Today : Apr 04, 2025
Climate & Environment
03 April 2025

Severe Weather Alerts Issued Across Brazil Regions

INMET warns of heavy rains and strong winds in Acre and Rio Grande do Sul while Blumenau faces localized flooding risks.

The Instituto Nacional de Meteorologia (INMET) has issued a Danger alert for intense rains in Acre, Brazil, as well as several other regions of the country. This alert, which took effect on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at 10:00 AM, will remain in place until Thursday, April 3, 2025, at 10:00 AM. It warns of possible rainfall rates between 30 and 60 mm per hour or 50 to 100 mm throughout the day, accompanied by strong winds ranging from 60 to 100 km/h.

In addition to this severe alert, INMET also published a Potential Danger alert, predicting more moderate rainfall of 20 to 30 mm per hour or up to 50 mm per day, with winds between 40 to 60 km/h. Residents are advised to take precautions during this weather event, including avoiding sheltering under trees due to the risk of falling branches and electrical discharges. It is also recommended not to park vehicles near transmission towers and billboards, and to refrain from using electronic devices connected to power outlets during strong winds.

Meanwhile, in Rio Grande do Sul, INMET has issued three climate alerts on the same day, covering a wide range of severity from intense rains to storms with hail and the risk of flooding. The alerts affect a significant portion of the state, including major areas such as Porto Alegre, Serra, Central Region, Vales, Litoral Norte, Northwest, and Campanha. Other states in the South, Southeast, and Central-West regions are also included in these warnings.

The amber alert for heavy rain began at 10:00 AM on April 2, 2025, and is valid until 10:00 AM on April 3, 2025. This alert forecasts rain between 20 and 30 mm per hour or up to 50 mm per day, along with winds of 40 to 60 km/h. While the risk is considered low, there is still potential for falling branches, electrical discharges, and localized flooding. The affected areas include the Northwest, North, Serra Gaúcha, Litoral Norte, Vales, parts of the Central Region, and Costa Doce, with additional states like Santa Catarina and Paraná also under similar warnings.

The most severe alert issued is the orange storm alert, valid from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM on April 2, 2025. This alert predicts rain between 30 and 60 mm per hour or 50 to 100 mm per day, with winds reaching up to 100 km/h and the possibility of hail. The regions most vulnerable to this storm include the Metropolitan Region of Porto Alegre, Serra Gaúcha, Litoral Norte, Vales, North, and parts of the Northwest. Areas of Santa Catarina and Paraná are also at risk.

Additionally, an orange alert for accumulated rain started at 9:30 AM and is expected to end at 3:00 PM on the same day. This alert indicates an accumulation of rain between 30 to 60 mm per hour or 50 to 100 mm per day, increasing the risk of flooding, landslides, and river overflow, particularly in cities with a history of such occurrences. The regions affected include the South of the State and parts of Campanha.

In response to these alerts, INMET has urged the public to stay indoors during severe weather, avoid sheltering under trees, and unplug electronic devices during gusty winds. Residents in at-risk areas, such as slopes or flood-prone zones, are advised to remain vigilant. For more information, residents can contact the Civil Defense at 199 or the Fire Department at 193.

In a related development, the Civil Defense of Santa Catarina has issued a severe weather alert for the city of Blumenau. This alert was sent out at 7:40 AM on April 2, 2025, and is valid until 11:59 PM on the same day. The warning highlights the risk of localized flooding, electrical discharges, strong wind gusts, and heavy rain over a short period.

The Civil Defense categorizes alerts into two severity levels: severe and extreme. In the event of an alert, residents are advised to follow the instructions provided, which may include avoiding flood-prone areas or evacuating if there is an imminent risk of landslides. For emergencies, residents are encouraged to consult the Civil Defense by calling 199 or the Fire Department at 193.

As these weather events unfold, the authorities are closely monitoring conditions and providing updates to ensure the safety of residents in affected regions. The public is urged to stay informed and heed all warnings and recommendations from meteorological and civil defense agencies.