INAMHI Issues Thunderstorm Warning for Sunday: Coast, Amazon, and Sierra All Affected

If you had outdoor plans today, check the sky first.

INAMHI, Ecuador's national meteorological agency, has issued a thunderstorm warning for Sunday, February 8, covering the interior coast, Amazon region, and localized areas of the Sierra -- including Azuay.

What's Expected

Electrical storms with heavy rainfall are forecast across three zones today:

• Interior coast (Litoral): Los Ríos, inland Guayas, Santo Domingo
• Amazon: Napo, Orellana, Pastaza, Morona Santiago
• Sierra: Localized intense events in Azuay, Cañar, and Chimborazo

For Cuenca specifically, expect the usual rainy-season pattern amplified: overcast mornings giving way to heavy afternoon and evening downpours, potentially with lightning and brief hail at higher elevations.

This Is Part of a Pattern

This isn't an isolated event. Ecuador has been under persistent heavy rainfall warnings since midweek, and the pattern isn't expected to break before Monday at the earliest. Rivers across the Sierra are running high, and the ground is saturated -- meaning even moderate additional rainfall can trigger problems.

Risks

• Urban flooding: Low-lying streets in El Centro and along the rivers can flood quickly during intense downpours. The Tomebamba and Yanuncay have been running high all week.
• Landslides: Mountain roads are vulnerable, particularly the Cuenca-Molleturo-Naranjal route to the coast and the road to Girón/Pasaje.
• Lightning: Open areas, parks, and elevated terrain are risky during electrical storms. Avoid Cajas and exposed hiking routes today.
• Power outages: Lightning strikes can knock out power in specific neighborhoods. Keep devices charged.

Practical Tips for Today

• Driving: Avoid the Cuenca-Guayaquil highway via Cajas if possible. If you must drive, go in the morning before storms build. Never cross water flowing across the road.
• Walking: Carry an umbrella and waterproof your phone. Afternoon errands are when you're most likely to get caught.
• River proximity: Stay well away from riverbanks. The Tomebamba walkway floods fast and without much warning when water surges.
• Carnival prep: If you're doing pre-Carnival shopping today, go early. Afternoon storms will make getting around miserable.

Emergency Contacts

• ECU 911 -- National emergency coordination
• Bomberos Cuenca -- Fire and flood rescue
• EMOV -- Road closures and traffic updates (@EMOVep on social media)

Rainy season runs through May. This is a good day to stay in, cook something, and save your outdoor plans for a drier window.

Sources: El Universo, INAMHI