Rain blocks access roads to the northern coast of SP
Rain in northern São Paulo has caused the closure of key access roads due to landslide risks.
Heavy rain in northern São Paulo has led to significant road closures, particularly affecting the Rodovia dos Tamoios (SP-99) and Oswaldo Cruz (SP-125) highways in the municipalities of Caraguatatuba and Ubatuba. The Oswaldo Cruz highway has experienced a complete closure due to a landslide on Sunday, with no expected reopening time as of the publication of the article. The situation on Tamoios is less severe, though it remains partially closed as rainfall levels have surpassed safety limits, raising concerns about potential further landslides.
In addition to the ongoing issues with Tamoios and Oswaldo Cruz, the Mogi-Bertioga highway, which connects Mogi das Cruzes to Bertioga, was shut down for nearly five hours late Sunday evening. This closure was also precautionary in nature, taken to mitigate the risks posed by the intense rainfall and potential landslides in the area. Such weather conditions have underscored the vulnerability of these crucial transportation routes, making maintenance and safety a pressing concern for local authorities.
As the situation develops, local authorities are closely monitoring the weather and road conditions. The continued rainfall poses challenges for transportation and access to the coastal region, which is vital for tourism, especially as seasonal visitors flock to the area. Efforts to clear blocked roads and ensure safe passage will likely require sustained attention as long as storms persist in the region.