South America: Adverse weather forecast across parts of northeastern Argentina, southern Brazil, central and eastern Paraguay, and Uruguay through Aug. 18

Event

Thunderstorms accompanied by heavy downpours, strong wind gusts, and possible hail storms are forecast across parts of northeastern Argentina, far southern Brazil, central and eastern Paraguay, and much of Uruguay through at least Aug. 18.

Argentina's National Meteorological Service (SMN) has issued yellow thunderstorm warnings (the lowest level on a three-tier scale) for parts of northeastern Buenos Aires, much of Corrientes, across Entre Rios, and parts of eastern and northern Santa Fe provinces Aug. 17 and across Corrientes and parts of southern Chaco, southeastern Formosa, and southern Misiones provinces Aug. 18.

Brazil's National Institute of Meteorology (INMET) has issued an orange storm warning (the middle level on a three-tier scale) across the southern half of Rio Grande do Sul State Aug. 17-18. Rainfall totals of 3-6 cm (1.1-2.4 inches) per hour or 5-10 cm (2-4 inches) per day are expected in the warning area, as well as winds between 60-100 kph (37-62 mph) and possible hail storms.

Paraguay's Directorate of Meteorology and Hydrology has issued a special weather bulletin for storms across southern parts of the Western Region and across the Eastern Region Aug. 18. Rainfall totals of 4-6 cm (1.6-2.4 inches) and winds gusting up to 100 kph (62 mph) are expected across the affected area, as well as possible lightning and hail.

The Uruguayan Institute of Meteorology (INUMET) has issued orange storm warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale) across southwestern Uruguay early Aug. 17 and yellow storm warnings across the rest of central, southern, and western Uruguay. Further storms are forecast in northern regions Aug. 18.

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 area. 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 parts of the impacted region. 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 (INMET)
Paraguay Directorate of Meteorology and Hydrology
Uruguayan Institute of Meteorology (INUMET)