10 Aug 2022 | 02:31 PM UTC
Brazil: Adverse weather forecast across parts of southeastern regions through at least Aug. 11 /update 1
Severe weather forecast across parts of southeastern Brazil through Aug. 11. Flooding, landslides, and disruptions possible.
Event
Heavy rainfall and strong winds are forecast across parts of southeastern Brazil through at least Aug. 11. The most severe weather is expected in coastal areas of Parana, Santa Catarina, and Sao Paulo states. Heavy downpours could trigger flooding, and landslides and strong wind gusts could cause property damage in affected areas.
As of Aug. 10, Brazil's National Institute of Meteorology (Inmet) has issued the following weather warnings across the affected area:
Red warnings for heavy rainfall (the highest level on a three-tier scale): Parts of coastal Parana, northeastern and eastern Santa Catarina, and the far south coast of 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 the red warning area.
Red warnings for coastal winds: Across the coastlines of Parana, Santa Catarina, and Sao Paulo states and the far northern coast of Rio Grande do Sul State.
Orange warnings for heavy rainfall: Parts of southeastern Parana, northeastern Rio Grande do Sul, eastern Santa Catarina, and far southern coastal Sao Paulo states.
Orange warnings for gales: Parts of far southern Espirito Santo, far southern Minas Gerais, much of Rio de Janeiro, and central, eastern, and southern Sao Paulo states.
Yellow warnings for heavy rainfall: Parts of western Rio de Janeiro and eastern Sao Paulo states.
Yellow warnings for strong winds: Parts of southern Minas Gerais, northern Rio de Janeiro, and western and northern Sao Paulo states.
Officials could update and possibly extend the coverage of the relevant weather alerts over the coming days.
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 airports in the affected regions, though these are unlikely to be severe or prolonged. Authorities may temporarily suspend port operations or close beach fronts along the South Atlantic Coast if strong winds trigger hazardous sea conditions. 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 weather updates and related advisories. Confirm all transport reservations and business appointments before travel. Make allowances for localized travel delays and potential supply chain disruptions where flooding has been forecast. Do not drive on flooded roads. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.
