At least five people were killed after powerful storms with wind gusts exceeding 100 km/h swept across southern and southeastern Brazil, causing widespread damage, power outages and major transportation disruptions.
The severe weather, associated with the advance of a cold front, first struck the southern state of Rio Grande do Sul before reaching São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. Authorities reported fallen trees, collapsed structures, downed power lines and widespread flooding.
In São Paulo state, two people were killed by falling trees, while a fisherman died after his boat capsized off the coast of São Sebastião. In Rio de Janeiro, two people died when a wall collapsed in the Santa Teresa neighborhood.
The storms also disrupted operations at the Port of Santos, the largest in Latin America, suspended some passenger ferry services, and caused delays and flight diversions at Rio’s Santos Dumont and Galeão airports. Emergency crews in Rio responded to dozens of incidents, including tree collapses, rescues and structural failures.
