A tornado struck the municipality of Erval Grande, located in the North of Rio Grande do Sul, at approximately 2:30 PM on Friday, May 9, 2025, leaving a significant trail of destruction in its wake. The tornado, classified as an F1 on the Fujita Scale, exhibited wind speeds estimated at around 150 km/h, wreaking havoc primarily in rural areas near the Santa Catarina border.
According to Douglas Imlau, the municipal coordinator of Civil Defense, around 150 properties were impacted by the tornado, with reports indicating that at least 20 families were forced to relocate after losing the roofs of their homes. The storm's ferocity also resulted in the destruction of approximately 30 kilometers of electrical grid, leaving many households without power.
The devastation extended to agricultural lands, with about 30 hectares of eucalyptus plantations completely destroyed. Additionally, preliminary assessments revealed that 25 agricultural pavilions suffered damage or were partially destroyed, while around 150 residences experienced significant roof damage.
The most affected areas included Goio En, Ervalsinho, Secção Sete de Setembro, Pinhalzinho, Pranchão, Portela, and Toldo, rural localities that house a considerable portion of the municipality's population. Teams from the municipal government, Civil Defense, and energy companies have been working since the afternoon to clear access routes and begin repairs in the affected zones.
Images released by the Municipal Civil Defense depict the extent of the destruction, showcasing twisted structures, uprooted trees, and roadways blocked by fallen branches and trunks. Meteorologist Piter Scheuer confirmed that the tornado was triggered by a line of instability that enhanced an explosive convective cell, a phenomenon that is typically associated with supercells. However, this particular tornado formed from an arch structure, making its occurrence relatively rare.
“Polarimetric signatures recorded by meteorological radars, along with the damage observed in the field, such as broken and twisted trees, confirm the passage of a tornado through the region,” explained Scheuer. Fortunately, as of the latest reports, there have been no official accounts of injuries or extensive material damage.
The Civil Defense continues to monitor the weather conditions and has advised the public to remain vigilant due to the possibility of further severe weather events in the coming days. The region had already been experiencing instability, with meteorological alerts issued by Metsul for severe winds and potential tornado formation.
In addition to Erval Grande, the municipalities of Nonoai and Trindade do Sul were also affected by the storm. Residents reported moments of fear and anxiety as strong gusts of wind swept through communities such as Linha Douradinho and Linha Planchão, causing damage to homes, sheds, and agricultural structures.
Local authorities are currently assessing the damage and providing assistance to families affected by the storm. The situation remains fluid, with ongoing evaluations and emergency plans being put into place to support those who have lost their homes or suffered significant losses.
While tornadoes are not uncommon in various parts of the world, including the United States, Australia, and Europe, Brazil lacks a robust database on these occurrences, making it difficult to ascertain their frequency or intensity. The National Meteorological Institute has been working on improving tornado detection and reporting methods, but the historical records remain limited.
This tornado serves as a stark reminder of the power of nature and the importance of emergency preparedness in the face of extreme weather events. As communities begin to recover, the focus will shift towards rebuilding and ensuring that residents are better equipped to handle similar occurrences in the future.
In summary, the tornado that struck Erval Grande on May 9 has left a significant impact on the local community, with extensive damage reported across various sectors. As recovery efforts continue, the resilience of the affected families and the support from local authorities will be crucial in the days and weeks ahead.
