The National Institute of Meteorology (Inmet) has announced a new weather alert for heavy rains in 153 cities within Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, highlighting the capital, Natal, where adverse weather conditions have already caused significant disruptions. The alert is active until 23:59 on Friday, February 13, following several days of continuous rainfall that has led to flooded streets and the displacement of around 160 families due to overflow from a catchment lagoon. Additionally, train services in the area have been temporarily halted due to issues with the railway line caused by the inclement weather.

According to Inmet, Natal has experienced 140 millimeters of rainfall within the first 11 days of February, surpassing the historical average of 100 millimeters for this period. This extraordinary precipitation has led to an increased state of alert, with the latest warning categorized as yellow, signifying a potential danger. The forecast predicts rain rates of 20 to 30 millimeters per hour, or up to 50 millimeters daily, and strong winds ranging from 40 to 60 km/h. These conditions not only pose risks to the local population but also could affect transportation and infrastructure across the region.

As the rainy season progresses, the implications of these heavy rains could be far-reaching, potentially leading to further displacements and damage to property and infrastructure. The alert from Inmet underscores the importance of preparedness among local residents and authorities to mitigate the impacts of such extreme weather events. Efforts to manage flood risks and support affected communities will be crucial in the coming days, particularly as conditions remain volatile and unpredictable.