across the country the previous week, with temperatures of 44 C (111 F) recorded in Florida Department. Strong winds and heavy rainfall occurred in Montevideo Jan. 17, with 9-15 cm (4-6 inches) of rainfall falling in one hour during the morning. The heavy precipitation caused flooding which disrupted ground transportation in the neighborhoods of Malvin, Carrasco, Buceo, Punta Gorda, and Punta de Rieles. Authorities evacuated 164 people from their homes due to flooding and strong winds downed power lines, leaving 20,000 people across the region without electricity. Areas of Canelones Department were also impacted by the severe weather.

Hazardous Conditions
The storms will be capable of producing heavy downpours and damaging winds across the affected area. Should sustained heavy rainfall occur, it could trigger flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed or a lack of stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where the soil has become saturated by heavy rainfall. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding, landslides, or strong winds impact utility networks.

Transport
Floodwaters and debris flows could render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters.

Severe weather could also trigger intermittent flight delays and cancellations at regional airports, though these are unlikely to be severe or prolonged. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are possible in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track inundation. Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas.

Advice

Confirm flights. Monitor local media for updated emergency and weather information. Seek updated information on weather and road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where severe weather is forecast. Plan accordingly for potential delivery delays if routing shipments by truck through the affected area. Do not attempt to drive through flooded areas. Review contingency plans and be prepared to move quickly to shelter if tornado warnings are issued. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.

Resources

Uruguayan Institute of Meteorology (Spanish)