Argentina: Adverse weather forecast across southern regions April 30

Severe weather is forecast across parts of southern Argentina April 30. Heavy rainfall is expected across parts of eastern Santa Cruz Province, with rainfall totals of 3-6 cm (1.2-2.4 inches) possible. Snowfall is expected in elevated areas of western Santa Cruz Province, and strong winds are likely in central and eastern Chubut Province and across the northern half and parts of the southeast coast of Santa Cruz Province. Heavy downpours may trigger flooding in low-lying areas, and strong winds could cause property damage and power outages. Transport disruptions are likely in the region due to the adverse weather, especially in mountainous areas due to icy roads and reduced visibility caused by blowing snow.

The Argentinian National Meteorological Service (SMN) has issued the following weather warnings across the affected area April 30:

• Orange heavy rainfall warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale): Parts of eastern and northeastern Santa Cruz Province.

• Orange heavy snowfall warnings: Parts of northwest-central and west-central Santa Cruz Province.

• Orange strong wind warnings: Eastern coastal areas of Chubut Province and parts of central, eastern, and northeastern Santa Cruz Province.

• Yellow heavy rainfall warnings: Parts of southeastern and eastern coastal areas of Chubut Province.

• Yellow heavy snowfall warnings: parts of northwestern and western Santa Cruz Province.

• Yellow strong wind warnings: Across central and eastern Chubut Province and parts of northwest-central, west-central, and southeastern Santa Cruz Province.

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

Where precipitation falls as rain, flash and areal flooding is possible. Such flooding is possible in low-lying communities near watercourses and other large bodies of water, as well as 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.

Precipitation could fall as snow in higher elevations. Wind gusts could cause blowing and drifting snow; decreased visibility is likely in mountainous areas. Rain-induced landslides cannot be discounted in areas of elevated terrain; there is also the possibility of avalanches in mountainous areas where the snowpack has become unstable due to heavy snowfall. Power outages could occur throughout the affected area.

Floodwaters and related debris may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around the affected area. Flooding in urban areas could also result in significant traffic congestion. Heavy snow will likely make driving hazardous in some areas; authorities could implement temporary road closures or detours in such locations. Mountain passes and tunnels could be closed as a precautionary measure during periods of intense snowfall.

The disruptive weather will likely cause some delays and cancellations at airports in affected areas. Authorities may temporarily suspend port operations along the Atlantic coast if strong winds trigger hazardous sea conditions, impacting freight and passenger maritime traffic. Flooding or snow could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are possible in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track blockages.