14 Sep 2023 | 11:21 AM UTC
Argentina: Adverse weather forecast across southwestern regions through at least Sept. 15 /update 1
Severe weather forecast across parts of southwestern Argentina through Sept. 15. Possible transport, business, and utility disruptions.
Event
Severe weather is forecast across parts of southwestern Argentina through at least Sept. 15. Heavy rainfall is expected across elevated parts of the region, close to the Chilean border. Rainfall totals of 6-9 cm (2.4-3.5 inches) are possible in parts of northwestern Chubut, western Neuquen, and western Rio Negro provinces. Strong winds are also expected across much of the affected area, with winds gusting up to 130 kph (81 mph) possible in places. Heavy downpours could trigger flooding in low-lying areas and landslides on unstable slopes. Strong winds could cause property damage and power outages.
As of early Sept. 14, the Argentinian National Meteorological Service (SMN) has issued the following weather warnings across the affected area:
Red heavy rainfall warnings (the highest level on a three-tier scale): Parts of northwestern Chubut, western Neuquen, and western Rio Negro provinces.
Orange heavy rainfall warnings: Parts of northwestern and western Chubut Province.
Orange strong wind warnings: Across parts of southwestern and south-central Neuquen and central and western Rio Negro provinces.
Yellow heavy rainfall warnings: Parts of southwestern Chubut and southwestern Neuquen provinces.
Yellow strong wind warnings: Across parts of central, northern, and western Chubut and northwestern and western Neuquen provinces.
Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming days.
Hazardous Conditions
Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where heavy rainfall has saturated the soil.
Authorities could issue mandatory evacuation orders for flood-prone communities over the coming days. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding or strong winds impact utility networks.
Transport
Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters. The disruptive weather may cause some delays and cancellations at airports in the affected regions. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight cancellations are possible in areas with heavy rainfall and potential track blockages.
Localized business disruptions may occur 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 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. Do not drive on flooded roads. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.
