Unusual April rain to renew flood threat in Santiago, Chile

Unusual heavy rain for April will return to central Chile, renewing the threat for significant flooding, including the recently inundated Santiago.

Heavy rain set to spread northward into central Chile will focus on the Santiago area Saturday night. Additional showers will follow for Sunday.

Rainfall this weekend will amount to 25-75 mm (1.00-3.00 inches) in the corridor from San Fernando to Santiago. Higher totals will be measured in the eastern slopes of the mountains.

Heavy snow will bury the higher elevations with totals approaching or exceeding a meter (nearly 3 feet). Travel will become impossible for a time, but the snow will be a boon for the ski resorts.

Rain will begin to fall in Santiago during the day on Saturday, but will turn heavier Saturday evening and night.

The rain expected this weekend, most of which will fall Saturday evening into Saturday night, is alone enough to raise concern for flash flooding and landslides. The fact that the ground is still saturated from the inundation last weekend has significantly heightened the danger.

Data from the Meteorological Office of Chile reported that around 77 mm (3 inches) fell in Santiago on 16-17 April. Heavier rain targeted the city’s eastern side, unloading 112 mm (4.40 inches) from 15-17 April.

Santiago averages just under 1 cm (0.38 inches) of rain from 1 January to 21 April amid the typically dry summer and early fall months. Central Chile has a distinct rainy season during the winter.

Severe flooding quickly resulted around the city last weekend and landslides killed at least one person, according to the Associated Press. Water service was cut to at least 4.5 million people due to contamination fears.

The flooding also forced the El Teniente operation of the state-run Codelco mining company to close, the AP reported.

To avoid a potentially deadly situation, residents are reminded to never attempt to drive or walk through a flooded road. The roadway underneath may be washed away or the current of the flood waters may be strong enough to sweep away a person or vehicle even though the surface appears calm.

Small streams and rivers could rapidly rise and overflow their banks.

Central Chile will catch a break from the unusually wet pattern for the last week of April. After any lingering spotty showers diminish on Monday, AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Jason Nicholls anticipates that most of next week will be dry.

The unseasonable chill that will also develop this weekend will persist into Monday before easing by midweek.

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