Man dies after lightning strike as cyclone batters Uruguay

An extratropical cyclone swept through Uruguay, leaving a trail of destruction and claiming one life. The storm, predicted by the Uruguayan Institute of Meteorology (Inumet), caused significant damage, including collapsed roofs and blocked roads in multiple departments.

The sole fatality reported thus far was a 57-year-old man in Tupambaé, Cerro Largo, who was struck by lightning. The Estadio Municipal Arquitecto Antonio Ubilla in Melo also sustained damage to its perimeter wall and fencing. Journalist Silvia Techera shared videos on social media showing a roof collapsing onto a vehicle in Cerro Largo.

In Fray Marcos, Florida, a "gust of wind lasting a few seconds" tore off roofs, toppled utility poles, and damaged a greenhouse. The local mayor, Eduardo Gancio, described it as a "corridor" of wind that caused the destruction.

Traffic police reported partial road obstructions in Treinta y Tres, Rocha, and Tacuarembó due to fallen trees. While not completely blocking routes, authorities advised extreme caution. Specific affected areas included Route 18 km 306 and Route 17 km 305 in Treinta y Tres, Route 13 km 203 in Rocha, and Route 26 km 263 in Tacuarembó.

Treinta y Tres also experienced fallen trees, downed power lines, and damaged roofs. Part of the roof at the Vergara high school was torn off. No injuries or self-evacuations were reported in the department.