Chile's Metropolitan Region on Alert for Frontal System with High Freezing Level

A preventive alert is in effect for 10 communes in Chile's Metropolitan Region as a weather system approaches, threatening to bring significant rainfall to the Andean foothills. Senapred, the national disaster prevention agency, forecasts up to 40 millimeters of rain between Thursday afternoon and Friday morning, primarily in the mountainous areas.

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We are talking about approximately 40 millimeters in the mountains from Thursday to Friday, therefore, a very good amount of precipitation with an aggravating factor: a high freezing level.

The primary concern is the high freezing level, estimated between 3,500 and 3,800 meters. This unusual condition means precipitation will fall as rain in higher elevations, normally covered in snow, significantly increasing the risk of landslides and mudflows. Sernageomin, the geological survey, has also flagged this high risk.

In response, authorities have deployed teams to inspect vulnerable areas in the pre-Andean region, particularly those prone to overflowing waterways. Senapred's regional director, Miguel Muñoz, urged the public to stay informed and monitor nearby streams for any changes in color or flow, as these could indicate potential flooding.

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This could be between 3,500 and 3,800 meters, which creates a situation, also forecast by Sernageomin, of high risk and exposure to mass movements.

"We are talking about approximately 40 millimeters in the mountains from Thursday to Friday, therefore, a very good amount of precipitation with an aggravating factor: a high freezing level," Muñoz explained. He added that teams would be working through the night to provide rapid response if any emergencies arise.

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The call to the community is to stay informed, check the water courses if there is a change in coloration. There are many ravines that must be monitored today, to see if there is a permanent increase in flow or not, because it could affect us there.

Additionally, the Presidential Delegation of the Metropolitan Region and the Ministry of Social Development have activated "Code Blue" and "Ruta Calle" protocols. These measures aim to protect vulnerable populations in Greater Santiago from the cold temperatures accompanying the storm, including deploying medical and social assistance teams and opening municipal shelters to prevent hypothermia among the homeless.

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Therefore, these teams will be working in the field all night, informing quickly in the event of an emergency and also responding quickly to the system.