Severe storms lashing the city of São Paulo have caused widespread flooding and power outages, with over 41,931 homes reported without electricity as of Wednesday, December 25, 2023. The storms, driven by intense weather conditions, transformed major thoroughfares across the city and suburbs, forcing local authorities to issue warnings and emergency alerts.
The Civil Defense of São Paulo confirmed the establishment of emergency alerts at 16:56, particularly for the Itaquera region, which faced elevated risks due to heavy rainfall. According to the Center for Climate Emergency Management (CGE), the prevailing heat combined with high humidity has led to the development of torrential downpours across various parts of the capital.
Reportedly, the combination of warm air and maritime moisture resulted in intermittent showers, with local residents describing the impact as severe. One resident lamented, "The strong rain...turned various streets...into true rivers," illustrating the magnitude of flooding experienced throughout the city.
Especially impacted regions include the downtown area, Pinheiros, and the south of the city, where emergency responders received numerous calls related to fallen trees and flooding incidents. By the evening, around 30,412 homes were without power, and the overall tally for the wider metropolitan area reached nearly 42,000, according to Enel, the city's electricity utility.
The Fire Department reported managing several emergency incidents, responding to at least eight calls related to the impact of fallen trees, alongside various flooding alerts. The CGE noted, "Rainfall is expected to continue with accumulation of high volumes of water," raising concerns about potential landslides and additional flooding should conditions persist.
Further complications are expected as forecasts predict significant rain through Thursday, December 26, and Friday, December 27, with estimates ranging from 50 to 100 mm of precipitation. "The arrival of a cold front...is expected...due to the arrival of persistent rainfall," commented meteorologists at the CGE, anticipating worsening conditions as saturated soil fails to absorb additional rain.
Areas such as the intersections of Rebouças and Faria Lima and parts of Vila Mariana have reported streets completely submerged, with some local residents discovering their vehicles partially under water. Maintenance efforts continue as authorities monitor the situation closely, assessing damage and managing public safety as rainfall remains heavy.
The Defense Department had earlier alerted citizens to prepare for the strong precipitation forecasted for the holiday period, reinforcing the city's capacity to respond effectively to natural disasters. Many residents are advised to stay indoors as conditions become increasingly hazardous.
Temperatures during this time are expected to remain low, ranging from 20°C to 25°C, eliminating the likelihood of evaporation and contributing to prolonged flooding. CGE officials are advising the public to remain vigilant and exercise caution when traveling, with warnings still intact concerning the potential for rivers and streams to overflow.
With conditions still developing, the city remains on high alert for additional storms, urging residents to report power outages and flooding through the official channels provided by Enel. "The circumstances are serious, and I feel we must remain alert and supportive of those affected," stated civil authorities as they work to manage incidents caused by the extreme weather.
Community reports indicate diverse challenges faced by residents, with some encouraging neighbors to plan for future emergencies by creating local support networks. The CGE will continue to provide updates on the weather forecasts as officials monitor the incoming weather, urging communities to stay informed and prepared for possible evacuations should the flooding worsen.
