Santa Catarina storms cause widespread damage and emergency declarations

Severe storms, including heavy rain, hail, and strong winds, have caused widespread damage across the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil. The Civil Defense is investigating whether a potential tornado occurred in Campo Erê after meteorological radar in Chapecó detected rotation patterns indicative of supercells.

Seven municipalities—Bom Jesus, Quilombo, Ipuaçu, Entre Rios, Biguaçu, Florianópolis, and São José do Cedro—have declared states of emergency. Damage estimates suggest over 3,000 homes statewide have been affected. In Florianópolis, approximately 2,400 residences were impacted, while Biguaçu reported damage to around 900 properties.

The Civil Defense has mobilized nearly 44,000 humanitarian assistance items, including tiles, ridge tiles, and tarpaulins, to support affected families. In response to the weather, schools in Biguaçu and parts of northern Florianópolis suspended classes. One fatality was reported in Palhoça, where a woman was struck by lightning.