Fierce storm in Mendoza: streets like rivers, cars swept away by water and road cut off by avalanche
Heavy storms hit Mendoza, causing flooded streets and a road closure due to avalanche risk, prompting a rescheduling of the Vendimia Festival.
A severe storm struck Mendoza on Saturday, inundating streets and overwhelming drainage systems, leading to major disruptions across the region. The heavy downpour, which began as light rain but intensified rapidly, resulted in waterlogged roads reminiscent of rivers, ultimately forcing authorities to close a road due to avalanche risk. In anticipation of such conditions, the annual Vendimia Festival, a celebrated local event, was rescheduled from Saturday to Sunday as organizers sought to ensure the safety of attendees.
The storm impacted the Gran Mendoza area significantly, which had been previously placed under a yellow alert that escalated to orange as conditions worsened. Those involved in the festival's organization were faced with the reality of the theater hosting the event being affected by leaks and flooding, adding a level of urgency to the rescheduling decision. This year's festival, celebrating the grape harvest, has particular local importance, and ensuring it can go ahead safely is a priority for the community.
Meteorologically, the storm was characterized by a sharp drop in temperature as it progressed, indicating its intensity. Residents experienced a drastic change as temperatures plummeted from 25.6°C to 16.2°C in just a few hours. Local photographers captured the storm's fury, documenting the torrential rain and its effects on the cityscape, highlighting the ongoing challenges posed by severe weather events in the region and the need for adaptive responses to such natural phenomena.