South America: Adverse weather forecast across parts of northeastern Argentina, southern Brazil, southern Paraguay, and Uruguay through at least Sept. 8

Event

Thunderstorms accompanied by heavy downpours, strong wind gusts, and possible hail storms are forecast across parts of northeastern Argentina, southern Brazil, southern Paraguay, and much of Uruguay through at least Sept. 8. Heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying areas in affected regions and landslides on unstable slopes. Strong winds may cause power outages and property damage.

As of early Sept. 7, Argentina's National Meteorological Service (SMN) has issued orange thunderstorm warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale) across Corrientes, parts of eastern Chaco, and the southern half of Misiones provinces. Yellow storm warnings are in place for parts of central and southern Chaco, central and northern Entre Rios, eastern Formosa, and northeastern Santa Fe Provinces.

Brazil's National Institute of Meteorology (INMET) has issued an orange storm warning (the middle level on a three-tier scale) across southern and western Rio Grande do Sul State. 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. Orange coastal wind warnings are in place across the coast of Rio Grande do Sul and the southern coastal areas of Santa Catarina. Yellow warnings are in place across the rest of Rio Grande do Sul, central and western Santa Catarina, and western Parana states. Disruptions are ongoing across parts of the region following a previous storm system that brought heavy rainfall in recent days; at least 37 fatalities have been reported across Rio Grande State and nearly 6,000 people have been displaced.

Paraguay's Directorate of Meteorology and Hydrology has issued a special weather bulletin for storms across the Eastern Region and southeastern parts of the Western Region Sept. 7-8. Rainfall totals of 8-12 cm (3.1-4.7 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 yellow storm warnings (the lowest level on a three-tier scale) across central and northern Uruguay early Sept. 7 and yellow strong wind warnings for parts of southern Uruguay. A special weather bulletin has also been issued for heavy rainfall expected across eastern, northeastern, and northwestern regions. Rainfall accumulations of 8-12.5 cm (3.1-5 inches) are expected in these regions.

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)