In the early hours of February 18, Guayaquil was hit by intense rainfall and thunderstorms, disrupting electrical services although they were quickly restored. The city’s utility company, Segura EP, reported that heavy rainfall had motivated the deployment of drainage units by Emapad and Interagua to manage the situation. The storms have persisted for over six hours as the city experiences unusual weather conditions.

A significant aspect of the weather event is the extremely high tide, which exceeded five meters, marking it as the highest of the year, contributing to the already challenging conditions in various parts of the city. With limited visibility reported on key roads such as Narcisa de Jesús and Carlos Julio Arosemena, Segura EP has advised drivers to exercise caution and to avoid driving when possible due to the hazardous conditions.

The Guayas Prefecture indicates that Guayaquil is not the only area affected, suggesting a broader impact of this weather pattern in the region. These ongoing severe weather conditions raise concerns about urban drainage capabilities and the potential for further infrastructure challenges as the rainy season progresses, highlighting the need for effective emergency response strategies.