The storm gives no respite in the northern Patagonian region: red alert for extreme cold this weekend

Northern Patagonia is grappling with a critical weather event, characterized by intense snow, rain, and wind. The severe conditions have led to the suspension of school activities and significant disruptions to land travel across the provinces of Neuquén, Río Negro, and Chubut. These regions are under various levels of meteorological alert, facing challenges ranging from road collapses to the isolation of rural areas.

In Neuquén, heavy rainfall caused a total closure of National Route 40 between Siete Lagos and Catritre due to a large rockslide triggered by the unstable climate. National Road Administration is working on-site, but the route remains impassable. Similarly, road conditions in Chubut are critical, with ice, frost, and fog making chains mandatory on many routes, including those leading to Esquel and Paso Huemules. Special operations are underway to assist rural residents in the southern part of the province affected by heavy snowfall.

International border crossings have also been impacted. The Cardenal Samoré pass was closed for much of the morning due to snow accumulation but has since reopened for light vehicles with extreme caution, though truck traffic remains restricted. The Pino Hachado pass is experiencing significant delays, with long queues of trucks waiting for safer conditions to cross into Chile.

The forecast indicates no immediate relief, with the National Meteorological Service predicting a sharp weather change bringing rain, thunderstorms, and strong winds. Snowfall is expected to persist in the mountainous areas until Sunday. For the weekend, cities like Bariloche, El Bolsón, Villa La Angostura, and Esquel anticipate precipitation, low temperatures between -1 and 2 degrees Celsius, and highs of 6 degrees, with wind gusts up to 70 km/h. Red alerts for extreme cold, posing significant health risks, are in effect across the entire southern region, prompting authorities to advise against non-essential travel on mountain routes.