The Chilean Meteorological Directorate (DMC) issued an alert this Saturday for moderate to heavy rainfall over a short period. The alert applies from the afternoon through the evening of Tuesday, October 20 in areas of Coquimbo, Valparaíso, the Metropolitan Region, O'Higgins and Maule.
According to CNN Chile, the alert follows the arrival of a new frontal system in central Chile after a brief break in bad weather over the weekend. The DMC also has advisories in place for possible thunderstorms.
The agency estimated rainfall totals of between 15 and 35 millimeters, depending on the area. In Coquimbo, the alert covers the coastal mountain range, with 15 to 25 mm, and the Andean foothills and foothill valleys, with 20 to 30 mm.
In Valparaíso, between 20 and 30 mm are expected in the coastal mountain range and between 25 and 35 mm in the Andean foothills and foothill valleys, according to details published by Meganoticias.
In the Metropolitan Region, the coastal mountain range and Andean foothills could receive between 25 and 35 mm, while the valley could see between 20 and 30 mm. O'Higgins has similar figures: 20 to 30 mm on the coast and in the valley, and 25 to 35 mm in the Andean foothills.
In Maule, the alert covers the valley and Andean foothills, both with estimated totals of 25 to 35 mm.
The Meteored website forecasts that rain will return on Monday, October 19. Between that day and Wednesday the 21st, there is a chance of hail and thunderstorms in parts of the Metropolitan Region, similar to what Santiago experienced this week.
The DMC, an agency under the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGAC), classifies its weather notices into three levels: advisory, alert and alarm. An alert, the intermediate level, applies to severe weather events likely to pose risks to people.
At this level, the agency recommends that people stay informed about how conditions develop, follow instructions from the authorities and avoid unnecessary risks. The sources do not detail any additional measures announced by regional governments.
