01 Aug 2023 | 10:28 AM UTC
Argentina: Adverse weather forecast across southern regions through Aug. 2
Severe weather forecast across parts of southern Argentina through Aug. 2. Possible transport, business, and utility disruptions.
Event
Severe weather is forecast across parts of southern Argentina through Aug. 2. The most severe weather is expected along coastal areas of Chubut and Santa Cruz, where winds gusting in excess of 150 kph (93 mph) are possible early Aug. 1. Authorities have closed schools in Comodoro Rivadavia and Rada Tilly in Chubut Province, and flights have been suspended at General Enrique Mosconi International Airport (CRD) in Comodoro Rivadavia early Aug. 1. Moderate-to-strong winds are also forecast across other parts of the affected area Aug. 1-2 and snowfall is expected in elevated areas of western Chubut and western Santa Cruz province.
As of early Aug.1, the Argentinian National Meteorological Service (SMN) has issued the following weather warnings across the affected area:
Red strong wind warnings (the highest level on a three-tier scale): Coastal areas of eastern Chubut and northeastern Santa Cruz provinces.
Orange strong wind warnings: Across parts of southern and eastern Chubut and the northern half of Santa Cruz provinces.
Yellow snowfall warnings: Parts of northwestern and western Chubut and southwestern and western Santa Cruz provinces.
Yellow strong wind warnings: Across the rest of the affected area not under red or orange wind warnings.
Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming days.
Hazardous Conditions
Strong winds may cause property damage, down trees and power lines, and lead to flying debris. Electricity and telecommunications service disruptions are possible where strong winds impact utility networks. Wind gusts could cause blowing and drifting snow in elevated parts of the affected regions; decreased visibility is likely in mountainous areas.
Transport
The severe weather will likely contribute to transport disruptions throughout the region. Traffic and commercial trucking delays might occur along regional highways. Heavy snow will likely make driving hazardous in elevated areas; authorities could implement temporary road closures or detours in such locations. Mountain passes and tunnels could be closed as a precautionary measure during periods of intense snowfall. Strong winds might also pose a hazard to high-profile vehicles.
Hazardous weather conditions might cause flight delays and cancellations at airports in the region. Authorities may temporarily suspend port operations if strong winds trigger hazardous sea conditions, impacting freight and passenger maritime traffic. Localized business disruptions may occur because of storm damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and employees' inability to reach work sites.
Advice
Monitor local media for weather-related updates and advisories. Confirm all transport reservations and business arrangements before traveling in the affected area. Seek updated information on road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where severe weather is forecast; plan for possible supply chain disruptions throughout the affected areas. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.
