INAMHI Warns: More Heavy Rain Coming Today -- Flooding Risk Elevated
Cuenca Expat Staff
More Rain Incoming -- INAMHI Issues Warnings for Today
Just days after the hailstorm that blanketed San Sebastian and the sinkhole that opened in El Valle, Ecuador's meteorological agency INAMHI is warning of additional heavy rain and wind gusts for March 31 -- today.
The Forecast
INAMHI's warnings focus on:
- Sierra (highlands including Cuenca): Heavy rain expected, particularly in the afternoon and evening hours. Wind gusts intensifying
- Amazon region: Strong storms and heavy precipitation
- Coastal zones (northern): Continued storm activity
For Cuenca specifically, the ground is already heavily saturated from weeks of consistent rain, including the severe events of March 12 (Yanuncay flooding) and March 28 (hailstorm). This means that even moderate additional rainfall can trigger localized flooding, because the soil simply can't absorb any more water.
What This Means for Expats
We've been saying this a lot lately, but it bears repeating:
- Avoid low-lying areas near rivers during and after heavy rain. The Yanuncay, Tomebamba, Tarqui, and Machangara rivers can all rise quickly
- The El Valle area is still recovering from last week's sinkhole. ETAPA repairs may be complicated by additional rain -- avoid the area if possible
- Drive carefully on wet roads. Cobblestone streets in the historic center become very slippery. Hills and curves are particularly dangerous
- Park under cover if you can. Another hailstorm is possible and can damage vehicles
- Keep electronics charged. Power outages during severe storms happen. Have flashlights, charged phones, and a plan for if the power goes out
- Clear gutters and drains near your home. Even a small blockage can cause water to back up into your property during heavy rain
- Carry an umbrella -- obvious, but the rain can come on suddenly and heavily. Getting caught without one in a Cuenca downpour is no joke
- Report flooding or infrastructure damage immediately via ECU 911 (dial 911) or ETAPA (07-283-7968)
The rainy season typically continues through May. This isn't unusual weather for March in Cuenca -- but the cumulative effect of weeks of heavy rain has left the city's infrastructure and natural drainage systems under significant pressure. Stay alert.
Sources: INAMHI, El Mercurio
