Winter is making its presence felt in the mountain ranges , transforming these majestic systems into challenging environments for residents and travelers alike. Adverse weather conditions and the associated risks of mountain terrain are once again a major concern, making safety and preparedness crucial to avoiding serious consequences.
In recent days, the Andes and Cantabrian Mountains have been the scene of situations that are testing both emergency services and those who travel through or live in these areas. The cold, the accumulation of snow, and the intense precipitation are setting the tone for a season in which nature dictates its rhythm.
Rescues in the Andes Mountains due to heavy snowfall
A severe snowstorm hit the border crossings between Chile and Argentina , leaving dozens of people stranded in vehicles unable to continue their journey due to the accumulation of snow on the road . The hardest-hit areas were Paso de Jama, Hito Cajón, and San Pedro de Atacama, where Chilean police and emergency services rescued approximately 30 Argentine citizens after hours of uncertainty and extreme cold.
Among those rescued were a family of four and three other people who, after walking several kilometers through the snow, reached the Hito Cajón border crossing to ask for help. Rescue teams acted quickly, transporting those affected to San Pedro de Atacama , where they received medical assistance and protection from the low temperatures.
The situation affected not only individuals but also groups of up to 20 people who were stranded awaiting rescue operations. The province of El Loa is experiencing a particularly critical situation: the binational border crossings of Jama, Hito Cajón, and Ollagüe remain closed due to snow, while authorities are working to clear roads such as Route CH-27 and CH-21, which are essential for traffic between the two countries.
Despite this situation, some access points, such as the Sico Integrated Border Complex, are open only to freight transport and during limited hours due to the continued presence of snow on Route CH-23 . Meanwhile, the San Pedro de Atacama pass remains open under partly cloudy conditions and with restricted hours, a sign that winter in the Andes demands maximum caution.
Cantabrian Mountains: Orange alert for rain and storms
Extreme weather conditions are not exclusive to the Andes . On the Iberian Peninsula, the State Meteorological Agency has issued weather warnings for episodes of heavy rain, storms, and high temperatures in the Cantabrian Mountains and other areas of Castile and León. To better understand how these conditions will affect the region, also review the impact of the cold front in the Southern Cone.
The province of León, specifically, is under orange alert for rainfall in the Cantabrian Mountains area , with forecasts of up to 30 liters of water per square meter falling in just one hour, which could generate flash floods , hinder traffic and increase danger in mountain areas.
In addition, the rest of the provinces in Castile and León are under yellow weather warnings for high temperatures, risk of thunderstorms with hail , and strong winds. Burgos, Palencia, Soria, and Zamora also face warnings for rain and storms, while Salamanca and Valladolid are at risk of heat and adverse weather conditions for extended periods.
Experts recommend avoiding unnecessary travel in these areas, paying attention to sudden weather changes, and consulting up-to-date information. Rapid accumulations of water and hail can complicate both road and mountain driving conditions.
These recent events in different mountain ranges highlight the importance of prevention, emergency coordination , and raising public awareness about the dangers of the mountains in winter. Staying informed, following official guidelines, and being properly equipped are essential steps to enjoying and respecting these environments without compromising safety.
