Quick Summary
- 1The National Institute of Meteorology renewed an orange alert for intense rain across 507 cities in Minas Gerais, including Belo Horizonte, valid until Wednesday.
- 2The weather system is expected to bring rainfall between 30 and 60 mm per hour, with winds reaching up to 100 km/h.
- 3Authorities warn of risks including power outages, falling tree branches, flooding, and lightning strikes.
- 4Residents are advised to avoid sheltering under trees and to unplug electrical devices during the storm.
Widespread Weather Alert
The National Institute of Meteorology has renewed an orange alert for intense rainfall across 507 cities in Minas Gerais, including the capital Belo Horizonte and its metropolitan region. The warning remains in effect until the end of Wednesday, January 21.
This alert is driven by a new episode of the Zona de Convergência do Atlântico Sul (ZCAS), a significant meteorological system responsible for heavy rainfall in the Southeast and Central-West regions during the late spring and summer seasons.
Storm Intensity & Risks
According to the institute, the weather event poses significant hazards. Forecasts indicate a potential water volume of 30 to 60 mm per hour, with winds potentially reaching 100 km/h. By the end of Tuesday, rainfall accumulation could reach up to 100 mm.
The combination of heavy rain and strong winds creates several dangers for the public. The institute explicitly lists the following risks:
- Power outages and electrical failures
- Falling tree branches and debris
- Urban flooding and water accumulation
- Lightning strikes and electrical discharges
Safety Recommendations
In response to the severe weather forecast, authorities have issued critical safety guidelines for the population. The primary advice is to avoid seeking shelter under trees or near structures that could be compromised by wind.
Additionally, residents are urged to exercise caution regarding vehicles and electrical equipment. The institute recommends:
- Avoid parking near transmission towers or advertising signs
- Unplug electrical appliances and the main power supply if possible
- Keep emergency contacts readily available
In case of an emergency, the Defesa Civil (Civil Defense) can be reached at 199, and the Corpo de Bombeiros (Fire Department) at 193.
Geographic Scope
The meteorological warning covers the vast majority of Minas Gerais state. Specifically, it includes localities in the Triângulo Mineiro, Alto Paranaíba, Central Mineira, Zona da Mata, Vale do Rio Doce, Vale do Mucuri, Norte de Minas, Metropolitana de Belo Horizonte, Jequitinhonha, Noroeste de Minas, and Oeste de Minas.
The alert's influence extends beyond state borders, affecting neighboring regions including Espírito Santo, Rio de Janeiro, Bahia, Goiás, Tocantins, Piauí, Pará, Amazonas, Acre, Rondônia, and Mato Grosso.
Key Takeaways
The renewal of the orange alert highlights the persistent and widespread nature of the current weather system affecting Minas Gerais. With heavy rainfall and strong winds expected to continue through Wednesday, vigilance is essential for residents across the affected regions.
Adhering to safety recommendations can mitigate the risks associated with this severe weather event. Staying informed and prepared is the best defense against the potential hazards of flooding, power outages, and wind damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
The National Institute of Meteorology has issued an orange alert for intense rain across 507 cities in Minas Gerais. This warning, driven by the ZCAS weather system, is in effect until Wednesday, January 21.
The primary risks include power outages, falling tree branches, urban flooding, and lightning strikes. The forecast includes heavy rainfall of 30 to 60 mm per hour and winds up to 100 km/h.
Authorities recommend avoiding shelter under trees and not parking vehicles near transmission towers or advertising signs. It is also advised to unplug electrical appliances and contact emergency services (199 for Civil Defense, 193 for Fire Department) if needed.
The alert covers most of Minas Gerais, including the Belo Horizonte Metropolitan Region, Triângulo Mineiro, and Zona da Mata. It also impacts neighboring states such as Espírito Santo, Rio de Janeiro, and Bahia.
