A severe storm struck São Paulo on the night of February 18, 2025, resulting in tragic consequences and widespread chaos. Reports indicate at least one person drowned when her vehicle was submerged during the deluge, underscoring the storm's ferocity. The victim, whose identity has yet to be disclosed, was found trapped inside her car along Avenida General Edgar Facó, which became one of the hardest-hit areas.
The city’s emergency services were inundated with calls, primarily for fallen trees and flooding incidents. The firefighting brigade responded to 59 reports of trees down, 22 calls related to flooding, and three for landslides during the day. By nightfall, the Center for Emergency Management (CGE) issued severe alerts warning residents of heavy rains and potential floods.
Starting from 7:40 PM, alerts flooded cellphone screens, cautioning the population to avoid areas prone to flooding as heavy rainclouds moved through the north and downtown regions. "The rain can lead to significant flooding and impact our emergency services," stated CGE officials. Just before 9 PM, these conditions prompted the city to enter a state of attention, reflecting the serious nature of the storm and the perceived threat it posed to public safety.
With winds exceeding 30 km/h and multiple lightning strikes recorded, residents noted the intense weather. Social media buzzed with commentary, some comparing the chilling atmosphere outside to previous high-energy events like DJ Alok’s live performance. Amid the chaos, humor emerged as some users shared memes about swimming through the deluge, reflecting the bewildering nature of such severe weather.
Power outages were pervasive as well, with Enel, the energy company responsible for distribution, reporting nearly 275,000 homes left without power. The heaviest impacts were felt across the northern and western parts of São Paulo, particularly during the storm’s peak. A spokesman for Enel confirmed technicians were dispatched to restore service as soon as it was safe. The company asserted, "We activated our emergency plan and our field teams are responding throughout the night to restore power," highlighting their commitment to address the outages.
The transportation system suffered significant disruptions, with the Metropolitan Train Company (CPTM) reporting delays and cancellations. The storm caused operational halts on several train lines and required the use of special buses to accommodate stranded commuters. Ongoing rain reports indicated the situation might worsen as evening progressed, leading to emergency alerts and heightened advisories from local authorities.
This isn’t the first time São Paulo has faced such extreme weather measures. Since the beginning of the rainy season on December 1, 2024, the city has recorded at least 20 fatalities attributed to flooding incidents. The death toll serves as grim evidence of how vulnerable the city is to extreme weather patterns. With February already garnering approximately 73% of the expected monthly rainfall, residents brace themselves for potential additional flooding as the season typically extends through March.
Despite the recent chaos, experts predict more storms are likely due to rising global temperatures and shifting weather patterns, which have brought increased rainfall to many regions across Brazil. A front will sweep through the area as temperatures remain hot, with highs expected to hover around 35°C this week. Alerts from the municipal defense agency will continue as storms may bring isolated heavy showers often mixed with intense winds.
Authorities urged the public to heed safety precautions, reminding residents to avoid venturing outside during severe conditions. "Stay safe and avoid flooded areas," read the alerts from Defesa Civil, as they continue to monitor the situation and provide updated forecasts.
The evening of February 18 is not merely another line item on the records of São Paulo's rainy season; it highlights the city's continual challenges with severe weather. It also serves as a reminder of the collective responsibility of citizens and authorities alike to prepare against nature’s unpredictable forces.
With forecasts predicting fluctuated weather ranging from hot daytime temperatures to potentially severe thunderstorms, residents remain on high alert, watching the sky as they manage their daily lives against nature's sometimes harsh reality.