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Unseasonal Hail and Snow Paralyze Andean Highlands as Two Die in Arequipa

Meteorologists say a cold air mass is driving convective storms forecast to bring rain, snow, hail, sleet, strong winds to highland provinces through May 29.

Overview

  • Late-May storms dropped heavy hail and mixed precipitation across Puno, Arequipa, Ayacucho and Cusco, blocking roads, stranding vehicles and halting urban transit.
  • Puno saw intense hail that left streets and major avenues coated with up to about five centimeters of ice and disrupted city traffic and commerce.
  • Regional authorities confirmed at least two deaths in Huaynacota, Arequipa, when a residence collapsed during the intense precipitation.
  • A separate hailstorm in Puebla, Mexico, left streets and Estadio Cuauhtémoc covered in ice and caused flooding and fallen trees while officials reported no serious injuries.
  • Senamhi and regional civil-defense offices have issued active warnings, deployed crews to clear routes, advised roof reinforcement and urged farmers to protect livestock as operations continue.