Strong Winds Cause Damage and Power Outages in Metropolitan Region
Strong wind gusts of up to 124 kilometers per hour were recorded in some sectors of the Metropolitan Region of Chile on August 9th, causing damage and disruptions.
A tree fell on a car in the commune of Estación Central, tragically killing one person and injuring two others. Additionally, numerous reports of falling trees and antennas, as well as blown-off roofs emerged across the region.
The strong winds also resulted in massive power outages, leaving around 700,000 homes without electricity after 8:00 a.m. Traffic was also affected, with the Alameda highway completely blocked by a fallen tree.
Furthermore, around 500 traffic lights in the Metropolitan Region experienced problems due to the stormy wind. The fall of trees was also reported in Maipú, San Bernardo, La Granja, Quinta Normal, Las Condes, La Reina, and Quilicura.
Flights at Santiago Airport were temporarily suspended due to the strong winds, but service later resumed.
The Ministry of Education announced the suspension of classes in all public, subsidized private, and paid private schools in the Metropolitan Region.
Social media was flooded with posts documenting the consequences of the strong winds, showcasing the damage and disruptions caused by the weather event.