Brazil, Uruguay: Adverse weather forecast across parts of southern Brazil as well as northern and central Uruguay through at least Oct. 15 /update 2

Event

Heavy rainfall, strong winds, hail, and flooding are forecast to occur across parts of southern Brazil as well as northern and central Uruguay through at least Oct. 15. The affected area includes southern Bahia, Espirito Santo, Goias, eastern Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul, southern Minas Gerais, far southern Para, western Parana, Rio de Janeiro, western Rio Grande do Sul, western Santa Catarina, most of Sao Paulo, and southern Tocantins states in Brazil as well as eastern Artigas, northern Cerro Largo, western Durazno, most of Flores, northwestern Florida, southeastern Rio Negro, Rivera, northeastern Salto, northeastern Soriano, and northern Tacuarembo departments in Uruguay.

As of early Oct. 11, the National Institute of Meteorology in Brazil has issued the following warnings.

• Orange heavy rain warnings (second-highest level on a four-tier scale) for heavy rain, strong winds, hail, and possible flooding for far southern Bahia, Espirito Santo, most of Goias, southeastern Mato Grosso, most of Mato Grosso do Sul, most of Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro, and northern Sao Paulo states.

• Yellow heavy rain warnings for heavy rain, strong winds, and possible flooding for the rest of the affected area.

The Uruguayan Institute of Meteorology has issued yellow (lowest level on a three-tier scale) thunderstorm and heavy rain warnings for eastern Artigas, northern Cerro Largo, western Durazno, most of Flores, northwestern Florida, southeastern Rio Negro, Rivera, northeastern Salto, northeastern Soriano, and northern Tacuarembo departments. Officials could update and possibly extend the coverage of the relevant weather alerts over the coming days.

Hazardous Conditions
The storms will be capable of producing heavy downpours and damaging winds across the affected area. Should sustained heavy rainfall occur, it could trigger flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed or a lack of stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where the soil has become saturated by heavy rainfall. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding, landslides, or strong winds impact utility networks.

Transport
Floodwaters and debris flows could render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters.

Severe weather could also trigger intermittent flight delays and cancellations at regional airports, though these are unlikely to be severe or prolonged. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are possible in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track inundation. Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas.

Advice

Confirm flights. Monitor local media for updated emergency and weather information. Seek updated information on weather and road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where severe weather is forecast. Plan accordingly for potential delivery delays if routing shipments by truck through the affected area. Do not attempt to drive through flooded areas. Review contingency plans and be prepared to move quickly to shelter if tornado warnings are issued. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.

Resources

Instituto Nacional de Meteorologia, Brazil (Portuguese)
Uruguay Direccion Nacional de Meteorologia (Spanish)