A severe thunderstorm swept through Rosario early Tuesday, causing widespread damage including downed trees and disruptions to traffic, authorities confirmed. Winds peaked at 102 kilometers per hour, according to official records.
Gonzalo Ratner, Director General of Risk Management and Civil Protection for the Municipality of Rosario, stated the wind had a significant impact on the city. As of early morning, more than 130 claims had been filed via the 103 emergency line, and several streets in the city center were blocked, Ratner explained during a report on La Red Rosario.
The disruption extended beyond city limits. The Provincial Road Safety Agency (APSV) announced the complete closure of Provincial Route 21 in Fighiera due to the storm. Temporary detours were implemented directing traffic to the Rosario-Buenos Aires highway, with the route reopening around 7:30 a.m.
According to official records, wind gusts exceeded 70 km/h at various points throughout the city during the storm, which began shortly after midnight. The National Meteorological Service (SMN) lifted the yellow alert by morning, but the aftermath persisted.
Ratner described the situation as “complex,” reporting that the municipality had received over 70 claims related to fallen trees, 50 concerning damaged power lines and poles, and 15 reports of blown-off signs and roofing materials.
While rainfall was consistent, Ratner clarified it was not heavy, with a total accumulation of 16 millimeters and no reported flooding.
The Integrated Operations Center of Rosario (Cior) announced the following street closures Tuesday morning:
- Riccheri between Avenida Pellegrini and Montevideo
- Sarmiento between Avenida Pellegrini and Cochabamba
- Maipú and Montevideo
These closures were primarily due to fallen branches and trees obstructing roadways. Restrictions were as well in place at Salta and Ovidio Lagos, and Zeballos and Bulevar Oroño for the same reason.
Earlier, Rosario Volunteer Firefighters reported a Volkswagen Up! was damaged on San Juan and Río de Janeiro when a tree collapsed onto the parked vehicle in the Echesortu neighborhood. A similar incident occurred later in the city center, damaging a white car and a red truck. The street remained closed as of 8:00 a.m.
Ratner recommended continued vigilance due to the unstable conditions in various parts of the city, noting the numerous reports of fallen branches and related issues.
