Argentina's western provinces brace for severe winter storm
A strong winter storm swept across western Argentina in mid‑July, bringing heavy snowfall, extreme cold and intense winds. The event disrupted electricity distribution in San Juan, prompting the regulator EPRE to order Naturgy to deploy additional repair crews and hydraulic equipment. Power outages affected over 500 households in Calingasta, Iglesia and surrounding areas.
Provincial authorities activated emergency assistance for more than 540 families in San Juan’s Jáchal, Calingasta and Iglesia districts, providing basic supplies, home‑damage assessments and road‑maintenance operations. Municipalities in Ushuaia and Río Grande (Tierra del Fuego) launched extensive snow‑clearance and safety campaigns, warning residents about carbon‑monoxide risks and advising precautions on icy roads.
The storm forced the closure of the Cristo Redentor international crossing with Chile and isolated a mining camp in Catamarca, leaving workers stranded for over 36 hours. In Mendoza, record snow accumulations halted traffic on the national highway and shut ski resorts, while neighboring provinces—including Córdoba, Neuquén, and Misiones—issued yellow alerts for snow, cold and strong thunderstorms. Continuous monitoring and road‑clearance efforts continue across the affected regions.