Questo venerdì arriverà con più forza: DMC anticipa l'intensificazione del sistema frontale nella RM durante la mattina

The system frontal affecting central and southern Chile is expected to intensify during the early hours of Friday, according to the National Meteorological Service (DMC). Meteorologist Arnaldo Zúñiga confirmed that precipitation will increase over the coming hours in the Metropolitan Region, with stronger winds recorded along the coast, reaching up to 86 kilometers per hour. He noted that the heaviest rainfall has been concentrated along the coastline, while the interior valleys have begun to experience the effects of the front gradually. In the Metropolitan Region, isolated rainfalls of three to five millimeters have already been registered. Zúñiga explained that the advance of the front has been temporarily slowed by a phenomenon known as the barrier wind, which occurs at an altitude of approximately 5,000 meters. However, he emphasized that this effect will begin to diminish, allowing the front to enter the region with greater intensity during the night and early morning of Friday. According to his forecast, between 20 and 30 millimeters of rain could accumulate in the Metropolitan Region during these times. Additionally, he pointed out that the peak of rainfall intensity is expected after midday, with estimates of between 40 and 70 millimeters of accumulation. The DMC warned that the alert remains active and that the regions of Coquimbo and southern Atacama have been included in the warning. The measure is set to continue until Sunday due to the ongoing intensity and continuity of the rains. Furthermore, Zúñiga mentioned that a blocking system in the Pacific Ocean will allow new frontal systems to continue crossing the country, leading to potential rainfall extending for at least 72 additional hours, with significant accumulations in many affected areas. The government confirmed three fatalities caused by the storm system and urged compliance with evacuation orders. Meanwhile, the National Service of Prevention and Response to Disasters (Senapred) reported 516 affected individuals across the regions of Atacama and La Araucanía. Director Alicia Cebrián stated that 800 people were being housed, 1,181 were isolated, six were injured, and one person was missing in the Maule Region. Over 5,600 homes suffered damage, including 16 completely destroyed, 291 with major damage, and 5,319 with minor damage. An additional 863 residences were still under evaluation. Power outages affected more than 367,691 customers, with 210,000 cases concentrated in the Valparaíso Region. Authorities issued 41 emergency alerts through the Emergency Alert System (SAE) to order evacuations or warn the public about river floods, activated gullies, and possible mass movements. Notable rainfall totals include 224 millimeters in La Dormida, 216 millimeters in Quillota, 157 millimeters in the Botanical Garden of Viña del Mar, and 150 millimeters in Combarbalá. Other locations such as La Florida recorded 112 millimeters, and Quimávida in the O’Higgins Region saw 144.6 millimeters. In the northern part of the country, Subsecretary of the Interior Máximo Pavez detailed the impact of the storm system. He noted that there are no major emergencies in the central-southern regions, and efforts are focused on monitoring highly active gullies in the northern small region. In Alto del Carmen, Atacama Region, nearly 2,000 people were isolated, though no serious injuries were reported. Pavez also highlighted that 3,000 people face connectivity issues in the Coquimbo Region, where authorities remain vigilant regarding the turbidity at the Las Rojas plant, which supplies water to La Serena and Coquimbo, ensuring supply for at least 30 hours. Evacuations were carried out in the Choapa Province, with 100 people evacuated from the Salamanca Bypass camp and another 40 from the Borde Río de Illapel camp. Preparations were underway for the evacuation of around 40 residents due to increased flow in the Canela Creek. Pavez also mentioned that approximately 200 people remained distributed among three municipal shelters following the preventive evacuation of the Ribera del río Mapocho camp located in the riverbed. Authorities indicated that so far, the floods had not severely impacted housing in the area. Senapred advised continued caution despite the temporary decrease in rainfall, citing the accumulation of water in streets and the announcement of a new pulse of precipitation.