Uruguay: Adverse weather forecast across northern and central regions July 28 /update 1

Event

Thunderstorms and heavy rainfall are forecast across much of northern and central Uruguay July 28. The Uruguayan Institute of Meteorology (Inumet) has issued a weather warning for strong storms and heavy rainfall across the affected region from 08:00-11:00 July 28. Storms could be accompanied by intense downpours, hail storms, lightning, and strong wind gusts. Officials could update and possibly extend the coverage of the relevant weather alerts depending on weather developments in the coming hours. Heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying areas and landslides on unstable slopes.

The current weather alert issued by Inumet covers the following areas:

• Orange thunderstorm and heavy rainfall warnings (the second-highest level on a four-tier scale): Across most of Cerro Largo, Paysandu, Rivera, Salto, and Tacuarembo departments, as well as parts of far southern Artigas, northeastern Durazno, northern Rio Negro, and far northern Treinta y Tres departments.

• Yellow thunderstorm and heavy rainfall warnings: Across the rest of the affected area south and north of the orange warning area.

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