Uruguay: Adverse weather forecast across northwestern regions Feb. 24

Event

Thunderstorms and heavy rainfall are forecast across northwestern Uruguay Feb. 24. The Uruguayan Institute of Meteorology (Inumet) has issued an updated weather warning at 11:30 UYT Feb. 24, extending a previous warning area in which intense downpours, strong winds, and hail are possible through 13:30 Feb. 24. Heavy rainfall could trigger flooding and landslides on unstable slopes.

As of Feb. 24, Inumet has issued weather warnings for the following areas:

• Orange thunderstorm and heavy rainfall warnings (the second-highest level on a four-tier scale): across most of Artigas, Salto, Paysandu, and Rio Negro departments, as well as into western Tacuarembo and northwestern Durazno departments.

• Yellow thunderstorm and heavy rainfall warnings: across the rest of the affected area.

Officials could update and possibly extend the coverage of the relevant weather alerts over the coming days.

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 heavy rainfall has saturated the soil. 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. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.

Resources

Uruguayan Institute of Meteorology (Spanish)