South America: Adverse weather forecast across parts of northeastern Argentina, southern Brazil, and much of Paraguay early Aug. 16

Event

Thunderstorms are forecast across parts of far northeastern Argentina, southern Brazil, and much of Paraguay early Aug. 16. Storms may be accompanied by heavy downpours, strong wind gusts, lightning, and possible hail storms.

Argentina's National Meteorological Service has issued yellow thunderstorm warnings (the lowest level on a three-tier scale) across Misiones Province early Aug. 16. Rainfall accumulations of 2-5 cm (1-2 inches) are possible during the storms, as well as lightning, strong wind gusts, and hail.

Brazil's National Institute of Meteorology (Inmet) has issued orange storm warnings across parts of southwestern Parana, northern and central Rio Grande do Sul, and western Santa Catarina states through early Aug. 16. Between 3-6 cm (1-2 inches) of rain per hour or 5-10 cm (2-4 inches) of rain per day and winds of 60-100 kph (37-62 mph) are forecast in these orange warning areas. Yellow storm warnings have been issued for parts of southern Mato Grosso do Sul, central, western, and southern Parana, far northeastern Rio Grande do Sul, and central and eastern Santa Catarina states.

Paraguay's Directorate of Meteorology and Hydrology has issued a severe weather warning for rains with moderate to strong thunderstorms, strong to very strong wind gusts, and hail fall for central, northern, and eastern parts of the Oriental Region and central and southern parts of the Western Region through early Aug. 16. Affected departments include Asuncion, Concepcion, San Pedro, Cordillera, Guaira, Caaguazu, Caazapa, Itapua, northern Paraguari, central and northern Central, Amambay, Canindeyu, President Hayes, and southern Alto Paraguay.

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 affected areas. 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 the affected area. 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)
Brazil National Institute of Meteorology
Paraguay Directorate of Meteorology and Hydrology