Overview of Recent Severe Weather in Rio Grande do Sul
This past weekend, heavy rains and strong winds caused significant damage across various regions of Rio Grande do Sul. The National Institute of Meteorology (Inmet) issued multiple alerts, including one of red severity, indicating the potential for dangerous conditions. Municipalities such as Arroio Grande, Maçambará, Segredo, Soledade, and Guaporé reported considerable damage, prompting concerns for residents and local authorities.
Official Warnings and Weather Conditions
As of Sunday morning, the Inmet provided warnings valid until 10 AM, highlighting the threat of wind gusts exceeding 100 km/h and rainfall reaching up to 100 millimeters. The alert encompassed regions including the Fronteira Oeste, Campanha, Vale do Rio Pardo, as well as the Central and Southern parts of the state. The ongoing instability is expected to persist throughout the day, leading to further alerts for storms across the area.
Impact in Porto Alegre
In the capital city, Porto Alegre, rain has been consistent since Saturday afternoon. While significant structural damage has not been reported, some localized flooding occurred, especially in the northern zone, where streets were inundated. Notably, one house in the São Sebastião neighborhood suffered roof damage due to the storm.
Challenges in the Fronteira Oeste
Municipalities like Alegrete, Maçambará, Uruguaiana, and Quaraí faced intense weather conditions, with Alegrete reporting impacts to approximately 100 homes but thankfully avoiding injuries. The most affected areas include the Doutor Romário neighborhood and Arroio Regalado, where rainfall reached 121 millimeters in just one day. In Maçambará, reports indicated three homes suffered roof damage as winds and rains caused distress in the region.
Conditions Along the Litoral Norte
On the Litoral Norte, strong hail was recorded in Torres, resulting in two homes losing their roofs. Vice-Mayor Claudiomir da Silva Pedro noted two calls from residents regarding roofing issues, signaling the storm’s impact across Tramandaí as well. Local authorities are actively responding to these incidents.
Perturbed Conditions in the Vale do Rio Pardo
Despite experiencing heavy rainfall, the Corpo de Bombeiros in Sobradinho did not receive reports of emergencies related to the weather. However, neighboring Segredo faced issues with roof damage, prompting the distribution of tarpaulins to affected residences.
Damage Reports from the Northern Region
In Soledade, 15 homes encountered roofing issues, with immediate help provided through the distribution of replacement tiles to those in need. Winds played a significant role, reaching up to 98.3 kilometers per hour.
Suffering in the Southern Region
Arroio Grande experienced fallen trees near the local event park, blocking the roads between Arroio Grande and Herval. The RS Civil Defense reported numerous issues such as downed power poles and damage to roofs and vehicles due to the heavy rainfall.
Concerns in the Serra Region
In Guaporé, three residences reported damage to their roofs, exacerbated by a fallen tree that impacted high-tension wires. Emergency services have been mobilized to provide tarpaulins and ensure the safety of the affected areas, with the energy company alerted to rectify the power line issues.
Conclusion
The severe weather in Rio Grande do Sul has prompted significant responses from local authorities as they work to assess damage and support affected residents. Continued vigilance is essential as the weather remains unstable.
