Severe thunderstorms, heavy rain, hail and tornado hit Cordoba, Argentina

Intense thunderstorms accompanied by hail and at least one tornado struck the province of Cordoba, Argentina on Sunday, February 16, 2020. The severe weather caused severe floods, damaged roofs and knocked down trees and power lines, but no injuries were reported. The same system dumped heavy rains on Concordia and Rosario on Monday, February 17, as well as Brazil and Paraguay on Tuesday, February 18.

The storms caused damage in the rural area between Las Varillas and Pozo del Molle, while inundated streets prompted self-evacuations in other towns including Labuolaye.

In Labuolaye, canals and drains overflowed after about 80 mm (3 inches) of rain. According to local media, the municipal government had to evacuate residents and staff of a nursing home in the area due to damage caused by water leaks that affected the electrical system.

The elders were reportedly transferred to a church and were provided assistance.

Secretary of Risk Management Claudio Vignetta said there were significant winds and precipitation, which blown away roofs, trees, and electricity towers. Despite the damages, Vignetta clarified that there were no injuries in the sector.

Moreover, a tornado was also seen in the area, which citizens were able to capture and share on social media.

In Corral de Bustos, hails came with strong winds, hitting several places including Berrotaran and Despenaderos.

It was the same storm system that dumped more than 65 mm (3 inches) of rain on Concordia and Rosario on Monday afternoon into the evening. Cordoba recorded wind gusts of 65 km/h (40 mph) late that day.

As the storm continued to move northward, the front also soaked parts of southern Brazil into southern Paraguay on Tuesday morning, February 18.

Julie Celestial

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