Strong storms wreaked havoc in Chapecó, Santa Catarina, during the night of April 18 and the morning of April 19, 2025, leaving a trail of destruction and prompting immediate action from local authorities. The storms, characterized by intense winds and hail, primarily affected the northern region of the municipality, with significant damage reported in the Olaria neighborhood.
According to the local Defesa Civil (Civil Defense), a microexplosion, also known as a downburst, was confirmed in Chapecó, resulting in winds exceeding 80 to 100 km/h. The storm began early Saturday morning, around 6:00 AM, and lasted only a few minutes, but its impact was severe. In total, 59 residences were affected, with no reports of injuries or displaced individuals.
Residents reported that the storm unroofed several houses and caused widespread damage to infrastructure. Mayor João Rodrigues noted that the heavy rain and strong winds uprooted trees and blocked streets, complicating recovery efforts. A tree fell on SC-452 around 9:35 PM on Friday, completely blocking traffic until emergency services could clear the roadway.
One of the most devastating impacts of the storm was on local agriculture. A poultry farm in the Tormen line was completely destroyed, with one of its buildings losing its roof and another suffering severe damage. Engineer Lucas Tormem described arriving at the family property to find the poultry farm in ruins, housing 14-day-old chickens that were lost due to the storm. He remarked, "It looked like the trees had been fried in the middle," highlighting the intensity of the winds.
Additionally, Dirceu Tomasi, a local farmer, reported that six of his vegetable greenhouses were destroyed, resulting in an estimated loss of R$ 30,000. He expressed frustration, stating that he was still recovering from previous drought-related losses when this storm struck.
The Defesa Civil has mobilized teams from various city departments to assess the damage and provide assistance to those affected. Tarpaulins are being distributed to residents whose homes suffered damage, and municipal workers are actively clearing fallen trees and debris from the roads. Walter Parizotto, the municipal Defesa Civil coordinator, confirmed that the northern region of Chapecó was the hardest hit, with significant destruction also reported in the Desbravador neighborhood.
In a statement, the Defesa Civil explained the phenomenon as a downburst, characterized by a powerful downward current of air that spreads out upon reaching the ground. This meteorological event was facilitated by explosive convective nuclei associated with the rapid passage of a cold front and a disturbance in the mid-levels of the atmosphere. Meteorologist Piter Scheuer characterized the storm as a tornado, emphasizing the unusual severity of the conditions.
As the situation develops, the Defesa Civil is preparing technical reports to assist residents with insurance claims related to the damages. Residents in need of assistance can reach out to local emergency numbers: 199 for the Defesa Civil, 153 for the Guarda Municipal (Municipal Guard), or 193 for the Bombeiros (Fire Department).
The forecast for the upcoming days indicates that the cold front will continue to influence weather patterns in Santa Catarina, with potential for isolated storms in the center-east and northern regions. The Defesa Civil has warned of the possibility of intense rain, strong winds, and localized hail, urging residents to remain vigilant.
In the wake of this storm, the community of Chapecó is now focused on recovery efforts, with local leaders emphasizing the importance of supporting affected residents as they begin to rebuild their lives and properties.
