26 Apr 2022 | 02:58 PM UTC
Chile: Adverse weather forecast in central and southern regions through at least April 27
Severe weather forecast in parts of central and southern Chile through at least April 27. Disruptions ongoing in Concepcion.
Event
Thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, strong winds, and snowfall in mountainous areas are forecast across parts of central and southern Chile through at least April 27. The Meteorological Directorate of Chile has issued orange warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale) for moderate to heavy rainfall for valley and foothill areas in eastern Maule, Metropolitan, and O'Higgins regions through April 27. Yellow rainfall warnings are in place across Biobio, Maule, Metropolitan, Nuble, O'Higgins, and Valparaiso regions through April 27 and yellow strong wind warnings have been issued for coastal and eastern mountainous areas of these regions through late April 26. Yellow thunderstorm warnings have been issued for mountainous and foothill areas of Maule, Metropolitan, and O'Higgins regions and across much of Araucania, Aysen, Los Lagos, and Los Rios regions through late April 26. Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming days.
Flooding is causing disruptions in Greater Concepcion in Biobio Region early April 26. Several streets have been inundated by floodwaters and power outages have been reported. There have been reports of minor damages, including a vehicle being struck by a fallen tree. Several schools have been closed due to the weather and the University of Concepcion has postponed the start of classes till 11:00 CLT due to the adverse conditions on the roads. Schools have also been suspended in Hualaihue and Chaiten in Los Lagos Region due to the adverse weather and nearly 300 people have been isolated by flooding in the commune of Chonchi. Thousands of power outages have been reported across Arauncia, Biobio, and Los Lagos regions.
Hazardous Conditions
The thunderstorms could produce rounds of heavy rainfall and strong winds in the affected areas. Sustained rainfall could trigger flash and areal flooding is possible. 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 throughout the region. 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 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.
