Rio de Janeiro experienced severe rainfall on Monday afternoon that resulted in significant disruptions throughout the region. The Presidente Dutra Highway, a crucial route connecting the state to São Paulo, was completely blocked at kilometer 173 due to flooding, affecting traffic significantly. The closure occurred around 2:30 PM, with authorities later reopening the highway by late afternoon, although reports of slow traffic persisted in affected areas.

In addition to the highway blockage, several neighborhoods in São João de Meriti faced severe water accumulation, particularly in Venda Velha, where over 100 millimeters of rain fell in under an hour. This rapid influx of water marked notable challenges for local residents and municipal services, as flooding created hazardous conditions. As a result, the local government reported that the area had reached Alert Level 5, indicating a critical risk status and the potential for further developments.

The situation underscores the vulnerability of urban infrastructure to extreme weather events, which can lead to operational disruptions and pose safety risks for residents. Authorities will likely need to assess the long-term impacts of such flooding events and improve flood management strategies to mitigate future risks in a city known for its challenges with rainfall and drainage systems.