Severe Weather in Rio Grande do Sul
This past weekend, extreme weather conditions swept across Rio Grande do Sul, causing varying degrees of damage in several municipalities. The National Meteorology Institute (Inmet) issued multiple alerts for the state, including a severe red warning. According to the state’s Civil Defense, several areas reported significant damages, including Arroio Grande in the southern region, Maçambará in the western frontier, Segredo in the Vale do Rio Pardo, Soledade in the northern part, and Guaporé in the Serra region.
Continued Weather Instability
As of this Sunday, the Inmet continues to warn of “great danger” with wind gusts exceeding 100 km/h and up to 100 millimeters of rain in certain areas. The alert encompasses parts of the western frontier, campaign areas, and the central and southern regions of the state. The instability is expected to persist throughout the day, with an orange alert for storms applicable to all mapped areas until 11:59 PM.
Local Impact Reports
In Porto Alegre, steady rain has been falling since Saturday afternoon, although significant damages have been relatively limited. The only major incident reported was the roof of a house blown off in the São Sebastião neighborhood. Multiple areas in the northern zone faced flooding, particularly on the overpass of Avenida Castelo Branco, which is experiencing water accumulation.
Fronteira Oeste Regions Affected
Municipalities like Alegrete and Maçambará are enduring the brunt of this severe weather. In Alegrete, approximately 100 homes have been affected, but fortunately, there have been no injuries or evacuations. Areas most impacted include the Doutor Romário neighborhood and Arroio Regalado, with a staggering 121 millimeters of rainfall recorded in one day. Maçambará has also experienced roof damage to three homes. Major Luis Sandro Martins, the Civil Defense coordinator, noted that while there has been significant rainfall in Uruguaiana, no serious incidents have been reported.
Coastal Effects and Additional Damages
The Litoral Norte region faced particularly severe hail in Torres, resulting in roof damage to two homes. Tramandaí’s vice-mayor, Claudiomir da Silva Pedro, reported two emergency calls regarding roofing issues in neighborhoods like Parque dos Presidentes and Indianópolis, highlighting the widespread impact of the weather.
Impacts in Vale do Rio Pardo
In Sobradinho, the local fire department reported no major calls related to weather damages, noting significant rainfall but minimal hail. Conversely, the nearby town of Segredo reported roofing damage, and relief efforts involving tarpaulins for affected households are underway.
Damage Overview in Northern and Southern Regions
In Soledade, at least 15 homes faced roof damage, and assistance with roofing materials has been provided to affected families. Wind gusts reached 98.3 km/h in just six hours, illustrating the storm’s intensity. In the southern area of Arroio Grande, fallen trees were reported near the local event park, blocking roadways and causing damage to power lines and vehicles due to heavy rainfall.
Conditions in Guaporé
In Guaporé within the Serra region, three residences experienced roofing damages, and a high-tension electric line was compromised after a tree fell on it. The local Civil Defense and fire department have distributed tarps and secured the damaged electric network, while the energy company has been notified to address the issues.
Conclusion
The recent severe weather in Rio Grande do Sul has left a trail of damage across multiple municipalities. Emergency services are actively responding to calls for assistance, and ongoing weather instability emphasizes the need for residents to remain vigilant and prepared. The Civil Defense continues to monitor the situation closely, providing updates and resources for those affected.
