A powerful bomb cyclone has battered southern and southeastern Brazil, bringing destructive winds, heavy rainfall, hailstorms and tornadoes, while authorities continue to monitor severe weather conditions across a broad area of the country.

The system has affected Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina, Paraná, São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Mato Grosso do Sul, with its influence extending into other parts of the Southeast and Center-West. Brazil’s National Institute of Meteorology (INMET) issued weather warnings covering a much wider area, with 11 states placed under wind-related alerts during the height of the event.

The Rio Grande do Sul state has suffered some of the most serious impacts. A tornado was reported in the Pedro Osório area, where homes were damaged and trees and power infrastructure were brought down. Wind gusts in parts of the state exceeded 130 km/h (81 mph), while intense hailstorms added to the destruction.

At least one death has been reported in Rio Grande do Sul in connection with the storm, according to state authorities. The severe weather also caused widespread damage to homes and infrastructure, power disruptions and interruptions to transportation.

In Porto Alegre, powerful wind gusts caused disruptions to public transportation after a fallen tree damaged overhead electrical infrastructure, temporarily interrupting the operation of the Trensurb rail system. Other areas experienced fallen trees, damaged roofs and electricity outages.

The storm also disrupted maritime operations along the southeastern coast. Strong winds temporarily affected navigation at the Port of Santos, while ferry services in the Baixada Santista region experienced delays and longer waiting times as authorities responded to the hazardous conditions.

In São Paulo, authorities warned of powerful winds and severe thunderstorms, particularly in the southern and coastal parts of the state. Some municipalities suspended classes as a precaution, while weather alerts warned of potentially damaging wind gusts approaching 100 km/h (62 mph) in exposed areas.

In Rio de Janeiro, authorities also took precautionary measures as strong winds and storms threatened the region. Weather warnings remained in effect for parts of the state, with officials urging residents to avoid unnecessary travel and remain alert to rapidly changing conditions.

According to INMET, the cyclone underwent rapid intensification over the South Atlantic, producing severe weather across southern Brazil. During the peak of the system, conditions were particularly dangerous across Paraná and Santa Catarina, where heavy rain, thunderstorms, intense wind gusts and hail were forecast.

As the cyclone moves away, however, another significant weather development is emerging. A powerful cold air mass is advancing into southern Brazil, bringing a sharp drop in temperatures.

INMET forecasts intense cold and frost across Rio Grande do Sul and Santa Catarina, with temperatures in some parts of Rio Grande do Sul expected to approach 0°C (32°F). In Porto Alegre, maximum temperatures were expected to remain below 16°C over the following days, while Curitiba could see temperatures fall to around 3°C early in the new week.

The severe-weather threat has not completely disappeared. INMET said thunderstorms could continue through the weekend across Paraná, central and northern Santa Catarina, southern Mato Grosso do Sul and parts of São Paulo, while isolated storms remain possible in other areas.

The cyclone is therefore giving way to a contrasting weather pattern: violent winds and thunderstorms in some areas, followed by freezing temperatures and frost in others.

Authorities continue to urge residents in affected regions to monitor official weather warnings, avoid unnecessary travel during severe conditions, secure loose objects around homes and businesses, and stay away from trees, power lines and damaged structures.

Residents are also being advised to take particular care in areas vulnerable to flooding, falling trees and power outages, while those in southern Brazil are being warned to prepare for the sharp temperature drop expected after the cyclone's passage. (ILKHA)