A strong storm hit the metropolitan areas of Campinas, São Paulo, and Santos on the evening of February 18, 2025, leading to significant rainfall and widespread power outages. Accumulations of over 50 mm were reported across several cities, as the region braced for harsh weather conditions.
According to reports from the local civil defense, approximately 800,000 residents were left without electricity, particularly highlighting Osasco, where about 10% of units experienced service interruptions. The storm commenced with intense rainfall and, at one point, large hail fell across various districts, prompting the civil defense to issue multiple automatic alerts. Initially, warnings targeted the eastern and central regions of the city but eventually expanded to encompass all areas, including the northern and western municipalities.
By 9 PM, rainfall measurements indicated 117 mm recorded in São Vicente, 100 mm in Santos, and 59 mm in Praia Grande, showcasing the storm's severe nature. Throughout the day, the civil defense teams worked diligently to monitor risky areas, and fortunately, no severe incidents were reported.
The interior of São Paulo state also faced heavy rain, with Águas de Lindóia logging 61 mm and Amparo 54 mm. Although São Carlos experienced the fall of 12 trees, no injuries occurred, and Taubaté reported broken roof tiles at a sports gym, again without casualties.
A few hours earlier, the civil defense had also issued another alert concerning expected severe thunderstorms concentrating on the central and eastern areas of the city. This warning came after calmer conditions marked the morning, with only light rains across the northern state and the Santos area.
Rainfall throughout the day resulted not just from the cold front affecting the area, but also from warming temperatures and moisture supply from the Amazon region, heightening the instability across central São Paulo.
By late afternoon, the state of alert had intensified to encompass multiple surrounding districts, including significant parts of the South, Southeast, and Marginal Pinheiros, with Parelheiros and Capela do Socorro noted for being the most affected.
According to the municipal emergency center, issued alerts for these areas continued due to expected continued heavy rainfall and possible flooding. Strong winds and the likelihood of additional hail were also warned as conditions persisted.
Video footage shared by residents during the storm showed intense lightning strikes across regions, contributing to the hazardous conditions. By 9 PM, reports from the energy company Enel indicated 275,000 properties still without power, signaling the widespread disruption caused by the storm.
Transportation services were also affected, with the Line 9-Esmeralda of ViaMobilidade experiencing delays as oscillations disrupted power supply across various stations. BTN services were added to assist with escalated commuting disruptions.
Beginning from 2 PM, sections of São Paulo were already reported to be under flood watch, as various locations such as Avenida Edgar Facó were submerged, resulting in swift currents resembling small rivers.
Authorities noted multiple cases of fallen trees and other storm impacts, clearly indicating the storm’s destructive nature. The civil defense reported they received numerous notifications of fallen trees, flooding, and some building collapses, yet no casualties had been confirmed.
Continuing the trend, the civil defense reported the urban areas would remain on alert throughout the night, emphasizing the unpredictability of weather conditions. Residents were advised to remain indoors and heed the warnings sent to their mobile devices.
Although February 19 was expected to bring typical summer heat with high humidity, the forecast indicated isolated thunderstorms could continue to occur through the evening, creating conditions for additional hazards.
Officials urged all residents to keep updated with the latest alerts and maintain caution against potential flooding and storm conditions for the duration of this season’s unpredictable weather period.