21 Mar 2022 | 01:43 PM UTC
Brazil: Adverse weather forecast across northern, western, central, and southeastern regions through at least March 25
Heavy rainfall forecast across much of Brazil through March 25. Disruptions due to flooding and landslides ongoing in Rio de Janeiro State.
Event
Heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and strong winds are forecast to impact much of northern, western, central, and southeastern Brazil through at least March 25. The additional rainfall could exacerbate the flooding situation in areas where the ground is already saturated by previous heavy rainfall, especially in flood-hit areas of the southeast.
As of March 21, Brazil's National Institute of Meteorology (Inmet) has issued the following warnings:
Red warnings for heavy rainfall: Parts of far southern Minas Gerais, western and central Rio de Janerio, and far southeastern Sao Paulo states. Over 6 cm (2 inches) of rain per hour or 10 cm (4 inches) of rain per day and winds of over 100 kph (62 mph) are forecast in these red warning areas.
Orange warning for heavy rainfall: Acre, far southern Amapa, much of Amazonas, northern Ceara, far southern Espirito Santo, northern Maranhao, western Mato Grosso, northern and central Mato Grosso do Sul, southern Minas Gerais, central and southwestern Para, northern Piaui, northern Rio de Janeiro, far northwestern Rio Grande do Norte, Rondonia, northern and southeastern Sao Paulo, and far northern Tocantins states. Between 3-6 cm (1-2 inches) of rain per hour or 5-10 cm (2-4 inches) of rain per day and winds of 60-100 kph (37-62 mph) are forecast in these orange warning areas.
Yellow warning for heavy rainfall: Across the rest of the affected area.
Officials could update and possibly extend the coverage of the relevant weather alerts over the coming days.
Heavy rainfall March 20 triggered flooding and landslides in Petropolis and surrounding areas of the Fluminense Mountain Region of Rio de Janeiro State. Several landslides and flooding incidents have occurred across Petrolpolis, and authorities have reported five fatalities and four people missing as of early March 21. Around 150 people have been sheltered at emergency accommodation centers across the city. Affected neighborhoods include Morin, Vila Felipe, Sargento Boening, Alto da Serra, Sao Sebastiao, and Quitandinha. Petropolis is still recovering after severe flooding and landslides Feb. 15 caused 233 fatalities and damaged thousands of homes across the city.
Hazardous Conditions
Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger further flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. In developed areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems, additional urban flooding is also possible. Sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides remain possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where heavy rainfall has saturated the soil. Power outages and disruptions to telecommunications services are likely 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 in 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 track inundation. Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas.
Advice
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 affected areas. Do not attempt to drive through flooded areas. Confirm flights. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.
