A powerful snowstorm has hit the Andes mountain range, creating difficult conditions in the corridor linking Argentina and Chile.
Los Andes reports that this Wednesday, October 7th, Asstema Intergrado Cristo Redentor continues to be closed because of unfavourable meteorological conditions in the high mountain area of Mendoza province. In Las Cuevas, one of the highest points in the corridor, the temperature has dropped to about -8 ° C.
Images published by the area show snow-covered roads and buildings, while rainfall has continued during the day.
According to Los Andes, internal circulation is currently allowed only until Puente del Inca. The reported temperatures were about 3 °C in Uspallata, 4 °C in Punta de Vacas, -7 °C in Puente del Inca and -8 °C in Las Cuevas.
The main problem is the international crossroad Cristo Redentor, one of the most important land corridors between Argentina and Chile.
The Argentine and Chilean authorities closed it because of snow and conditions that do not guarantee safe circulation. Diario Mendoza reports that the preventative closure was imposed on October 4th, after a new front of bad weather brought heavy snowfall to Las Cuevas and other high parts of the corridor.
Now there is hope for a short window of improvement.
Los Andes writes that predictions show more favourable conditions Thursday, October 8, about 0900 to 22:00. However, this does not automatically mean that the border will be opened. Authorities must first control the state of roads and traffic safety.
The situation could be complicated again over the weekend. According to the same report, Saturday, Sunday and Monday are expected to remain unstable, while a more stable improvement can come only from Tuesday.
Updated records of the corridor also show that the Cristo Redentor remains closed, with snow, wind and poor visibility predicted during the night and Thursday.
For leaders planning to travel between Mendoza and Chile, the message of the authorities remains clear: not to head towards the border without official confirmation that Cristo Redentor has been reopened.
