Chile, Argentina: Adverse weather forecast across parts of central and northeastern Chile and western Argentina through at least Aug. 23

Event

Severe weather is forecast across parts of central and northeastern Chile and western Argentina through at least Aug. 23. A weather system passing through the area is forecast to bring a combination of thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, and strong winds across parts of the affected area, as well as snow over elevated areas. Heavy downpours may trigger flooding in low-lying areas, and strong winds could cause property damage and power outages. Transport disruptions are likely in the region due to the adverse weather, especially in mountainous areas due to icy roads and reduced visibility caused by blowing snow.

As of early Aug. 23, the Chilean Meteorological Directorate and Argentinian National Meteorological Service (SMN) have issued the following weather warnings:

• Red heavy rainfall warnings (the highest level on a three-tier scale): Parts of northwestern and western Neuquen Province in Argentina.

• Red snowfall warnings: Parts of southwestern and western Mendoza Province in Argentina.

• Red strong wind warnings: Parts of far western La Rioja, far northwestern Mendoza, and central San Juan provinces in Argentina.

• Orange heavy rainfall warnings: Parts of northwestern Neuquen Province in Argentina and across O'Higgins and parts of central and eastern Maule and central Metropolitana regions in Chile.

• Orange snowfall warnings: Parts of western Mendoza and northwestern and western Neuquen Province in Argentina.

• Orange strong winds warnings: Parts of western Cordoba, northern Mendoza, eastern San Juan, and northwestern and western San Luis provinces in Argentina and eastern mountainous areas of Coquimbo, Maule, Metropolitana, O'Higgins, and Valparaiso regions in Chile.

• Yellow heavy rainfall warnings: Parts of far northwestern Chubut, central and southwestern Neuquen, and southwestern Rio Negro provinces in Argentina and across Biobio, Maule, Metropolitana, Nuble, O'Higgins, and Valparaiso and parts of western La Araucania and western Los Rios regions in Chile.

• Yellow thunderstorm warnings: Much of La Araucania, Los Lagos, and Los Rios regions in Chile.

• Yellow strong wind warnings: Across much of Catamarca, Mendoza, and La Rioja and parts of northern and western Cordoba, northwestern and western Neuquen, far southwestern Salta, western San Juan, and central, eastern, and northeastern San Luis provinces in Argentina and western mountainous areas of Antofagasta, Atacama, Biobio, and Tarapaca regions in Chile.

Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming days.

Disruptions are ongoing across parts of central Chile due to the passing of successive frontal systems. As of late Aug. 20, Chile's National Service for Disaster Prevention and Response (SENAPRED) has reported more than 16,000 people across parts of Biobio, Maule, Nuble, and O'Higgins region have been evacuated due to the storm and associated threat of flooding. Hundreds of homes have been damaged and nearly 800 people have been isolated due to impassable roads. Further adverse weather forecast in the coming hours will likely exacerbate the situation and hamper ongoing recovery efforts.

Hazardous Conditions
The storms could produce rounds of heavy precipitation (including rain and snow), strong winds, and isolated thunderstorm activity across parts of the affected area. Where precipitation falls as rain, flash and areal flooding is possible. Such flooding is possible in low-lying communities near watercourses and other large bodies of water, as well as 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.

Precipitation could fall as snow in the higher elevations over the coming days. Wind gusts could cause blowing and drifting snow; decreased visibility is likely in mountainous areas. Rain-induced landslides cannot be discounted in areas of elevated terrain; there is also the possibility of avalanches in mountainous areas where the snowpack has become unstable due to heavy snowfall. Power outages could occur throughout the affected area.

Transport
Floodwaters and related debris may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around the affected area. Flooding in urban areas could also result in significant traffic congestion. Heavy snow will likely make driving hazardous in some 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.

The disruptive weather will likely cause some delays and cancellations at airports in affected areas. Authorities may temporarily suspend port operations along the west coast of Chile if strong winds trigger hazardous sea conditions, impacting freight and passenger maritime traffic. Flooding or snow could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are possible in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track blockages.

Disruptions triggered by inclement weather and resultant hazards, such as flooding or avalanches, could persist well after conditions have improved - it could take days before any floodwaters recede and/or officials clear debris. If there is severe damage to infrastructure, repair or reconstruction efforts may result in residual disruptions.

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. Stay away from elevated streams, creeks, and other watercourses that are prone to flash flooding. Do not attempt to navigate flooded roadways. Exercise caution in elevated terrain due to the threat of landslides, as well as mountainous regions where avalanches pose a threat. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.

Resources

Argentina National Meteorological Service (SMN)
Chilean Meteorological Directorate
Chile National Service for Disaster Prevention and Response (SENAPRED)