07 Jun 2022 | 01:20 PM UTC
Brazil: Adverse weather forecast across northern, northeastern, and southern regions through at least June 9
Heavy rainfall forecast across northern, northeastern, and southern Brazil through June 9. Possible flooding, landslides, and disruptions.
Event
Heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and strong winds are forecast to impact parts of northern, northeastern, and southern Brazil through at least June 9. 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 northeast.
As of June 7, Brazil's National Institute of Meteorology (Inmet) has issued the following warnings:
Red warnings for heavy rainfall: Parts of far eastern Pernambuco State. Over 6 cm (2 inches) of rain per hour or 10 cm (4 inches) of rain per day is forecast in the red warning area.
Orange warning for heavy rainfall: Parts of eastern Alagoas, southern Amapa, eastern Amazonas, southern Mato Grosso do Sul, northwestern Para, southern and western Parana, far southeastern Pernambuco, northern Rio Grande do Sul, central and eastern Roraima, Santa Catarina, and northeastern Sergipe 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.
Some of the most severe warnings cover parts of the northeast that have witnessed severe flooding in recent weeks. At least 120 fatalities have occurred, and over 7,300 people have been displaced in Pernambuco State due to flooding and landslides triggered by heavy rainfall in recent weeks. One fatality has been reported and over 18,000 people displaced in neighboring Alagoas State. The adverse weather has damaged many houses, roads, and other infrastructure across the affected area, and the further rainfall forecast in the coming days will likely cause additional flooding and disruptions, as well as hamper ongoing recovery efforts.
Hazardous Conditions
Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger further flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Additional urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed 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 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.
