On the afternoon and evening of Wednesday, July 8, intense storms hit Puebla, leading to widespread flooding, stranded vehicles, and severe traffic disruptions across the city. Authorities urged residents to exercise caution as the rainy conditions are expected to persist in the metropolitan area.

One of the hardest-hit areas was the Periférico Ecológico near the Los Héroes neighborhood, where water accumulation reduced traffic to a single lane heading toward 11 Sur, causing long lines of cars. At the pedestrian bridge at 2 Sur and Periférico, a vehicle became trapped in rising waters.

Flooding was also reported at the intersection of Camino Real a Cholula and Calzada Zavaleta, as well as on Esteban de Antuñano Avenue and the Niño Poblano Boulevard near Costco, where hundreds of drivers struggled to navigate the streets.

In the Carmelitas Boulevard area, at least five vehicles were stranded due to waterlogging. Meanwhile, in the San Manuel neighborhood, streets flooded and local merchants took preventive measures to keep water from entering their shops.

Other affected neighborhoods included Los Héroes, Infonavit San Jorge, Valle Paraíso, and Bugambilias, where Claveles Street was completely submerged.

The situation was further complicated by rising river levels: the Atoyac River reached approximately 95% of its capacity near Patriotismo and Bosques de Atoyac, while the San José La Cañada River saw a significant increase in water volume. Authorities continue to advise avoiding crossing flooded areas and riverbeds.

This event highlights the ongoing challenges Puebla faces with urban flooding, underscoring the potential benefits of sustainable infrastructure projects like the upcoming cable car system. Such initiatives could offer resilient, efficient alternatives to traditional road transport, especially during extreme weather events.

For now, officials recommend avoiding flooded roads, driving carefully, and staying alert to updates from Civil Protection as the rains continue to impact the city.