A severe storm surprised the Buenos Aires Metropolitan Area (AMBA) on December 23, 2025, with heavy rains, hail, and winds causing flooding on streets and highways. Two people were trapped in their cars on the Panamericana and had to be rescued, while the Unicenter shopping center experienced water leaks. The National Meteorological Service issued a yellow alert for the adverse conditions.
On December 23, 2025, after a day of intense heat and clear skies, a severe storm hit the AMBA starting around 5 PM, intensifying over the hours. The National Meteorological Service (SMN) had issued a yellow alert for storms, warning of heavy precipitation, electrical activity, and occasional hail in Buenos Aires City and conurbano districts such as San Isidro, Vicente López, and Martínez.
The rains caused traffic chaos on key northern AMBA highways. The Panamericana turned into a river within minutes, with cars floating, stranded underwater, and two people trapped who needed rescue by a volunteer firefighter and neighbors to prevent a tragedy. The General Paz also collapsed during rush hour, paralyzing traffic. Flooded streets, fallen trees, and hail in various areas forced residents to seek shelter.
In Martínez, the Unicenter shopping center was among the hardest hit. The mall reported water leaks on the third level, affecting stores and leading to preventive restrictions in impacted areas, though it continued partial operations. According to an official statement from Unicenter, technical teams began working immediately to resolve the issue, and unaffected areas operated normally. The incident occurred during the 'Noche de los Shoppings,' an event with nighttime promotions, with no changes announced to the schedule at the time.
Authorities started cleanup operations on the Panamericana and flooded areas. The SMN forecasted that rains could extend into the early hours of December 24, with possible isolated storms, advising the public to stay informed.
