Argentina: Disruptions due to flooding ongoing in parts of Cordoba Province Jan. 7

Disruptions due to flooding have been reported in parts of Cordoba Province as of early Jan. 7. Overnight heavy rainfall and hail have triggered flooding in western and southern parts of the province. Reports of overflowing rivers and falling trees caused road and bridge closures across the province, including the Provincial Route 5. Emergency service crews have reportedly been deployed to assist with clearing the excess water and assist affected populations. Further information regarding possible casualties is unavailable.

Argentina's National Meteorological Service (SMN) has issued orange thunderstorm warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale) for Cordoba province and yellow warnings (the lowest level) across most of eastern Argentina through Jan. 7; the SMN has also issued notices for heavy downpours, strong wind gusts, lightning, and occasional hail for areas of central Cordoba, northeastern Santa Fe and Southwestern Corrientes provinces. Additional heavy rainfall could trigger additional flooding in affected areas, as well as hamper ongoing recovery efforts.

Further sustained heavy rainfall could trigger additional 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 located 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 the soil has become saturated by heavy rainfall.

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 landslides 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.

Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.