Hurricane activity in southern Brazil has left a troubling trail of damage and distress, with reports confirming multiple fatalities and widespread power outages across several states. The event has disrupted daily life, strained emergency services, and prompted authorities to issue urgent guidance for residents in affected regions. While the storm’s exact path has varied, its impact has been felt most acutely in major urban and rural communities alike, underscoring the broader risk posed by such extreme weather events in the region.
In the state of Sao Paulo, the loss of life has been confirmed through a series of alarming incidents linked to falling debris and dangerous weather conditions. A 23-year-old woman died after a vehicle was struck by a large tree during the storm, a reminder of how quickly a routine commute can become life-threatening when high winds sweep through areas with vulnerable trees and unstable roadside infrastructure. Separately, an 80-year-old woman experienced a fatal electric shock after losing access to electricity, a risk scenario that highlights how electrical outages can compound danger for elderly residents who rely on powered medical devices or lighting. Local newspapers reported these cases as they were verified, underscoring the human cost behind the broader statistics of the disaster.
Further fatalities and injuries were documented in Río Grande, where a tree strike claimed a life and left several others injured. Seven people were reported to have sustained injuries in the same event, with at least one individual requiring hospital care for more serious trauma. The storm’s reach extended across Rio Grande do Sul, where utilities faced a brutal test as approximately 790,000 residents endured power outages overnight. The widespread outages were a result of damage from hail, heavy rain, and localized flooding that disrupted electrical networks and complicated restoration efforts for utility crews working to restore essential services.
In Santa Catarina, Brusque recorded a fatality when a 40-year-old man was struck by a tree toppled by exceptionally strong winds. Officials noted wind gusts reached approximately 147 kilometers per hour at the peak of the storm, a level that precipitated widespread structural stress, toppled trees, and damaged roofs in coastal and inland communities alike. The combination of wind speed and debris created hazardous conditions that affected transportation, communication infrastructure, and normal public life in the affected districts.
As the hurricane continued to influence coastal and inland zones, authorities advised residents to prepare for potential flooding and to consider evacuation when asked by local officials. The broader concern extended to the stability of shorelines, with officials monitoring tidal patterns and sea state conditions to assess ongoing risk to coastal communities and port facilities. Emergency management agencies emphasized the importance of following official guidance, securing residences, and ensuring that families have a plan and essential supplies in place as the storm evolves. The overarching message from authorities was clear: readiness and swift action can markedly reduce the impact of severe weather events on communities along the southern stretch of the country.