Paraguay: Adverse weather forecast across central and southern regions through at least May 3

Thunderstorms are forecast across parts of southern Paraguay through at least May 3. The Directorate of Meteorology and Hydrology has issued a special bulletin for storms across the Eastern Region and southern parts of the Western/Chaco Region May 1. Storms may be accompanied by heavy rainfall, strong winds, lightning, and possible hail. The storms are expected to impact Neembucu, Misiones, and Itapua departments from early May 1 through the afternoon of May 3, Asuncion, Central, Cordillera, Caaguazu, Guaira, Paraguari, Caazapa, central and southern Alto Parana, and southern Presidente Hayes departments from early May 2 through late May 3, southern Boqueron and Presidente Hayes from early May 2 through early May 3, and San Pedro, Canindeyu, southwestern Concepcion, and northern Alto Parana from the afternoon of May 2 through late May 3. Winds gusting up to 120 kph (75 mph) and rainfall totals of 5-8 cm (2-3 inches) are likely in the affected areas. As of early May 1, a short-term warning for rain with moderate-to-strong thunderstorms has been issued for western Itapua, Misiones, and Neembucu departments; officials will likely issue further warnings over the coming days. Heavy downpours could trigger flooding in low-lying areas and landslides on unstable slopes. Strong winds may cause power outages and property damage.

The storms could produce rounds of heavy precipitation, strong winds, and isolated thunderstorm activity. Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flash and areal flooding. Such flooding is possible in low-lying communities near watercourses and other large bodies of water and in urban areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream of large reservoirs may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall.

The severe weather will likely contribute to transport disruptions across the affected region. Traffic and commercial trucking delays might occur along regional highways. Flooding downpours could inundate some low-lying roads in areas with poor drainage. Strong winds might also pose a hazard to high-profile vehicles. Hazardous weather conditions might cause flight delays and cancellations at regional airports.