New weather event keeps several sectors of the northern part of the country on yellow alert
A new weather system is affecting northern Chile, bringing precipitation, snowfall, strong winds, blizzards, and possible thunderstorms to various areas of the regions of Arica and Parinacota, Tarapacá, Antofagasta, and Atacama. In response, the National Service of Prevention and Response to Disasters (Senapred) has issued yellow alerts and preparedness measures to address potential emergencies. Specific conditions include moderate to heavy snowfall and blizzards in mountainous areas, with strong winds and precipitation along the coast. Thunderstorms are expected in the foothills and mountains, while normal to moderate rainfall is forecasted in different sectors. Yellow alerts remain active in several communes across these regions, with some alerts dating back to mid-August. The main concern is the risk of mass movements such as landslides and rockfalls, according to updated assessments by Sernageomin. Senapred has activated coordination mechanisms and pre-positioned resources to respond to any emergency developments.
The new weather system affecting large parts of Chile will reach its peak intensity on Saturday, August 15, according to forecasts from the National Weather Service of Chile (DMC). The system is expected to bring varying types of precipitation across nearly all regions, with some areas facing thunderstorms. Meteorologist Lissette Aguilera from Megatiempo noted during a morning broadcast that the highest accumulation of rainfall would occur on Saturday, marking the most intense day of the event. According to Aguilera, the phenomenon will continue impacting the central zone, including parts of Santiago and the O'Higgins Region, where cloud cover will be well dispersed due to weaker characteristics of the front. However, she emphasized that Saturday will see one of the strongest days in terms of rainfall, with the Metropolitan Region expecting up to 20 millimeters of rain. She also warned that although there isn't much concern regarding water volumes, previous snowfall in areas that typically receive rain could lead to minor rises in river levels. These potential increases in river flow might be particularly noticeable in the Maule, Ñuble, Biobío, and La Araucanía regions, where melting snow from current accumulations could contribute to runoff through rivers and streams. Aguilera explained that this risk is mainly associated with these regions, where liquid precipitation could cause slight flooding. In the north, the new weather system has prompted yellow alerts from the National Service of Prevention and Response to Disasters (Senapred) across several sectors. In the Arica and Parinacota region, the DMC has issued warnings for moderate to heavy snowfall in the mountains, accompanied by wind gusts and precipitation along the coast. Thunderstorms are also expected in the foothills and mountain ranges, while normal to moderate rainfall is forecasted in other areas. The yellow alert for this region has been active since August 16. In Tarapacá, the main conditions focus on the coastal area, with moderate to heavy rainfall predicted between August 17 and 18. Normal to moderate rainfall is also expected in different parts of the region, including the coastline, coastal range, plains, and foothills. Senapred maintains a yellow alert for the provinces of Iquique and the commune of Huara, which has been in effect since August 15. For Antofagasta, the forecast includes moderate to strong winds with gusts in the coastal range, foothills, and mountains, alongside moderate to heavy rainfall along the coast and the coastal range. Possible sand storms, snowfall, and thunderstorms are anticipated between August 17 and 19. A yellow alert remains active for the communes of Antofagasta, Taltal, Mejillones, and Tocopilla. In Atacama, the DMC has issued a warning for moderate to strong winds in the mountain range, along with advisories for sand storms, precipitation, snowfall, and possible thunderstorms. These conditions are expected to last until August 19. Senapred continues to maintain a regional yellow alert, which has been in place since August 10. One of the primary concerns is the risk of mass movements, such as landslides and debris flows. According to updated assessments from Sernageomin, there is a high likelihood of such occurrences in coastal and foothill areas of Arica and Parinacota and Tarapacá, while in Antofagasta, the risk is high along the coast and the coastal range. In Atacama, the danger is considered high along the coast and moderate elsewhere. To address these risks, Senapred has activated coordination mechanisms and pre-positioned resources in stages to respond to potential emergencies based on evolving weather conditions. Authorities confirmed that on Monday morning, Subsecretary of the Interior Máximo Pavez and Director General of Senapred Alicia Cebrián will head a technical meeting to review preparedness actions being implemented in the regions from Arica and Parinacota to Coquimbo.
★
Keep the news honest.
ObjectiveNews is reader-funded and ad-free — we show you the bias instead of hiding it. Support independent journalism for €4/month.
Become a Supporter
CL
