28 Apr 2022 | 07:24 AM UTC
Brazil: Adverse weather forecast across northern and southern regions through at least May 3
Heavy rainfall forecast across northern and southern Brazil through May 3. Disruptions due to flooding and landslides ongoing.
Event
Heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and strong winds are forecast to impact much of northern and southern Brazil through at least May 3. 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 north.
As of April 28, Brazil's National Institute of Meteorology (Inmet) has issued the following warnings:
Red warnings for heavy rainfall: Parts of southeastern Rio Grande do Sul State. 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: Parts of southern Amapa, northern Amazonas, northwestern Para, Roraima, and southern Rio Grande do Sul 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.
Authorities in Santarem Municipality in western Para State declared an emergency April 27 due to flooding from heavy rains. More than 18,000 people in Alter do Chao District and Ponta de Pedras Community as well as several riverside communities have been affected by the flooding. Portions of Santarem City are also flooded, hampering trade and causing transport disruptions.
Heavy rain in Rio de Janeiro State resulted in three fatalities due to a landslide and a collapsed house. The Avenida Niemeyer Road, connecting Leblon and Sao Conradois, is closed due to damage and landslides.
Flooding along the Jari River in Amapa State has impacted more than 16,000 people in Laranjal do Jari Municipality and 8,000 in Vitoria do Jari Municipality. More than 220 families have been displaced.
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.
