According to the available information, sANTIAGO, Chile, October 13, 2026. Severe thunderstorms, heavy rainfall and hail swept across parts of central Chile on Tuesday, prompting emergency alerts and widespread disruption in the capital. A powerful burst of wind in the Estación Central commune damaged roofing near Santiago's southern bus terminal, drawing attention to reports of a possible tornado-like weather event. Chile's meteorological service had warned of thunderstorms across seven regions, while the National Disaster Prevention and Response Service, known as SENAPRED, declared a red alert…
Chile’s meteorological service had warned of thunderstorms across seven regions, while the National Disaster Prevention and Response Service, known as SENAPRED, declared a red alert for the Metropolitan Region as conditions deteriorated.
Although meteorologists discussed the unusual wind event in Santiago, reports differed on whether the footage showed an actual tornado. Authorities and weather specialists continued assessing the available evidence.
Severe Weather Alerts Issued Across Seven Regions
The Dirección Meteorológica de Chile (DMC) issued an alert for thunderstorms affecting areas from Coquimbo in the north to BiobÃo in the south. The warning included parts of ValparaÃso, the Metropolitan Region, O’Higgins, Maule and Ñuble.
Forecasters warned that the unstable atmospheric conditions could bring intense rainfall over short periods, hail and strong localized wind gusts.
The storms developed during the afternoon, when many residents were travelling home from work and school. Heavy precipitation quickly created difficult conditions on roads and affected public transport in Santiago.
The red alert issued by SENAPRED enabled emergency agencies to coordinate resources in response to the evolving weather situation.
Tornado-Like Wind Event Damages Roofing in Estación Central
One of the most striking incidents occurred near the Terminal de Buses Sur in Estación Central, where video footage showed strong winds lifting and damaging metal roofing.
The footage prompted questions about whether a tornado had formed during the storm. Chilean meteorologist Elio Brufort told Cooperativa that the event appeared to have tornadic characteristics based on the recordings, while noting that the images required further analysis to determine its precise nature.
Other meteorological commentary urged caution. Canal 13 meteorologist Gianfranco Marcone said the available videos did not clearly show the funnel structure typically associated with a tornado. He suggested that powerful storm-related winds could also explain the damage.
The distinction is important: damaging rotating or straight-line winds can occur during severe thunderstorms, but a confirmed tornado classification requires stronger evidence than footage of objects being lifted into the air.
Santiago Faces Flooding and Transport Disruptions
The storm brought more than strong winds. Intense rainfall and hail caused flooding at several low-lying roads and underpasses across Santiago.
Transport officials reported water accumulation in locations including Lira beneath Alameda in Santiago, Carlos Dittborn and Dublé Almeyda in Ñuñoa, and areas around Avenida Departamental and Gran Avenida in San Miguel.
The accumulation of water also affected Metro services. Some stations on Lines 1 and 2 experienced closures or restricted operations as officials responded to the weather-related disruptions.
Authorities advised motorists to avoid flooded underpasses and to reconsider unnecessary travel while conditions remained hazardous.
Thousands of Households Reportedly Lose Electricity
The severe weather also affected electricity supply in the Metropolitan Region. Reports citing Chile’s electricity regulator indicated that approximately 48,000 households were without power during the afternoon.
Several municipalities, including San Bernardo, Santiago and Puente Alto, were among the areas reporting interruptions.
The available reports did not establish that every outage was directly caused by the wind event in Estación Central. Electricity restoration times and the final number of affected customers could change as utility companies assessed the situation.
Key Facts About Chile’s Severe Weather Emergency
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | October 13, 2026 |
| Main affected area | Santiago Metropolitan Region and parts of central Chile |
| Weather conditions | Thunderstorms, heavy rain, hail and strong winds |
| Official weather agency | Dirección Meteorológica de Chile |
| Emergency authority | SENAPRED |
| Alert status | Red alert declared for the Metropolitan Region |
| Reported wind damage | Roofing damaged near Terminal de Buses Sur in Estación Central |
| Power disruption | Approximately 48,000 households reportedly affected |
| Tornado status | Tornado-like event reported; exact classification remained under assessment |
Safety Advice as Conditions Develop
Residents in affected areas should follow official instructions and monitor updates from the DMC and SENAPRED. During thunderstorms, people should seek shelter in substantial buildings, stay away from windows, and avoid open areas where strong winds or lightning may pose a risk.
Drivers should never attempt to cross flooded roads or underpasses, even if the water appears shallow. Downed electrical wires should be treated as live, and damaged structures should be avoided until authorities declare them safe.
People should also check public transport updates before travelling, as heavy rain can lead to sudden service changes.
What Happens Next?
Meteorological authorities and emergency agencies are expected to continue monitoring conditions and assessing damage from the storm. Further analysis may clarify the nature of the wind event in Estación Central and provide more information about its intensity and impact.
The severe-weather alerts covered multiple regions, but the most significant reported disruption on Tuesday centered on Santiago and surrounding municipalities.
Disclaimer
This report reflects information published on October 13, 2026. Weather conditions and official alerts can change rapidly. The storm and red alert were reported by Chilean authorities and news outlets, but the exact classification of the wind event in Estación Central remained subject to meteorological assessment.
