Teresina, Brazil, has issued a new alert for intense rain following six hours of precipitation that accumulated up to 83mm in some areas during the night.
Teresina, the capital of Piauí state in Brazil, has been placed under a weather alert after experiencing severe rainfall overnight on Saturday, with the National Institute of Meteorology (INMET) warning of further intense rain. In a span of six hours, rain accumulation varied widely across the city, with the highest totals recorded at 83mm in the North Zone and 37mm in the Vale Quem Tem neighborhood of the East Zone. This rainfall is particularly concerning as it occurred during a short period, significantly raising the risk of flooding and other related hazards.
The rainfall event was characterized by not only significant accumulation but also a high incidence of lightning strikes, with records indicating more than three strikes per square kilometer, a figure well above the norm of less than one. The most intense lightning activity was noted between 11 PM and 1 AM, prompting further concerns from local officials, including the director of Prevention and Mitigation from the local Civil Defense.
Authorities are closely monitoring the situation as the rainy season progresses, and they advise residents to take necessary precautions. The alert underscores the importance of preparedness in the face of increasingly extreme weather events linked to climate change, making community awareness and responsiveness vital in mitigating potential disasters.
