Argentina, Paraguay: Adverse weather forecast across region through at least March 25

Event

Severe weather, including thunderstorms, is forecast across parts of northeastern Argentina and southern Paraguay through at least March 25. Disruptions are ongoing in some areas that have already been impacted by storms and authorities have issued weather warnings across much of the affected area.

Thunderstorms impacted Asuncion and the surrounding area March 22, causing flooding to many roads and leading to the cancellation of an international music festival. Cars were swept away by floodwaters in the Villa Morra area and in San Lorenzo on the outskirts of the capital a fatality occurred after the wall of a home collapsed. Widespread power outages were reported but services have largely been restored as of March 23. Flooding was also reported in parts of eastern Paraguay, including in Ciudad del Este in Alto Parana Province. In northern Argentina, flooding occurred in parts of Chaco Province, including in the cities of Charata, Las Brenas, and Presidencia Roque Saenz Pena. An unconfirmed number of people had to be evacuated by authorities in Charata.

Government Advisories
As of March 23, Argentina's National Meteorological Service (SMN) has issued the following warnings:

• Orange thunderstorm warnings (the second-highest level on a four-tier scale): Corrientes, southwestern Santa Fe, southern and southeastern Cordoba, and northwestern Buenos Aires provinces.

• Yellow thunderstorm warnings: Most of the rest of Buenos Aires, northeastern La Pampa, central and eastern Mendoza, San Luis, southern la Roja, central Cordoba, the rest of Santa Fe, Entre Rios, southeastern Santiago del Estero, eastern Chaco, eastern Formosa, and southern Misiones.

Paraguay's Directorate of Meteorology and Hydrology has issued a severe weather warning for heavy rainfall with moderate to strong thunderstorms and moderate to strong wind gusts across southern, southeastern, and central parts of Paraguay's Eastern Region March 23. Affected departments include central and southern Cordillera, Guaira, central and southern Caaguazu, northern Caazapa, northeastern Itapua, western Misiones, northern Paraguari, central and southern Alto Parana, and central and southern Neembucu. Further rainfall and thunderstorms are forecast across much of Paraguay through March 25.

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

Hazardous Conditions
The storms could produce rounds of heavy precipitation, strong winds, and isolated thunderstorm activity in the northwest. Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flash and areal flooding. Such flooding is possible in low-lying communities near watercourses and other large bodies of water and in urban areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream of large reservoirs may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall.

Transport
The severe weather will likely contribute to transport disruptions across parts of the northwest. Traffic and commercial trucking delays might occur along regional highways. Flooding downpours could inundate some low-lying roads in areas with poor drainage. Strong winds might also pose a hazard to high-profile vehicles. Hazardous weather conditions might cause flight delays and cancellations at regional airports.

Advice

Monitor local media for weather updates and related advisories. 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.

Resources

Argentina National Meteorological Service (SMN) (Spanish)
Paraguay Directorate of Meteorology and Hydrology (Spanish)