Orange Storm Alerts Across Brazil as Heavy Rains Trigger Flooding and Rescues

Overview

• Brazil’s meteorology institute issued orange-level warnings for intense rain of 30–60 mm per hour or 50–100 mm per day, wind gusts of 60–100 km/h, and possible hail across much of the Southeast and other regions.
• São Paulo state activated a crisis cabinet as Defesa Civil maintained alerts, with forecasts pointing to continuing instability into early next week and locally high multi‑day totals.
• Paranapuã recorded about 90 mm in one hour with rural spots reaching 167 mm, causing flooded homes, road blockages, and damage to drainage infrastructure, according to local authorities.
• Emergency teams responded to urban impacts including a couple rescued from a car stranded in floodwaters in Rio Claro and flooding with fallen trees reported in Ribeirão Preto.
• Meteorologists noted a temperature drop following the late‑December heat, while municipal and state agencies urged residents to avoid flooded areas, stay clear of trees during gusts, and seek updates from Defesa Civil and the fire service.