Severe storms have wreaked havoc on Baixada Santista, leading to significant flooding and disruption for residents just two days after enduring scorching temperatures. On Tuesday, February 18, 2025, the region was caught off guard when heavy rain transformed streets and neighborhoods, disrupting the daily lives of many.
According to the Defesa Civil of São Paulo, São Vicente bore the brunt of the storm with 117 mm of rainfall recorded over just three hours, the largest accumulation noted across the state. Santos, too, faced substantial rainfall, with measurements at 100 mm, and Praia Grande wasn't spared, receiving 59 mm. These figures underscored the ferocity of the storms and the impact on urban areas.
Prior to the storms, residents had been grappling with sweltering heat. An intense heatwave had gripped the region, with temperatures climbing to 41.4ºC, compounded by high humidity creating feelings of heat as extreme as 50ºC, as detailed by climate specialist Rodolfo Bonafim. This situation led to a phenomenon known as “pre-frontal heating,” which set the stage for the severe storms.
Reports flooded in from Santos where storms resulted in chaos. Neighborhoods such as Vila Mathias, Boqueirão, and Embaré experienced power outages, with residents struggling through flooded streets. Bystanders shared harrowing images showing rivers of water where sidewalks had once stood.
By the evening, the Defesa Civil had issued alerts warning of heavy rains, lightning, and strong winds for various neighborhoods. Many took to social media to share the unbelievable scenes; cars were visible struggling to navigate through what looked like rivers, with streets becoming waterways.
Road closures became widespread. Significant thoroughfares like Avenida Afonso Pena, Rua Azevedo Sodré, and Avenida Rangel Pestana experienced water accumulation, complicity traffic. People were seen wading through knee-deep waters, and notable roads like Avenida Carvalho de Mendonça were blocked entirely due to flooding.
While the storm caused immense disruption, the response from local authorities remained proactive. Despite alerts indicating severe weather, transport services connecting Santos and Guarujá continued operating, albeit with delays. According to reports, waits for transport remained around 15 minutes, highlighting efforts to maintain traffic flow even during adverse times.
Communities prepared for the possibility of continued weather issues, with forecasts hinting at more rain headed their way. Weather predictions for February 19 suggested the potential for scattered showers mixed with sun throughout the day before another soaking rain might roll in during the evening.
Despite the disruptions, local government agencies worked tirelessly. The Defesa Civil indicated there were no severe incidents reported related to landslides or structural failures, though minor collapses had been noted. Even as cleanup began, the sentiment across Baixada Santista was one of resilience; the community now faces the challenge of recovery and the looming dread of another storm.
Many expressed frustration over the infrastructure’s ability to cope with extreme weather. Some called for discussions on improvements to drainage systems and public safety measures to prevent such widespread disruption in future storms. Affected residents awaited assistance and reassurance from local leaders, hoping for solutions to the vulnerabilities exposed during the deluge.
Looking forward, the urgency to safeguard against future flooding and improve urban resilience looms large over Baixada Santista. The latent threat of flooding, particularly after weeks of searing heat, highlights the challenges posed by climate change and the need for immediate action to protect vulnerable neighborhoods. Recovery efforts continue, but today the community bonds are tested, and the commitment to improve becomes even more necessary.