Chile: Adverse weather forecast across central regions through at least Aug. 3 /update 1

Severe weather is forecast across central Chile through at least Aug. 3. A system is forecast to bring a combination of thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, and strong winds across parts of the affected area. Authorities have confirmed one fatality in the commune of Lago Ranco in the Los Rios Region and another fatality in Lago Rupanco in Puerto Octay in the Los Lagos Region. One person is missing in the Nuble Region, and another in the Valparaiso Region. Reports indicate hundreds of damaged homes in Biobio, Los Lagos, and O'Higgins regions. Classes are suspended in Araucania, Biobio, Coquimbo, Los Rios, and Nuble regions. The adverse weather has also resulted in flight disruptions at Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport (SCL) in Santiago early Aug. 2.

The Chilean Meteorological Directorate has issued the following weather warnings across the affected area July 30:

• Orange heavy rainfall warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale): Araucania, Biobio, Maule, and Nuble regions through at least Aug. 2. Up to 7 cm (3 inches) of rain is possible.

• Orange strong wind warnings: Araucania, Aysen, Biobio, Coquimbo, Los Lagos, Los Rios, Maule, Metropolitan, Nuble, O'Higgins, and Valparaiso regions through Aug. 2.

• Yellow heavy rainfall and strong wind warnings: the rest of the affected area through Aug. 3.

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 rain 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 probable where significant flooding, landslides, or strong winds impact utility networks.

Floodwaters and debris flows will likely render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces will likely cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities will probably temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters. The disruptive weather will likely cause delays and cancellations at airports in the affected regions. Flooding will likely block regional rail lines; freight cancellations are possible in areas with heavy rainfall and potential track blockages.

Localized business disruptions are probable 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.