23 Mar 2023 | 02:27 PM UTC
Argentina: Disruptions due to flooding ongoing in parts of Cordoba Province as of March 23
Disruptions due to flooding ongoing in parts of Cordoba Province, Argentina, as of March 23. Further adverse weather forecast.
Event
Disruptions due to flooding are ongoing across parts of Cordoba Province as of March 23. Heavy rainfall late March 21-early March 22 triggered flooding in western and southern parts of the province. Dozens of homes have been damaged in Calamuchita and Rio Cuarto departments, leading to the evacuation of several families. Affected areas include Alpa Corral, Canada de Sauce, Villa de Merlo, and Villa Quillinzo. Many roads and bridges in the affected areas have been made impassable due to floodwaters.
As of early March 23, Argentina's National Meteorological Service (SMN) has issued orange thunderstorm warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale) across parts of western Cordoba and yellow thunderstorms across central, eastern, and northern Cordoba March 23-24. The storms may be accompanied by heavy downpours, strong wind gusts, lightning, and occasional hail. Additional heavy rainfall could trigger additional flooding in parts of Cordoba, as well as hamper ongoing recovery efforts.
Hazardous Conditions
Further sustained heavy rainfall could trigger additional 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 located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where the soil has become saturated by heavy rainfall.
Authorities could issue mandatory evacuation orders for flood-prone communities over the coming days. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks.
Transport
Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters.
Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.
Advice
Monitor local media for weather updates and related advisories. Confirm all transport reservations and business appointments before travel. Make allowances for localized travel delays and potential supply chain disruptions where flooding has been forecast. Do not drive on flooded roads. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.
