An intense southeast wind transformed the landscape of Mar del Plata during the first weekend of January.
The water advanced up to the tents of the resorts and completely covered the sand, an unusual sight in mid-summer.
In particular, the sea level reached 2.40 meters, a record comparable to the rise in March 2020.
The combination of extraordinary tide, full moon, and sustained winds of up to 75 km/h intensified the climatic phenomenon.
Thus, the water occupied spaces usually intended for tourist recreation and damaged infrastructure at various points along the Buenos Aires Atlantic coast.
Damage in resorts and emergency operation due to the southeast wind
The force of the water dismantled numerous tents in resorts in the south of Mar del Plata, where the high tide reached the base of the lifeguard huts and surrounded the security structures.
Civil Defense deployed a constant monitoring operation to assess the damage. “Coastal tours are being conducted to assess damage,” stated Alfredo Rodríguez, head of the agency.
The advance of the sea also caused the breaking of access ramps and displaced large volumes of sand. The newer structures located near the sea suffered considerable damage.
The authorities preventively closed several resorts and access points. They recommended avoiding breaking zones and breakwaters while the intense waves persisted.
After the rise in sea level, in areas such as Playa Grande, Punta Mogotes, and La Perla, tents and lifeguard cabins were relocated.
There, administrators sought to maintain safe access areas for visitors.
The impact of the southeast wind on the Buenos Aires coast
It should be noted that the climatic phenomenon extended beyond Mar del Plata and also affected towns in the Partido de La Costa such as Santa Teresita, Mar del Tuyú, and Las Toninas.
In some cases, the rise due to the southeast wind reached homes and sections of the waterfront.
In particular, in Mar del Tuyú, the absence of dunes facilitated the advance of the sea to the front of the houses.
Pinamar also experienced complications: there, the wind made it difficult to transit the beach. Meanwhile, in Cariló, several lifeguard huts were affected by the waves.
Finally, the popular Villa Gesell also suffered the consequences of the southeast wind, as the water displaced signs and exposed piles and bases in low areas.
Additionally, the reduction of public space prompted complaints from locals and tourists.
Meteorological alerts and recommendations
The National Meteorological Service maintained a yellow alert for winds throughout the weekend.
The gusts reached considerable intensity and complicated circulation in urban areas.
The Naval Hydrography Service also issued warnings about the danger of the rise.
The recommendations included not leaving vehicles or belongings near the tide line.
Lifeguards and concessionaires highlighted the atypical nature of the episode for January. This type of climatic event usually occurs more frequently in autumn, not in the peak season.
The high astronomical tide, reinforced by the full moon, multiplied the effect of the southeast wind.
Specialists clarified that the coincidence of natural factors amplified the phenomenon extraordinarily.
On Monday, the weather conditions improved with maximum temperatures of 27°C. However, the beach still presented an altered appearance and the space available to the public was reduced.
Characteristics of the phenomenon
- Sea level: reached 2.40 meters on Friday morning
- Winds: gusts of up to 75 km/h that intensified the southeast wind
- Affected areas: Mar del Plata, Santa Teresita, Mar del Tuyú, Las Toninas, Pinamar, Cariló, and Villa Gesell
- Main damages: dismantled tents, broken ramps, sand displacement, and impact on coastal structures
The authorities recommended that those traveling from La Plata and other inland cities avoid approaching low areas.
The phenomenon has no recent precedents in the peak season according to historical records.
