Argentina: Adverse weather forecast across central and southern regions through at least Dec. 9

Severe weather is forecast across parts of central and southern Argentina through at least Dec. 9. Heavy rainfall is expected to persist in southern regions Dec. 8-9, with thunderstorms likely across south-central Argentina and strong winds in central regions Dec. 8. Rainfall totals of up to 5 cm (2 inches) are possible across parts of the affected area. Strong wind gusts, lightning, and possible hail may accompany storms. 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 Dec. 8, the Argentinian National Meteorological Service (SMN) has issued the following weather warnings across the affected area:

• Orange thunderstorm warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale): Across central and eastern Chubut Province.

• Yellow heavy rainfall warnings: Across central, eastern, and southern Santa Cruz Province.

• Yellow thunderstorm warnings: Across much of Rio Negro and parts of west-central Chubut, central and western La Pampa, eastern and southern Mendoza, eastern Neuquen, southern San Luis, and central and northern Santa Cruz provinces.

• Yellow strong wind warnings: Across San Luis, much of La Pampa, and parts of southeastern Catamarca, southern and western Cordoba, eastern and southern La Rioja, central, eastern, and southern Mendoza, eastern Neuquen, west-central Rio Negro, and eastern San Juan provinces.

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

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.

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.