Overview
- Short-term alerts from Argentina’s weather service preceded Tuesday’s storm that cut a narrow but long path across San Rafael and General Alvear, striking rural areas such as Real del Padre, Jaime Prats, Soitué, Colonia López, Calle Larga, Atuel Norte, La Guevarina, La Izuelina, La Vasconia and Rincón del Atuel.
- Producers report severe agricultural losses including many fincas with 100% damage, with on-the-ground accounts describing a relatively narrow swath but extensive length and noting that some farms were hit again after replanting from last year’s event.
- Local surveys describe large hail and strong winds that damaged fruit trees, broke roofs and windows, affected livestock and downed power lines, causing outages for several hours in parts of the region.
- The provincial government activated assistance protocols as Contingencias Climáticas and Agriculture officials toured Real del Padre, while the DCC opened damage filings through January 20 via the SIA online system or in-person delegations pending tasadores’ confirmations.
- Growers and industry leaders questioned the anti-hail program’s effectiveness during this event and highlighted anti-hail mesh as a protective, though costly, measure, as forecasts keep the chance of additional storms in the short term.