On the afternoon of 25 May 2025, Puerto Varas—a picturesque lakeside city in Chile’s Los Lagos Region—was hit by an exceptionally rare EF-1 tornado, officially classified by the Chilean Meteorological Service. The twister formed around 15:15 local time under intense instability and moisture convergence, amplified by a fast-moving frontal system over southern Chile
Eyewitness and security footage captured the funnel touching down in residential sectors, including Villa Los Presidentes, before racing through the city’s downtown. In its path, the tornado caused roofs to collapse, façades to crumple and vehicles to be overturned. A supermarket in the city centre suffered severe interior damage as shelves toppled and merchandise was strewn across aisles
According to preliminary reports, more than 100 dwellings were impacted—some reduced to bare frames—and at least six residents sustained minor to moderate injuries. Trees and utility poles were snapped like matchsticks, disrupting power and communications. By early evening, the Superintendence of Electricity and Fuels reported over 23,000 customers without power, of whom nearly 17,000 were in Puerto Varas itself
In response, Mayor Tomás Gárate activated the communal Emergency Operations Committee (COGRID) to coordinate search, rescue and relief efforts. “This was an extraordinary event for our region,” Mayor Gárate said. “Our priority is ensuring everyone’s safety and restoring essential services as quickly as possible.” Local schools announced a one-day closure on 26 May to allow damage assessments and infrastructure inspections to proceed without risk to students
The National Emergency Office (ONEMI) and regional directorate worked alongside municipal teams to clear debris and establish temporary shelters for displaced families. Rapid damage assessments were underway, with engineers inspecting structural integrity of homes and public buildings. Power restoration crews were dispatched immediately, focusing on substations and major transmission lines most severely affected.
Chile’s Servicio Nacional de Prevención y Respuesta ante Desastres (SERNAPRED) had issued an early warning Yellow Alert for the Los Lagos Region on 23 May, upgraded to Red on the evening of the 25th as the frontal system intensified . Despite these alerts, the rarity of tornadoes in this part of the world meant many residents were unprepared for such extreme wind events.
Meteorologists and climate experts point to changing weather patterns and increased atmospheric instability as factors that could make atypical events like these more common. Gianfranco Marcone, a noted Chilean meteorologist, warned that “as global temperatures rise, so does the potential for severe convection, even in regions historically spared from tornadic activity”
Beyond immediate repairs, authorities are reviewing early-warning systems and emergency protocols for tornadoes and related phenomena. Community leaders have urged investment in better detection technology and public education campaigns on storm preparedness.
As of 26 May, residents were allowed limited re-entry into their homes to retrieve essentials under municipal supervision. Relief operations continue, with humanitarian aid—food parcels, water and medical supplies—being distributed to affected neighbourhoods. The focus now shifts to long-term recovery: rebuilding damaged homes, restoring livelihoods, and strengthening resilience against future extreme weather events in Puerto Varas.
