Flooding in the AMBA after the storm: affected areas and precautions to take

The heavy storms affecting the Buenos Aires Metropolitan Area (AMBA) caused flooding, traffic complications, power outages, and delays at Jorge Newbery and Ezeiza airports on Thursday.

The National Meteorological Service (SMN) has issued an orange alert for rain and a yellow alert for wind gusts in the region, with the possibility of heavy precipitation in short periods, electrical activity, and occasional hail.

Some localities in the west and south of the Buenos Aires conurbation were among the most affected by water accumulation.

According to the SMN forecast, storms will continue on Thursday, August 6, in the afternoon. Temperatures are expected to range between 9°C and 14°C, with winds from the south reaching gusts of 60 to 69 kilometers per hour.

The most unstable conditions will concentrate after noon, when new intense showers, electrical activity, gusts, and occasional hail may be recorded in some areas.

Starting from Friday, 7, the forecast indicates an improvement in conditions, with a low probability of rain throughout the day.

With the arrival of cold air, temperatures will continue to drop, with a minimum of 5°C and a maximum estimated at 13°C, accompanied by moderate winds.

During the weekend, no new precipitation is expected in the City of Buenos Aires. For Saturday 8 and Sunday 9, stable days are anticipated, with clear skies and cool temperatures: maximums around 13°C, while minimums will be between 4°C and 7°C.

The rains caused flooding in various localities of the AMBA. The areas with the most complications reported streets covered in water, difficulties in circulation, and problems with some essential services.

In the City, episodes of hail and water accumulation were reported in neighborhoods such as Villa Urquiza, Flores, Boedo, Liniers, and areas close to the city center. There were also complications on high-traffic arteries, such as Avenida General Paz, due to reduced visibility and water accumulation on the roadway.

In the Buenos Aires conurbation, some of the most affected areas were Avellaneda, Berazategui, Esteban Echeverría, Lomas de Zamora, Tigre, San Fernando, Moreno, Paso del Rey, Wilde, and Castelar. In several points in the west, completely flooded streets were recorded, and even vehicles were affected by water ingress.

The storm caused power outages. During the early hours of the morning, records from the National Electricity Regulatory Agency (ENRE) indicated that nearly 20,000 users were without service in the City of Buenos Aires and the Buenos Aires conurbation.

In the area corresponding to Edesur, 14,898 customers were affected, while Edenor recorded 2,056 interruptions.

The main areas without power were located in municipalities in the south and north of the conurbation, including Avellaneda, Berazategui, Esteban Echeverría, Lomas de Zamora, San Fernando, and Tigre. In CABA, the neighborhoods of Flores, Boedo, and Liniers also experienced power outages.

In the face of an intense storm with a risk of flooding, authorities recommend taking measures to reduce risks and avoid dangerous situations.

What to do in case of flooding

• Stay inside a safe structure, such as a house, school, or public building, until weather conditions improve.
• Disconnect appliances if water begins to enter the home.
• Cut off the electricity supply from the main panel if there is a risk of contact with water.
• Remove or secure objects that could be displaced by the wind, such as pots, outdoor furniture, or loose items.
• Clean drains, gutters, and sumps beforehand to facilitate water drainage.
• If a person is on the street during a heavy storm, seek shelter inside a building, store, or closed vehicle.
• Stay away from doors and windows.
• Charge cell phones in advance.

What to avoid during flooding

• Do not travel through flooded streets, as water may hide pits, electrical cables, or other dangers.
• Do not attempt to cross areas with flowing water, even if they seem shallow.
• Do not seek refuge under trees, signs, awnings, or poles, as they may fall due to the wind.
• Do not stay near rivers, streams, lagoons, pools, or open spaces during a thunderstorm.
• Do not handle electrical devices if they are wet or if there is water in the environment.
• Do not take out the trash during the storm, as it may block drains and worsen flooding.