Severe Storms Hit the South This Weekend

In the early hours of Saturday (3), the arrival of a cold front triggered severe storms across much of southern Brazil. The combination of hail, winds over 90 km/h, and heavy rainfall increased flooding risks and prompted the Monitoring Center to issue Hydrometeorological Warning 19.

Characteristics of Saturday's storms

Between the afternoon and evening, conditions favored the formation of sizable hail and wind gusts that could exceed 90 km/h. The most affected areas include the West, Campanha, Central, Missões, Northwest, North, Vales, Serra, Costa Doce, and part of the Metropolitan Region of Rio Grande do Sul.

Rainfall accumulations and flood risk

Accumulations range between 20 and 50 mm per day, with isolated totals reaching up to 90 mm in Missões, Centro, Vales, and Costa Doce. Hydrological levels stand between flood thresholds and normal conditions, with notable rises in the Uruguay and Jacuí rivers. The risk of waterlogging, stream flooding, and overflowing of small rivers remained in place through the end of Saturday.

Impacts on the population

The Civil Defense assessment as of Friday morning (2) recorded 173 incidents across 147 municipalities, with six people injured and more than 82,000 people affected. Approximately 6,700 residents were displaced and more than 8,600 homes sustained damage.

Sunday forecast and ongoing instability

For Sunday (4), the cold front maintains unstable conditions, with a risk of isolated severe storms across the entire southern region. The probability of rain remains around 75%, with potential for heavy downpours, wind gusts, and lightning strikes. No severe flood alerts are forecast for the day, but caution remains necessary in risk areas.

Guidance for the public

Authorities recommend that the public monitor updates on hydrometeorological warnings and avoid unnecessary travel during storms. In the event of flooding, it is important to seek shelter in higher ground and follow Civil Defense instructions.

With information from Portal do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul, CartaCapital.