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[SITUATION] · [ACTIVE] · [INTERNATIONAL]
2 clusters · 15 sources · 5 days · First seen · Last updated
Severe weather events in central Chile
Overview
In mid-October 2026, Santiago experienced a meteorological phenomenon known as a gustnado. While initially suspected to be an EF0 tornado, the Chilean Meteorological Directorate (DMC) reclassified the event as a gustnado after technical analysis showed the rotating wind gusts were caused by cold downdrafts hitting the ground rather than circulation extending from a cloud base.
On October 26, a more severe weather event occurred in the O’Higgins region. An EF-2 tornado struck the commune of Requínoa, producing wind speeds estimated between 179 and 218 km/h. This tornado caused significant damage to at least 85 homes and the Colegio Tricahue school, where the gymnasium suffered “near-total destruction.” The storm also damaged electrical infrastructure, including 28 power poles, and displaced heavy containers.
In the Santiago Metropolitan Region, intense rainfall and hail triggered the overflow of the Quebrada Honda in Las Condes, leading to mudslides and flooding in residential areas. Senapred reported multiple people displaced and several educational institutions damaged across the O’Higgins and Maule regions. Government ministers, including the Ministers of Housing and Social Development, have arrived in affected areas to coordinate aid, with plans to utilize housing improvement subsidies and the Basic Emergency Form (FIBE) to assist families with structural damage.
Entities
Chile · Requínoa · Chilean Meteorological Directorate · Senapred · Las Condes
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] A tornado struck the commune of Requínoa in the O’Higgins region of Chile. www.criterioonline.com · tribunademexico.com · www.mejorinformado.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The tornado was classified as an EF-2 on the Enhanced Fujita scale. www.criterioonline.com · tribunademexico.com · www.mejorinformado.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Wind speeds during the tornado ranged between 179 and 218 km/h. www.criterioonline.com · tribunademexico.com · www.mejorinformado.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Colegio Tricahue suffered significant damage to its gymnasium, roofs, and windows. www.criterioonline.com · www.mejorinformado.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] One person sustained minor injuries due to the tornado. www.criterioonline.com · www.mejorinformado.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The tornado caused damage to at least 85 homes. www.mejorinformado.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Approximately 7,760 customers experienced electricity service interruptions. www.criterioonline.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] A lightning strike hit a railway station in Talca. www.criterioonline.com
Timeline
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[INTERNATIONAL] 12 sourcesChile tornado and storms cause widespread damage in central regions
An EF-2 tornado and severe storms hit central Chile, damaging over 85 homes and a school in Requínoa, while flooding and mudslides affected the Santiago Metropolitan Region.
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[INTERNATIONAL] 3 sourcesSantiago, Chile, hit by gustnado phenomenon
A gustnado phenomenon caused structural damage and debris in Santiago, Chile, on October 13, after being initially mistaken for a tornado.
Sources
brasilemfolhas.com.br · diariocol.com.ar · diarioestrategia.cl · diariorancagua.cl · g5noticias.cl · ilustrado.cl · infomoney.com.br · lahora.pe · lapatilla.com · latercera.com · mejorinformado.com · nahoradanoticia.com.br · ocio.farodevigo.es · radioallen.cl · tribunademexico.com
This summary has been updated 1 time: see revision history