24 Feb 2022 | 02:46 PM UTC
Argentina: Adverse weather forecast across eastern regions through at least Feb. 25 /update 1
Severe weather forecast across parts of eastern Argentina through at least Feb. 25. Possible flooding and associated disruptions.
Event
Thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, and strong winds are forecast across parts of eastern Argentina through at least Feb. 25. The heaviest rainfall is forecast in eastern parts of Rio Negro province, where around 5-8 cm (2-3 inches) of rainfall is expected to fall in a few hours Feb. 24. The heavy rainfall could prompt flash flooding and landslides on unstable slopes. Thunderstorms are expected in northeastern parts of the country, with the storm system having passed over more southern eastern parts Feb. 23, including those where heavy rain is forecast.
As of Feb. 24, Argentina's National Meteorological Service (SMN) has issued the following warnings across the affected area:
Red heavy rainfall warnings: for parts of eastern and southeastern Rio Negro Province.
Orange rainfall warnings: for parts of northern and eastern Rio Negro, eastern Chubut, and far southwestern Buenos Aires provinces.
Yellow heavy rainfall warnings: for parts of central and southern Buenos Aires Province.
Yellow thunderstorm warnings: for parts of northern Buenos Aires, southeastern, central, and northwestern Santa Fe, eastern Cordoba, southeastern Santiago del Estero, across Entre Rios, and much of Corrientes provinces.
Officials could update and possibly extend the coverage of weather alerts over the coming days.
Power outages were reported in Roca in Rio Negro Feb. 23 after storms led to a tree falling on power lines. The neighborhoods of Puerto Escondido, La Costa, and La Ribera were affected and the Club Golf and Appycar areas. Flooding has affected parts of Rio Negro and Neuquen provinces since Feb. 20. 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 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 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.
