07 Oct 2021 | 03:09 AM UTC
Brazil: Adverse weather forecast across parts of western and southern regions through at least Oct. 12 /update 1
Heavy rainfall, strong winds, and flooding forecast across western and southern Brazil through at least Oct. 12.
Event
Heavy rainfall, strong winds, hail, and flooding are forecast to occur across parts of western and southern Brazil through at least Oct. 12. The affected area includes Acre, most of Amazonas, southern Goias, Mato Grosso, northeastern Mato Grosso do Sul, southern Minas Gerais, far southern Para, Parana, far western Rio de Janeiro, northern Rio Grande do Sul, Rondonia, Santa Catarina, southern and western Sao Paulo, and far western Tocantins states.
As of early Oct. 7, the National Institute of Meteorology in Brazil has issued the following warnings.
Orange heavy rain warnings (second-highest level on a four-tier scale) for heavy rain, strong winds, hail, and possible flooding for Acre, southwestern Amazonas, southern Mato Grosso do Sul, Parana, northern Rio Grande do Sul, western Rondonia, and Santa Catarina states.
Yellow heavy rain warnings for heavy rain, strong winds, and possible flooding for the rest of the affected area.
Officials could update and possibly extend the coverage of the relevant weather alerts over the coming days.
Hazardous Conditions
The storms will be capable of producing heavy downpours and damaging winds across the affected area. Should sustained heavy rainfall occur, it could trigger flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed or a lack of stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where the soil has become saturated by heavy rainfall. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding, landslides, or strong winds impact utility networks.
Transport
Floodwaters and debris flows could render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters.
Severe weather could also trigger intermittent flight delays and cancellations at regional airports, though these are unlikely to be severe or prolonged. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are possible in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track inundation. Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas.
Advice
Confirm flights. Monitor local media for updated emergency and weather information. Seek updated information on weather and road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where severe weather is forecast. Plan accordingly for potential delivery delays if routing shipments by truck through the affected area. Do not attempt to drive through flooded areas. Review contingency plans and be prepared to move quickly to shelter if tornado warnings are issued. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.
