Argentina, Uruguay: Disruptions due to severe weather ongoing across parts of eastern Argentina and southwestern Uruguay as of Dec. 18

Disruptions are ongoing across parts of eastern Argentina and southwestern Uruguay as of Dec. 18 after a severe storm struck the region. The storm moved through southern parts of Buenos Aires Province in Argentina Dec. 16 before impacting Greater Buenos Aires and surrounding areas, including Colonia Department in Uruguay, early Dec. 17. Winds gusting up to 150 kph (92 mph) were recorded in affected regions. Authorities have confirmed at least 15 fatalities across Buenos Aires Province, Argentina, including 13 deaths after a building collapsed in Bahia Blanca, as well as two in Colonia Department, Uruguay. Widespread damage to buildings, fallen trees, and power outages have been reported across the affected areas. Around one million customers were left without power across Greater Buenos Aires and Jorge Newbery Airfield (AEP) suffered damage; more than 120 flights were canceled and at least 16 planes were damaged. Widespread disruptions to train services occurred and many roads were blocked by fallen trees and other debris in the capital and surrounding areas Dec. 17. More than 125,000 people were left without power in parts of Colonia Department in Uruguay. Several roads in the department are closed due to storm debris and a number of buildings have reported storm damage. Authorities are working to restore services across the affected areas as of early Dec. 18; however, lingering disruptions are likely over the coming days.

Further adverse weather is expected across the region in the coming days. As of early Dec. 18, the Argentinian National Meteorological Service (SMN) has issued orange storm warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale) across Entre Rios Province and parts of eastern and southern Santa Fe Province. Yellow storm warnings are in place across the rest of Santa Fe Province and parts of northern Buenos Aires Province. The Uruguayan Institute of Meteorology (INUMET) has issued an orange storm warning across western and west-central Uruguay and a yellow storm warning across much of the rest of the country, with the exception of some eastern, far northern, and southern regions. 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.