Argentina, Paraguay: Adverse weather forecast across northern regions of Argentina and Paraguay through at least Jan. 28 /update 1

Event

Severe weather, including thunderstorms, is forecast across parts of northern Argentina and northern Paraguay through at least Jan. 28.

As of Jan. 27, Argentina's National Meteorological Service (SMN) has issued the following warnings:

• Orange thunderstorm warnings (the second-highest level on a four-tier scale): parts of western Jujuy, northern and central Salta, much of Tucuman, southeastern Catamarca, eastern La Rioja, and eastern San Juan provinces.

• Yellow thunderstorm warnings: parts of central and eastern Salta, central San Juan, Formosa, Misiones, Chaco, and northeastern Santiago del Estero.

Paraguay's Directorate of Meteorology and Hydrology has issued a severe weather warning for moderate to strong thunderstorms and wind gusts for northern Amamby, northern President Hayes, central and northern Alto Paraguay, and western Boqueron departments. Officials could update and possibly extend the coverage of weather alerts over the coming days.

Parts of northern Argentina have been experiencing flooding since mid-January as storms have hit the region following an intense heatwave. Heavy rainfall in Buenos Aires Province flooded portions of La Matanza Partido, including San Justo, Ramos Mejia, and Ciudad Evita, Jan. 25 and Berazategui City Jan. 24. The Hospital Evita Pueblo in Berazategui and Hospital Materno Infantil Jose Equiza in Gonzalez Catan have reported flooding. Further rainfall in the coming days will likely exacerbate the situation in areas where the ground is saturated by previous rainfall.

Hazardous Conditions
The storms could produce rounds of heavy precipitation, strong winds, and isolated thunderstorm activity in the northwest. Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flash and areal flooding. Such flooding is possible in low-lying communities near watercourses and other large bodies of water and 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.

Transport
The severe weather will likely contribute to transport disruptions across parts of the northwest. Traffic and commercial trucking delays might occur along regional highways. Flooding downpours could inundate some low-lying roads in areas with poor drainage. Strong winds might also pose a hazard to high-profile vehicles. Hazardous weather conditions might cause flight delays and cancellations at regional airports.

Advice

Monitor local media for weather updates and related advisories. Seek updated information on weather and road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where severe weather is forecast. Plan accordingly for potential delivery delays if routing shipments by truck through the affected area. Do not attempt to drive through flooded areas.

Resources

Argentina National Meteorological Service (SMN) (Spanish)
Paraguay Directorate of Meteorology and Hydrology (Spanish)