South America: Adverse weather forecast across western Argentina, central and northern Chile, and southern and western Peru through at least Oct. 10

Severe weather is forecast across parts of western Argentina, central and northern Chile, and southern and western Peru through at least Oct. 10. Heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and strong winds are forecast across the region, with some snowfall possible in the higher elevations of the Andes.

As of early Oct. 8, the respective meteorological services have issued the following weather warnings across the affected area:

• Orange heavy rainfall warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale): Parts of eastern and southern La Rioja, northeastern Mendoza, and eastern San Juan provinces in Argentina, the eastern half of Atacama Region in Chile, and parts of the southern mountains of Peru.

• Orange strong wind warnings: Coastal areas of Ica Region in Peru.

• Yellow rainfall warnings: Parts of southeastern Catamarca, northwestern Cordoba, central La Rioja, central, eastern, and northern Mendoza, central San Juan, northwestern and western San Luis, and most of Tucuman provinces in Argentina; western coastal areas of Antofagasta, Arica and Parinacota, and Tarapaca and eastern parts of Coquimbo regions in Chile; and across the central and southern mountains of Peru.

• Yellow thunderstorm warnings: Across Atacama, Coquimbo, Metropolitana, O'Higgins, and Valparaiso and parts of eastern parts of Antofagasta, Arica and Parinacota, Biobio, Maule, Nuble, and Tarapaca regions in Chile.

• Yellow snowfall warnings: Parts of northwestern Mendoza and southwestern San Juan provinces in Argentina.

• Yellow strong wind warnings: Parts of western Catamarca and western Salta provinces in Argentina, much of Antofagasta and the eastern half of Atacama regions in Chile, and across much of the coast of Peru.

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.

Precipitation could fall as snow in higher elevations over the coming days. Wind gusts could cause blowing and drifting snow, and 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 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.

Disruptions triggered by inclement weather and resultant hazards, such as flooding or avalanches, could persist well after conditions have improved—it could take days before floodwaters recede and/or officials clear debris. If there is severe damage to infrastructure, repair or reconstruction efforts may result in residual disruptions.