Hail blanketed streets in Santiago, Chile, and floodwater pushed across major roads on Oct. 13, turning a spring storm into a citywide disruption.
Here's what to know
A video posted to Instagram on Oct. 15 by BBC Weather (@BBCWeather) showed streets buried under hail and moving water. The post also said the storm disrupted public transport, cut power to thousands, and prompted authorities to declare a red alert for the Metropolitan Region.
After the storm, hailstones were visible on roadways in Santiago, and water was rushing along city streets after a "torrential rain."
One commenter pointed to the unusual timing of the event, writing: "And we are in the middle of spring. Many cities of chile are flooded rn."
More background
Getting around the city was hazardous: slick roads and floodwater moving through the streets complicated travel for drivers, transit riders, and pedestrians.
Flooded roads and disrupted public transit could keep people from work, school, and appointments, while power outages affecting thousands could threaten food storage, communication, and household safety.
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As one commenter put it, "This climate crisis is hitting hard, so many places flooding rn."
What's being done?
The post didn't detail emergency crews or recovery timelines, but the alert suggests authorities treated the hailstorm and torrential rain as a serious regional event rather than a localized inconvenience.
Officials issued the warning after roads flooded and power outages affected thousands.
Where can I learn more?
Storms like the one in Santiago can quickly strain roads, utilities, and daily life.
• Across Portugal and Europe, the ground can no longer absorb more rain as flooding worsens.
• Recent extreme weather has left governments with public infrastructure crumbling and costly repairs.
• In Europe, repeated floods are threatening the financial system as losses keep climbing.
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