The Municipality of Bariloche and the Servicio Meteorológico Nacional issued weather alerts and declared a climate emergency following intense snowfall this week [1, 2].

These measures aim to prevent accidents and deaths as hazardous road conditions and ice accumulation make travel dangerous across the cordilleran region. The extreme weather has forced the suspension of school classes to ensure student safety [3, 4].

The weather alerts, which include both yellow and orange levels, were first issued on the afternoon and night of Friday, July 23 [3, 4]. Meteorologists said snow accumulation could reach up to 50 centimeters in some areas [2].

In addition to the heavy snowfall, the region faced strong winds. Forecasts indicated that wind gusts could reach 69 km/h [5]. These combined conditions created significant risks for motorists and pedestrians, prompting local officials to discourage all unnecessary travel [1].

Follow-up alerts continued into Saturday, July 24, as the storm system moved through the Patagonian mountains [5]. Local authorities coordinated with the SMN to monitor the situation and manage the clearance of primary transit routes [1, 2].

The declaration of a climate emergency allows the municipality to mobilize additional resources and personnel to handle the crisis. This includes the deployment of snow-clearing equipment, and the activation of emergency shelters for those stranded by the weather [1].

“Snow accumulation could reach up to 50 centimeters”

The declaration of a climate emergency in Bariloche highlights the volatility of winter weather in Argentine Patagonia. By integrating SMN data with municipal mandates, the city is attempting to mitigate the logistical collapse that often accompanies sudden, heavy snow accumulation in mountainous regions.