25 Jun 2023 | 01:40 AM UTC
Chile: Adverse weather in central regions to continue through at least June 25 /update 1
Severe weather across much of central Chile to continue through at least June 25. Transport disruptions and evacuations likely.
Event
Heavy rainfall and strong winds are forecast across much of central Chile through at least June 25. Daily rainfall amounts of up to 4-8 cm (2-3 inches) are forecast in parts of the Maule and Nuble regions. Thunderstorms and strong winds are also possible in the area, between Santiago and the Bio Bio regions. The intense precipitation could trigger flooding and landslides in some affected areas.
As of June 24, the Meteorological Directorate of Chile has issued the following weather warnings across the affected regions:
Orange rainfall warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale): Maule and Nuble regions through the morning of June 25.
Yellow rainfall, thunderstorms, and wind warnings: From Santiago Metropolitan to the Bio Bio regions, especially in areas close to the border with Argentina.
Authorities could issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming days.
Evacuations
Authorities have ordered the evacuations of multiple areas due to the possibility of flooding and landslides, including:
Bio Bio Region: La Carrera, Las Lijas, and Kilometro 7 Chillico in La Laja commune
Maule Region: Areas near the Maule River in the Colbun, San Clemente, Yerbas Buenas, Pencahue, Maule, Constitucion, and San Javier communes
Santiago Metropolitan Region: The area around the Ingeniero Marambio Bridge in the Melpilla commune
Valparaiso Region: The areas of La Isla y Playa Boca in the Concon commune, Rinconada de San Enrique and Horizonte del Mar in the Santo Domingo commune
Hazardous Conditions
Sustained 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.
Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are likely where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks.
Transport
The bridge collapse in the Cajon del Maipo area in the Santiago Metropolitan Region has left over 1,100 people isolated. The severe weather will likely contribute to other transport disruptions throughout the region. Traffic and commercial trucking delays might occur along regional highways. Flooding 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 airports across the affected region.
Localized business disruptions are likely in areas impacted by severe weather; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.
Advice
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.
