Hail and heavy rains cause chaos on Inter-American Highway in Mixco; vehicle swept away

A powerful storm unleashed hail and torrential rain on Mixco, Guatemala, leading to flash floods and severe traffic disruptions on the Inter-American Highway. The intense rainfall caused dangerous water currents, inundating roads and creating hazardous conditions for drivers. In one alarming incident, a vehicle was swept away by the force of the water near kilometer 17 of the highway in Mixco's Zone 1. Volunteer firefighters were dispatched to the scene after receiving emergency calls. According to Víctor Gómez, a spokesperson for the Volunteer Firefighters, rescue teams located the car against the roadside after it had been carried by the current. Preliminary reports indicated no people were inside the vehicle at the time. Municipal traffic police were coordinated to secure the area and prevent further accidents due to water accumulation and adverse weather. The heavy rains also caused significant traffic slowdowns, with drivers reporting lengthy queues between kilometers 16 and 19 of the Inter-American Highway. At times, traffic came to a near standstill as floodwaters flowed across the road. Social media users shared videos depicting the storm's intensity, showing large hailstones falling in various parts of Mixco and nearby areas, impacting roofs, vehicles, and structures. Emergency services have advised the public to avoid crossing flooded streets or areas with rapid water accumulation. They urged drivers to reduce speed, maintain safe distances, and remain vigilant for potential emergencies, especially on sloped roads or flood-prone zones. Authorities reiterated that flash floods can easily sweep away vehicles and motorcycles, emphasizing the danger of attempting to drive through inundated areas.