Category 1 hurricane: Storms and strong winds of up to 151km/h cause disruption on the coast of SP
Winds that reached speeds of up to 151 km/h caused serious problems in the cities of Baixada Santista, including falling trees, flooded areas, structural damage to buildings, including hospital facilities in the region, in addition to the interruption of ferry operations.
Roof of a gas station in the city of Santos that collapsed - Photo Reproduction / Social Networks
An intense storm accompanied by high-speed winds hit the coast of São Paulo on Friday afternoon (03), causing a series of inconveniences for residents of cities such as Santos, Praia Grande and Guarujá. With wind gusts that reached 151km/h, the weather event surprised the region, leaving a lot of damage throughout the region. According to an official statement from the Civil Defense of the State of São Paulo, Baixada Santista experienced the passage of a category 1 hurricane.
“The classification above 150 km/h is a level 1 hurricane, this record was made by Pilotage of the Port of Santos. We are checking with other equipment, but if it is confirmed (this wind speed) it would really be a hurricane”, said Captain Roberto Farina Filho, director of Communications for the Civil Defense of SP, to the local broadcaster, Santa Cecília TV.
Images of some of the disruptions caused by the strong storm – Video Reproduction/Social Networks
Drilling level 1
The scale used to assess the intensity of hurricanes is called the Saffir-Simpson Scale. It classifies these natural features into five categories, taking into account the speed of their winds and storm surges, which result in an abnormal rise in sea level after the hurricane passes. Additionally, a scale assesses the potential damage that could occur when the hurricane makes landfall.
In this category, winds reach speeds ranging from 119 to 153 km/h, and waves can rise up to 1.5 meters above normal sea level. Hurricanes belonging to this category generally cause damage predominantly to homes that are not properly anchored, remove debris, trees and traffic lights, and can result in minor flooding as well as minor damage to property structures.
Itanhaém
The municipality of Itanhaém was one of the first to experience the impacts of the storm, leaving residents apprehensive. The Civil Defense of Itanhaém reported in a statement that, despite the intense rain, there were no serious incidents, although isolated points of flooding were identified in some areas of the city.
Santos
In Santos, several trees and structures fell, including the roof of a gas station in Ponta da Praia that collapsed. The location, which is close to the ferry between Santos and Guarujá, could not withstand the strength of the winds that surprised residents of the region. The ferry crossing service had to be temporarily interrupted, but was quickly resumed. Furthermore, the Santa Casa de Santos building also suffered damage due to strong winds, which caused the structure to partially deroof.
"There were no injuries. The hospital's maintenance teams are already on site to carry out the necessary repairs, as well as the Institution's multidisciplinary teams are providing full care to patients and companions", says the hospital's statement.
Guarujá
In Guarujá, Hospital Santo Amaro had to transfer and relocate patients from the wards after a short circuit in the transformer in front of the unit, which resulted in a fire, according to a statement from the hospital's press office. The relocation of patients was necessary due to the lack of power and the presence of smoke, an unfortunate situation.
“The transformer in front of the hospital burst and there was a fire in two units. It also informs that the disorder is under control, the patients were relocated and there were no victims. However, elective surgeries are suspended until there is repair and safety for patients and employees”, informed the hospital unit.
Big beach
In the city of Praia Grande, city hall teams still roamed the streets until early evening to assess the damage caused by the storm. At least 18 incidents of fallen trees were confirmed in the locality. The Litoral Plaza Shopping press office reported that, due to the intense winds, a sheet of drywall had come off the ceiling, located in the external area of the establishment's main entrance.
The fire and maintenance teams were called promptly and took all possible measures. For safety reasons, the area was isolated for the necessary corrections. It is important to highlight that there were no injuries and Litoral Plaza continues to operate normally. Praia Grande City Hall reported that Civil Defense teams, together with several municipal departments, were called in to deal with the damage caused by the hurricane.
Other cities in the region
The City of São Vicente, through the Secretariat of Social Organization (Sedos), announced that it had contacted the Civil Defense due to incidents of fallen trees in the city. Furthermore, the storm caused some traffic lights in the city to become inoperable. In Cubatão, as reported by City Hall, Civil Defense was not mobilized, and the municipality did not face major problems, with the exception of power cuts and flooded areas. Bertioga Civil Defense also reported the absence of incidents related to rain or wind.
