Key Highlights
- The Defesa Civil of São Paulo issued an alert for the formation of severe thunderstorms between Friday and Saturday due to a cyclone extratropical.
- Tempestades may bring strong winds, heavy rainfall, and isolated hail, with potential micro-explosions and lightning.
- The alert covers various regions in São Paulo state, including Presidente Prudente, Marília, Araçatuba, and the Greater Metropolitan Area of SP.
- Preparedness measures include avoiding arborized areas, securing outdoor objects, and staying away from open spaces during thunderstorms with lightning.
São Paulo Faces Severe Weather Threat: Defesa Civil Issues Alert
The São Paulo state government’s Defesa Civil has issued a critical alert for the upcoming days, warning residents of potential severe weather conditions. The alert is in response to an approaching cyclone extratropical, expected to cause strong thunderstorms and associated hazards over the weekend.
The combination of pre-frontal heat, advancing cold fronts, and the cyclone’s circulation will create a potent storm system, potentially leading to intense rainfall, isolated hail, frequent lightning strikes, and extreme wind gusts. According to meteorologists from Defesa Civil, the storms are likely to be both sudden and powerful, with varying intensity across different regions of São Paulo state.
Regional Weather Forecasts
The expected impact varies by region. The Presidente Prudente and Marília areas will experience extremely high rainfall accumulations, while the Greater Metropolitan Area of SP, Vale do Ribeira, Itapeva, and other regions face higher than average storm activity.
Wind Patterns and Preparedness Measures
Strong winds are predicted to reach up to 115 km/h in the Litoral Norte region, with 95-100 km/h gusts expected across several key areas. Residents are advised to take precautions by avoiding arborized zones, securing outdoor items, and staying indoors during thunderstorms. The state government has mobilized its emergency response teams, including the Corpo de Bombeiros, Arsesp, Artesp, Fundo Social, SP Águas, Sabesp, and energy and gas providers, to prepare for potential emergencies.
The Gabinete de Crise (Crisis Cabinet) will be activated on Saturday, the day with the highest risk of severe weather. This strategic move aims to enhance coordination among state agencies and local municipalities in real-time monitoring and response efforts.
Business Continuity and Economic Concerns
The potential economic impact from such severe weather events cannot be overlooked. Businesses and infrastructure are at risk, particularly those located in areas prone to flooding or strong winds. Companies operating in regions like Presidente Prudente, Marília, Araçatuba, São José do Rio Preto, Barretos, Franca, Ribeirão Preto, Bauru, and Araraquara should prepare for possible disruptions in operations.
Local authorities emphasize the importance of staying informed through official channels and registering mobile numbers to receive timely alerts via SMS.
The public is encouraged to follow updates on social media platforms and other official communications for the latest weather advisories.
The integration of Defesa Civil with neighboring states—Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina, Paraná, São Paulo, and Rio de Janeiro—is designed to enhance regional cooperation in monitoring and responding to these severe weather events. This collaborative approach ensures a more accurate and effective emergency response strategy across the region.
The alert issued by Defesa Civil highlights the importance of preparedness and proactive measures during such weather conditions. Residents and businesses are urged to take necessary precautions, ensuring safety and minimizing potential economic losses in the face of severe storms.
