Headline:
Stormy New Year’s Eve: Mendoza Hit by Heavy Rain and Hail
Article:
MENDOZA – The New Year’s Eve celebrations in Mendoza took an unexpected turn on Tuesday evening as a severe storm swept through the region, leaving a trail of rain and hail. The Service Meteorológico Nacional (SMN) had issued an alert earlier in the day, warning of impending storms.
At around 5 PM, the weather radar showed three significant storm clusters covering Greater Mendoza, the Eastern Zone, and the Uco Valley. The expectation was that these storms would linger until late into the night, prompting the SMN to advise residents to plan their New Year’s Eve dinners accordingly.
As the storm moved in, Mendoza experienced heavy rain and hail, with some of the worst-affected areas including Medrano (Rivadavia andJunín), the city center of Luján de Cuyo, Ugarteche, and Vistalba. Residents reported hailstones in these areas, with Vistalba being particularly hard hit.
The SMN had predicted that the storms would be isolated but potentially severe, accompanied by heavy rainfall, strong winds gusting up to 70 km/h, hail, and intense lightning. They estimated that precipitation could reach between 20 to 40 mm, with localized areas potentially experiencing higher amounts.
Provincial authorities urge residents to stay indoors and avoid driving during the storm to ensure their safety.
