Argentina braces for severe winter storms with hail and high winds

A significant portion of central Argentina is bracing for severe weather, with the National Meteorological Service (SMN) issuing alerts for strong storms, occasional hail, and wind gusts potentially reaching 70 kilometers per hour. This weather event is described as one of the most intense of the current winter season.

The alerts, categorized as yellow and orange, cover extensive areas including parts of Catamarca, Córdoba, Santa Fe, Entre Ríos, La Pampa, and Buenos Aires provinces. The orange alert, signifying the most adverse conditions, is concentrated over central and eastern parts of Buenos Aires province, including the Metropolitan Area (AMBA), and extends to southern regions of the Littoral. These areas are expected to experience storms capable of causing disruptions to daily activities, temporary flooding, and damage to trees.

In the AMBA, precipitation and thunderstorms are forecast to begin early Friday and continue throughout much of the day, with the peak of instability anticipated in the afternoon and evening. The SMN warns that these storms could bring heavy rainfall in short periods, lightning, intense wind gusts, and hail, although hail is expected to be localized and associated with the most severe storm cells.

Authorities are advising residents to avoid outdoor activities during the storms, refrain from seeking shelter under trees or utility poles, and stay clear of windows and doors. Beyond the storm warnings, the SMN also maintains active alerts for strong winds in other parts of the country, indicating a broader pattern of challenging weather conditions across Argentina.