The storm in Paysandú, which hit early Sunday morning, left a preliminary toll of 7,000 people affected, 1,700 electrical services damaged, and numerous roofs blown off. The maximum gusts reached 152 km/h, according to the Charles Chalkling Airport weather station, around 6:30 a.m.
Departmental authorities reported that the event was not limited to the southern part of the department. A wider area was impacted, with downed trees, damaged power lines, and localized flooding. Cecoed activated its response plan and is coordinating with the Fire Department, the UTE (United Workers' Union), the Police, and municipal teams to address immediate needs and assess structural damage.
Storm in Paysandú: Timeline, affected areas, and initial support
According to operational records, the highest wind peak occurred between 6:10 and 6:30 a.m. The gusts surpassed records from 2022. The areas with the most reports include San Félix, Diagonal San Félix, and the western and eastern sectors of the Porvenir Municipality. In these areas, partial and complete roof blowouts, fallen trees and power lines, and damage to medium- and low-voltage power lines were reported.
The storm in Paysandú caused power outages in multiple neighborhoods and rural towns. UTE is working in teams, prioritizing trunk lines and sensitive services. The mayor's office reported that architects from the Public Works Department will assess collapsed structures and homes with significant damage to arrange support and repairs. On the social front, the distribution of mattresses, baskets, and food supplies has begun for people unable to stay overnight at home. The immediate objective is to cover the night after the event and stabilize the most vulnerable households.
In the production sector, a dairy farm in Parada Esperanza lost its roof and reported the property under water. With 280 cows being milked, the producer is evaluating alternatives to resume routine operations, protect the farm, and prevent further losses. Rural technicians and municipal officials are surveying the affected areas to assess damage to sheds, corrals, and fences.
Operational response, care, and next steps
Inter-institutional coordination is ongoing on three fronts: personal safety , service restoration, and technical assessment of homes. Residents are advised to clear access points, avoid downed power lines, and document damage with photos for later processing. If water is ingressing, it is recommended to turn off power at the switchboards until the home is dry and inspected. In traffic, it is suggested to avoid streets with loose branches and metal sheets; if you must move, do so in advance because buses may operate with detours.
In terms of supplies, businesses and fairs are adjusting their hours until the power supply is normalized. For odd jobs and outdoor work, breaks are recommended until the strong winds cease and dangerous items are removed. In schools and health services , local authorities will inform them if there are routine disruptions due to power outages or property cleaning.
The storm in Paysandú will require several days of work: removal of bulky waste, shoring, and partial re-roofing. Municipal teams are prioritizing schools, clinics, and main roads, and then moving on to internal streets. In parallel, a survey of productive damage is being conducted to seek assistance and possible exemptions related to fees or contributions, where applicable.
Technical meteorological reports detail that the passage of the frontal wind combined intense winds with convective cells. The local forecast indicates that, following the wind rotation and the entry of cooler air, conditions will tend to improve, although isolated showers may persist. The recommendation is to follow official reports and not to manipulate roofs without safety equipment.
For citizen registration, it is suggested to provide the exact address, time of the damage, and a brief description. This order speeds up prioritization. In neighborhoods with slopes, keeping storm drains clear reduces flooding in subsequent events. If cracks or fissures are detected in walls and columns, a technical assessment should be requested before reoccupying the premises.
In rural areas, it is recommended to check water lines, reservoirs, and electric fences. Securing machinery and inspecting perimeter trees prevents accidents when resuming work. On farms with animals, clearing sharp debris and controlling overhanging roofs is a priority.
Inumet – Official warnings and forecasts → https://www.inumet.gub.uy/
