In the early hours of March 3, 2024, the city of Corrientes in northeastern Argentina received over 11 inches (300 mm) of rain in less than five hours. This led to flooding throughout the city, as drainage couldn’t keep up. Hundreds of people were evacuated while the streets filled with water and cars were submerged.

In the early morning light, shadows are cast by portions of the storm that are taller than the surrounding clouds. These shadows can help scientists locate the areas where the storm may be the strongest. (Image 1)

When longwave infrared data are layered on top of the visible imagery, the coldest parts of the clouds (indicated in red, black, and white) line up with the tallest portions. Towering clouds indicate a strong updraft and storm. (Image 2)

The third image zooms in on the region around Corrientes showing before and after the storms moved through the region. The average rainfall of the city for March is 6.11 inches (155 mm). The aftermath of double a month’s worth of rain is visible to polar-orbiting satellites; darker areas in the after imagery indicate the increase of water on the ground.