A intense frontal system expected to arrive this week to the Valparaíso region, where they could register up to 100 millimeters of water fall in some sectors due to the rains.
In interview with Radio Bío Bíofrigate captain Gonzalo Concha, head of the Meteorological Service of the Chilean Navy, stated that It is a “frontal system associated with an atmospheric river”.
This phenomenon would begin this Wednesday, also reaching the Metropolitan region and, later, reaching the Coquimbo region.
“This atmospheric river is feeding a large amount of water vapor and humidity to the frontal system, which is why these high amounts of precipitation are expected,” he explained.
In that sense, he explained that “This condition is associated with strong winds in the coastal sector. In fact, gusts of 47 knots have already been recorded in Faro Hualpén -Bío Bío region-. That is equivalent to 87-88 kilometers per hour”.
Warning for storm surges in Valparaíso and other coasts of the country
Due to the above, the captain pointed out that “this wind condition will also gradually advance towards the central zone. A severe weather warning has been issued. Also, of course, it will generate storm surges. There is a current storm surge warning that will affect even the North Zone“.
According to the South-Central Zone, mentioned that the frontal system will be present until Friday, while “in the North Zone until Saturday”.
“Although the North will not be directly affected by the frontal system, if The swell that is generated in the Central-South Zone is projected towards the North and generates waves on the coastal edge“He clarified, emphasizing that there is an alert for storm surges on the country’s coasts.
“Thursday, associated with the highest intensity of the wind, is when we are expected to have the highest intensity waves”he added.
In this context, the authority made “a call to the community to take care of themselves, to protect themselves, to avoid traveling along the coastline if it is not necessary, not to enter the sea or rocky areas.”
That same call is “also to maritime users, in particular, artisanal fishermen. “They should be very attentive to the indication and update of the status of the port provided by the respective maritime authorities, in order to avoid any type of accident or inconvenience,” he said.
Let us remember that currently the frontal system is hitting especially the Bío Bío region, where in communes like Arauco rivers have already overflowed, leaving around a hundred flooded homes. This has led to the declaration of a Red Alert at the regional level.
