Inmet Issues Red Alerts for Severe Storms in Southern Brazil From Sunday

Overview

• Inmet has active orange and red warnings across Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina, Paraná and parts of Mato Grosso do Sul with forecasts above 100 mm in 24 hours, wind gusts over 100 km/h and hail.
• The frontal system is expected to enter Rio Grande do Sul early Sunday, spread to Santa Catarina, Paraná and Mato Grosso do Sul during the day, then reach portions of the Southeast and Center-West into Monday, with localized risk of tornadoes and downbursts.
• Santa Catarina is under a red alert through early Monday, while Rio Grande do Sul has statewide orange warnings and red zones along the border and in northern and central areas.
• Mato Grosso do Sul is warned for intense storms with winds above 100 km/h, heavy rain and hail, with the south of the state flagged for the most severe localized phenomena.
• Civil-defense agencies held readiness meetings, activated cellphone alerts and urge residents to avoid shelter under trees, stay clear of large signs and call 199 or 193 in emergencies, while São Paulo and parts of Minas Gerais carry lower-tier weekend advisories for showers and gusty winds.