Severe Storm Alerts Widen Across Brazil as São Paulo Endures Flooding and Power Cuts

Overview

• Overnight storms in Greater São Paulo left more than 60,000 customers without electricity, produced at least 33 flood points and prompted rescues of stranded residents, with gusts near 70 km/h and reports of hail.
• Inmet issued an orange alert valid until 23:59 Wednesday for severe storms over much of São Paulo and parts of Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro, Paraná, Santa Catarina, Goiás and Mato Grosso do Sul, forecasting 30–60 mm/h rain, 60–100 km/h winds and hail risk.
• Minas Gerais remains under a wide yellow alert through late Wednesday covering more than 600 municipalities including Belo Horizonte, as storms in Alfenas, Uberaba and Juiz de Fora toppled trees, cut power and brought gusts up to 63 km/h.
• Goiás placed about 150 municipalities on storm watch due to heat and humidity driving rapid thunderstorms, with Cimehgo advising residents to seek safe shelter and avoid flooded areas.
• A concurrent heat wave strained services in Rio de Janeiro, where heat-related urgent visits rose roughly 30% versus expected levels, while forecasters noted potential for late-day downpours.