Red alert: storm brings risk of flooding and roof damage

Cold front and low-pressure areas cause heavy rain and strong winds across the South

On Sunday morning (30), the Civil Defense recorded severe storms that have already affected 47 municipalities in Rio Grande do Sul, causing flooding, fallen trees, and roof damage. The same cold front system fueling the heavy rains is moving over Santa Catarina, raising the risk for the entire South in the coming days.

Weather conditions generating the red alert

According to the State Secretariat for Protection and Civil Defense, the cold front remains between northern Rio Grande do Sul and central Santa Catarina, maintaining intense atmospheric instability. The presence of a low-pressure area over the state reinforces the possibility of heavy rainfall, hail, and strong wind gusts throughout the day.

Impacts recorded in Rio Grande do Sul

Civil Defense bulletins indicate that 47 municipalities have already reported damage. In Anta Gorda, 80 mm of rain were recorded in the last 24 hours; in the Serra region, Ipê measured 67 mm and Veranópolis 66.2 mm. Incidents include flooding, roof damage, and fallen utility poles and trees. So far, two fatalities have been confirmed: a child in Porto Alegre and a man in Arroio Grande.

Expected risks for Santa Catarina

For Sunday (30), the risk of roof damage, power grid damage, fallen branches, and flooding is high to very high across the state. On Monday (31), the cold front remains over Santa Catarina, keeping conditions favorable for severe storms, especially in areas near Paraná, with a moderate to high risk of roof damage and flooding.

Forecast for the coming days

On Sunday, temperatures range between 16 °C and 30 °C, with persistent heat in the far west. On Monday, highs will be between 13 °C and 22 °C, with cooler mornings (11 °C to 18 °C). On Tuesday (01), the cold front moves away, gradually reducing instability; isolated storms may still occur in the mid-west, Greater Florianópolis, Vale do Itajaí, and North Coast, but with low to moderate risk. Between Wednesday (02) and Thursday (03), dry and cold air prevails, with predominant sunshine and the possibility of frost in the highlands.

Civil Defense guidelines

The Civil Defense recommends that the population seek safe shelter during strong winds and hailstorms, avoid crossing flooded areas, and do not attempt to drive through torrents. Alerts can be received on mobile phones by sending the ZIP code via SMS to 40199.

With information from the State Secretariat for Protection and Civil Defense, Sul 21.