Tornado causes destruction in Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul
A tornado caused significant destruction in Pelotas, Brazil, affecting buildings and infrastructure.
A tornado unexpectedly struck Pelotas in Rio Grande do Sul, causing extensive damage in a short period of time. Witnesses reported the formation of a funnel-shaped cloud that created loud noises and lifted objects in the vicinity. A local professor, Maicon Moraes, captured the event on video as he rushed to close his windows before the tornado dissipated. The tornado's winds reached speeds of 75 km/h, destroying a mechanic's workshop where a stack of cars collapsed, and it also removed roofing from houses and uprooted trees.
The aftermath of the tornado left the area in disarray, with significant destruction reported by local residents. Ilmar da Silva Ferreira, a recycler in the community, described the scene as devastating, with his workspace entirely demolished. In the wake of the tornado, many power poles were knocked down, further complicating the situation for the affected neighborhoods. Emergency services received more than 40 calls for assistance as the local Civil Defense prepared to declare a state of public calamity in response to the widespread damage.
Following the tornado, severe winds continued to sweep through the region, reaching Estrela in the Vale do Taquari. The inclement weather prompted authorities to take action, evaluating the damage and ensuring necessary support for affected residents. The event serves as a stark reminder of the potential for severe weather in the region and the impact it can have on local communities.