Santa Fe is grappling with the aftermath of a severe storm that brought heavy rainfall and strong winds on Sunday, February 15, 2026, leading to widespread flooding and disruptions across the city. The most significant impacts have been reported along Avenida Aristóbulo del Valle, a major commercial artery, where streets were submerged and traffic was severely hampered. The storm also caused trees to fall, resulting in partial road closures and power outages in the María Selva neighborhood.
The intersection of Aristóbulo del Valle and Salvador del Carril was particularly hard hit, with reports indicating the roadway was completely covered with water. Motorists and motorcyclists were forced to navigate the flooded streets with extreme caution to avoid becoming stranded, a situation repeated in other sections of the avenue. This disruption to traffic flow comes as the avenue is a key route connecting Santa Fe with neighboring localities, impacting both residents and commerce.
Beyond the immediate flooding, the storm brought down trees and branches throughout the city. The Municipalidad de Santa Fe confirmed that crews are working to clear debris and unclog drainage systems. One incident required intervention from the COBEM (the city’s emergency management agency) at Crespo al 2.200, where a large tree had fallen, blocking the street. The municipality reported attending to claims related to five fallen trees and large branches as of Sunday.
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Municipal Response and Rainfall Totals
The Municipalidad de Santa Fe has mobilized crews to address the storm’s impact, focusing on clearing streets and ensuring drainage systems are functioning effectively. Pumping stations are reportedly operating normally. Residents are being urged to avoid placing trash in the streets and to secure any loose objects that could be carried away by potential further winds. The Sistema de Alerta Temprana (SAT), the city’s early warning system, has extended the yellow alert for the area until Monday morning.
Detailed rainfall data collected on Sunday, February 15, 2026, up to 6:15 PM, shows significant variation across the city: DOAE (COBEM) recorded 18.00 mm of rain, while the city center saw 12.00 mm. The Alto Verde delegation registered 9.25 mm, and the CIC F. Zuviría area received the highest amount at 17.75 mm. The maximum rainfall intensity was 75.00 mm/hour, also recorded at CIC F. Zuviría at 5:25 PM. A maximum wind gust of 48.0 km/h from the south was measured at CIC F. Zuviría at 5:35 PM.
Impact on Local Businesses
Avenida Aristóbulo del Valle is a major commercial hub, boasting over 600 establishments. TurismoFe.com describes the avenue as an open-air shopping center that extends beyond the city limits. The flooding and power outages will undoubtedly impact businesses along the avenue, particularly as some areas experienced power cuts, as reported by AIRE. The extent of the economic impact remains to be seen.
The city is also addressing reports of traffic signal outages, particularly along Aristóbulo del Valle, which are contributing to traffic congestion. Authorities have not yet provided a timeline for full restoration of traffic signals.
Residents are advised to stay informed about the evolving situation and heed any instructions issued by the Municipalidad de Santa Fe. The city will continue to assess the damage and provide updates as they become available. The next official update from the Municipalidad is expected on Tuesday morning, February 17, 2026, regarding ongoing cleanup efforts and a full damage assessment.
Have you been affected by the storms in Santa Fe? Share your experiences and information in the comments below.
