# Weather emergencies in Santa Catarina, Brazil

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/weather-emergencies-in-santa-catarina-brazil
> Updated: 2026-08-31T17:29:03.000Z. Sources: 18. Developments: 3.

In late July, the 244th Santa Catarina Climate Forum warned that the intensifying El Niño phenomenon would lead to above-average temperatures and increased rainfall in the state. Forecasters noted that July had already exceeded seasonal norms and warned of risks including thunderstorms, flash floods, and landslides.

By mid-August, heavy rainfall, hail, and strong winds caused widespread damage across 14 municipalities. Significant impacts included damaged homes in the North Plateau and landslides in the South and Grande Florianópolis regions. In Bela Vista do Toldo, 42 properties were damaged, while Papanduva reported 40 damaged residences and declared a state of emergency. Landslides in Braço do Norte displaced three families, and destruction was reported in Alfredo Wagner and Gravatal.

As weather instability persisted into late August, the severity of the storms escalated. A large wedge tornado was recorded in the rural area of Campo Erê, and supercells impacted the western region. Intense hailstorms, featuring ice stones described as being ‘the size of golf balls’, damaged roofs and vehicles in Florianópolis and Biguaçu. 

By late August, damage estimates suggested over 3,000 homes statewide had been affected, including approximately 2,400 residences in Florianópolis and 900 properties in Biguaçu. Seven municipalities—Bom Jesus, Quilombo, Ipuaçu, Entre Rios, Biguaçu, Florianópolis, and São José do Cedro—declared states of emergency. One fatality was reported in Palhoça, where a woman was struck by lightning. The Civil Defense has mobilized nearly 44,000 humanitarian assistance items, such as tiles and tarpaulins, to support families. Authorities in Biguaçu and northern Florianópolis also suspended classes due to the weather.

## Claims

- Fourteen municipalities in Santa Catarina recorded damage from heavy rain, winds, and hail. (corroborated by 8 sources)
- The municipality of Papanduva has declared a state of emergency. (corroborated by 7 sources)
- Bela Vista do Toldo recorded 42 damaged properties due to wind, rain, and hail. (corroborated by 7 sources)
- Three families were displaced in Braço do Norte following a landslide. (corroborated by 7 sources)
- A landslide in Alfredo Wagner destroyed a residence. (corroborated by 7 sources)
- The South Dam in Ituporanga and the West Dam in Taió closed their floodgates as a preventive measure. (corroborated by 3 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-31: Santa Catarina storms cause widespread damage and emergency declarations

Severe storms and potential tornado activity in Santa Catarina, Brazil, have damaged over 3,000 homes and prompted emergency declarations in seven municipalities.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/santa-catarina-storms-cause-widespread-damage-and-emergency-declarations

### 2026-08-13: Santa Catarina storms cause damage in 14 municipalities

Severe storms and landslides have damaged 14 municipalities in Santa Catarina, Brazil, displacing families and destroying homes. A state of emergency is in effect in Papanduva.

14 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/santa-catarina-dam-floodgates-closed-due-to-heavy-rain

### 2026-07-30: Santa Catarina braces for hotter, wetter months as El Niño intensifies

Santa Catarina’s climate forum predicts above‑average heat and rain for the next three months, driven by El Niño, with a risk of thunderstorms and flash floods.

59 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/araras-and-apucarana-expect-sunny-dry-conditions-thursday

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Cite as: Weather emergencies in Santa Catarina, Brazil. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/weather-emergencies-in-santa-catarina-brazil