Rio de Janeiro state faces power outages and traffic disruptions

Severe weather in the Fluminense East region has caused widespread power outages, affecting over 42,000 customers across São Gonçalo, Itaboraí, Niterói, and Maricá. The outages, caused by a storm that downed transmission towers, also disrupted the Imunana-Laranjal water supply system, impacting approximately two million people.

In response to the lack of electricity, residents in São Gonçalo staged a protest on Sunday, blocking the RJ-106 highway with burning tires and wood. This caused significant traffic delays near the Rio do Ouro area.

In Niterói, local authorities have implemented special traffic operations for the Pagobinho event at Caminho Niemeyer, including partial road closures and parking restrictions. Additionally, the city has announced the early start of its Summer Operation on November 20 to prepare for potential El Niño effects, including extreme heat and heavy rains.