23 Feb 2022 | 04:46 PM UTC
Argentina: Adverse weather forecast across central and western regions through at least Feb. 24
Thunderstorms forecast across central and western Argentina through at least Feb. 24. Disruptions ongoing in Rio Negro Province.
Event
Thunderstorms are forecast across parts of central and western Argentina through at least Feb. 24. The storms will be accompanied by strong winds, heavy rainfall, and hailstorms, which could lead to flooding and widespread power outages in affected regions.
As of Feb. 23, Argentina's National Meteorological Service (SMN) has issued the following warnings across the affected area:
Orange thunderstorm warnings (the second highest level on a four-tier scale): for parts of eastern Neuquen, southern La Pampa, and northern, western, and southwestern Rio Negro provinces.
Yellow thunderstorm warnings: for parts of western Neuquen, the rest of La Pampa, the rest of Rio Negro, southwestern Buenos Aires, central and eastern Mendoza, most of San Luis, southern Cordoba, northwestern San Juan, and northwestern La Rioja provinces.
Officials could update and possibly extend the coverage of weather alerts over the coming days.
Power outages have been reported in Roca in Rio Negro as of Feb. 23 after storms led to a tree falling on power lines. The neighborhoods of Puerto Escondido, La Costa, and La Ribera are affected, as well as the Club Golf and Appycar areas. Authorities are working to restore power in the coming hours.
Recent storms caused flooding and cut off several roads in Neuquen Province Feb. 20. Over 40 families had to be evacuated across Anelo, Neuquen, and Rincon de los Sauces. Power and water supply were disrupted in parts of the province and a number of homes were inundated with floodwaters. Further heavy rainfall in the coming days could exacerbate the situation in areas where the ground is already saturated by the previous flooding.
Hazardous Conditions
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, 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.
Transport
The severe weather will likely contribute to transport disruptions across the affected area. Traffic and commercial trucking delays might occur along regional highways. 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 updated emergency and weather information. 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. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.
