La Derecha Diario Córdoba: road closures on national and provincial routes due to snow and ice after a polar cold wave
Highway Police reported road closures and urged drivers to exercise caution due to icy conditions on various mountain roads
A mass of polar air entered the center of the country and brought snow and sleet to several mountainous towns in Córdoba over the weekend. In this context, the Córdoba Road Police warned that several sections have accumulated ice and decided to interrupt traffic to prevent accidents. The operation includes detours and speed controls.
From the early hours of Sunday, the section of National Route 38 was closed, where the snow formed a slippery layer that prevents safe transit. The Road Police implemented a closure on Provincial Route 28, affected by landslides near the Taninga tunnels, Pareja de los Potreros, and El Cadillo. The situation is compounded by blockades on Camino del Cuadrado and Altas Cumbres, where ice covers the road and forces traffic to stop.
The force recommended driving with headlights on, reducing speed, and obeying signage, since there are still sections with sleet and low visibility. Meanwhile, the National Meteorological Service issued an alert for extreme cold covering the northern, western, and southern parts of the province for the coming hours. The agency reminded that "extreme temperatures can be dangerous for at-risk groups" and urged people to take extra precautions at home and while traveling.
Current road conditions and detours
On National Route 38, there were checkpoints at the entrances to Capilla del Monte and Valle Hermoso, because the snow exceeded five centimeters (2 inches) on bridges and shoulders. Road crews spread salt and use graders to clear the ice, although subzero temperatures made melting difficult and prolonged the closure. Those traveling to Punilla must use the detours indicated via Route E‑55 and the Justiniano Posse highway, where traffic is slower but steady.
Provincial Route 28 was closed between Taninga and El Cadillo due to landslides that left rocks on the roadway and compromised road safety. Removal work began on Sunday and will last several days, since the machinery must operate with caution due to the instability of the slope. Travelers heading to La Rioja are advised to postpone their trip or detour via Route 148, an option that adds approximately one hour to the journey.
Camino del Cuadrado and the Altas Cumbres route were closed because freezing created sheets of ice that make braking maneuvers critical. Park rangers and gendarmes placed barriers at Usina Bamba and the entrance to Mina Clavero to prevent drivers from venturing out despite the ban.
Impact of the cold in the mountainous interior
The polar wave covered towns such as La Cumbrecita, Los Cocos, and Villa Giardino, where snow blanketed roofs and trees and created unexpected scenes. In Pampa de Achala, the low was -9 °C (16 °F) and in La Falda it reached -4 °C (25 °F). These temperatures forced the cancellation of excursions and the closure of tourist complexes.
The National Meteorological Service advised seeking shelter in heated environments, ventilating, and checking heaters to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning and respiratory issues. The report indicates that children, older adults, and chronic patients are more vulnerable, so they should avoid going out during the early morning and dawn. It was also recommended to consume hot drinks and energy-rich foods, a practice that helps maintain body temperature on subzero days.
Extended forecast for the coming days
The Meteorological Service forecasts highs below 10 °C (50 °F) until Saturday, with freezing mornings and variable cloudiness over the city. No new snowfalls are expected in the lowlands, but the presence of morning frosts will require extra caution on wet roads and in areas with prolonged shade.
Monday 30: High 9 °C (48 °F) / Low -1 °C (30 °F) • Partly to mostly cloudy skies
Tuesday 1: High 12 °C (54 °F) / Low -1 °C (30 °F) • Partly cloudy skies
Wednesday 2: High 14 °C (57 °F) / Low -1 °C (30 °F) • Partly cloudy skies
Thursday 3: High 14 °C (57 °F) / Low 1 °C (34 °F) • Partly cloudy skies
Friday 4: High 15 °C (59 °F) / Low 5 °C (41 °F) • Partly cloudy skies
Saturday 5: High 16 °C (61 °F) / Low 10 °C (50 °F) • Mostly to partly cloudy skies
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