Brazil, Paraguay: Adverse weather forecast across southern Brazil as well as northern and central Paraguay through at least Aug. 20

Event

Heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and possible flooding are forecast to occur across southern Brazil as well as northern and central Paraguay through at least Aug. 20. As of early Aug. 18, the National Institute of Meteorology in Brazil has issued the following warnings.

• Orange (middle level on a three-tier scale) warnings for heavy rainfall and thunderstorms: far southern Goias, southern Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul, Parana, northern and central Rio Grande do Sul, southern Rondonia, Santa Catarina, and southeastern and western Sao Paulo 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 the warning areas.

• Yellow warnings for heavy rainfall: east central Rio Grande do Sul State.

The Paraguay Directorate of Meteorology and Hydrology has warned of storm systems across Alto Parana, Amambay, northern and eastern Boqueron, eastern Canindeyu, Concepcion, northeastern Presidente Hayes, and northern San Pedro 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 airports across the affected region, 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)
Paraguay Direccion de Meteorologia e Hidrologia (Spanish)