On Monday, March 31, 2025, heavy rain and hail swept through São Paulo and the ABC Paulista region, leading to significant flooding and disruptions across several cities. Santo André and Mauá were particularly hard hit, with reports of submerged vehicles, halted train services, and widespread chaos as residents struggled to navigate the inundated streets.
The torrential downpour began in the early afternoon, causing water to accumulate rapidly in various locations. In Santo André, Avenida José Antônio de Almeida Amazonas was completely blocked on both sides due to flooding. Within just 20 minutes of rain, the road was partially covered, forcing vehicles to halt. Similar scenes unfolded at Rua Catequese with Figueiras, where the high volume of water disrupted traffic.
At the Celso Daniel station, trains ceased operations, leaving passengers stranded as they awaited overcrowded buses. Eyewitness accounts described cars submerged in parking lots, with one video circulating on social media showing a red car being swept away by the floodwaters for approximately 100 meters. The incident occurred at the intersection of Avenida dos Estados and Rua Itaipava, in Parque Jaçatuba, a region that borders the Tamanduateí River, which overflowed during the storm.
As the storm intensified, the Civil Defense issued an alert warning residents of the high risk of flooding and landslides. The message, sent to mobile devices, emphasized the need for individuals to remain in safe locations. By 2:47 PM, the Civil Defense had declared a severe alert, and at 3:35 PM, the entire city of São Paulo entered a state of alert due to the advancing rain clouds.
The Grand Plaza shopping mall, located just meters from the Santo André station, was also affected, with reports of water flooding the establishment. Local residents commented on social media that such inundations have become a common sight at the mall, with one user sarcastically stating, "Grand Piscinão Plaza"—a nod to the frequent flooding. Witnesses captured images of water entering stores, prompting merchants to scramble to dry their businesses.
In addition to the flooding, the storm caused a house to collapse in Jardim Zaíra, Mauá, around 2:35 PM, prompting emergency response teams to the scene. The local fire department dispatched three vehicles to assist in the situation. Fortunately, there were no immediate reports of injuries or fatalities.
As the rains continued, the CPTM (Companhia Paulista de Trens Metropolitanos) reported that train services were resumed by 6:25 PM in the direction of Rio Grande da Serra from the Santo André station. However, operations remained suspended between Mauá and Utinga stations since 2:50 PM due to the ongoing flooding.
Reports indicated that the heavy rains were not isolated to the ABC Paulista region. The CGE (Centro de Gerenciamento de Emergências Climáticas) of the São Paulo city government noted that instability in the atmosphere had triggered similar weather patterns in the southern and eastern zones of the city, affecting neighborhoods such as Vila Prudente, São Mateus, and Capela do Socorro.
Officials warned that the region could expect a week of rainy conditions, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 32°C and the potential for further storms. The combination of heavy rainfall and the already saturated ground raised concerns about additional flooding and landslides in the coming days.
As the situation unfolded, local authorities continued to monitor the conditions and assess the damage. Residents were urged to stay vigilant and prepared for any further emergencies. The community's resilience was tested as they navigated the aftermath of a day marked by unexpected and severe weather.
In summary, the heavy rains and hail that struck São Paulo and the ABC Paulista region on March 31, 2025, led to extensive flooding, disrupted transportation, and prompted emergency alerts. The impact on daily life was profound, with many residents left grappling with the aftermath of the storm.
