The National Disaster Prevention and Response Service (Senapred) updated the Regional Yellow Alert for the Metropolitan Region this Saturday. The reason is the thunderstorms forecast between Sunday, October 11, and Tuesday, October 13.
According to El Mostrador, the alert has been in effect since October 6 and now includes weather advisories for thunderstorms and normal to moderate rainfall on Monday in the valley and foothills.
Arnaldo Zuñiga, a meteorologist at the Chilean Meteorological Directorate (DMC), told Emol that the capital could receive up to 25 millimeters of rain on Monday afternoon and evening, the most intense episode of the frontal system. He added that rain could arrive as early as Sunday in mountain areas.
"There is a frontal system that is currently about to reach Juan Fernández and will be arriving in the central zone on Monday afternoon, which is quite unstable," Zuñiga said. The specialist compared the conditions with last Thursday's event in Las Condes, although he clarified that it is impossible to say for certain whether a cloud like the one seen that day will form.
The mudslide in that municipality left 384 people affected and 56 homes destroyed, according to Senapred figures. That event explains the attention being paid to ravines in Santiago's foothills.
Thunderstorm advisories extend from Atacama to Biobío, and rain advisories from Coquimbo to Maule. There is also an alert for normal to moderate winds between Arica and Parinacota and Atacama.
In the O'Higgins Region, Senapred declared a Regional Preventive Early Alert on Saturday night, October 10, according to El Rancagüino. The measure is based on information from the DMC and the National Geology and Mining Service (Sernageomin), and will remain in effect as long as conditions warrant.
For Monday, October 12, the report forecasts between 10 and 24 millimeters in the valley, between 10 and 29 millimeters in the foothills and between 2 and 5 millimeters along the coast and in the Coastal Range. Between 10 and 15 centimeters of snow are expected in the mountains.
The thunderstorm advisory in O'Higgins runs from Sunday afternoon through Tuesday night and could include hail and strong wind gusts. Sernageomin rated the risk of mass movements as moderate in the valley and foothills, and low in the rest of the region.
The agency will continue monitoring rivers, ravines and areas near watercourses, where sudden rises in water levels, overflows or sediment transport could occur. It also warned of water and mud accumulating on streets with construction work.
Among its recommendations, Senapred asks people to suspend outdoor activities during thunderstorms, avoid sheltering under trees, poles or antennas, stay away from metal structures and stay out of rivers and lakes. The most intense episode is expected on Monday afternoon, October 12, and showers could continue through Tuesday, October 13.
