The National Institute of Meteorology (Inmet) published, this Tuesday morning (24), a warning of intense rain covering the 417 municipalities of Bahia. The warning came into effect at 9:30 am and will continue until Friday night (27). Most of the state is under orange alert, classified as a dangerous situation. The Far South of Bahia is on red alert, which represents great danger.
In the orange alert region, the forecast is for rain between 30 and 60 millimeters per hour or 50 and 100 millimeters per day, in addition to intense winds that can vary between 60 and 100 km/h. There is a risk of electricity cuts, falling tree branches, flooding and electrical discharges.
For the municipalities in the Far South, in red, the forecast is even more severe, with accumulations that can exceed 100 millimeters per day, increasing the likelihood of river overflows and slope slides.
In the capital, Salvador, the alert is yellow for potential danger and may receive rain until next Friday (27), with less intensity, but with the possibility of thunderstorms.
Despite the unstable scenario, so far there is no record of people left homeless as a result of the rains in the state.
Disorders
Last Sunday (22), the effects of bad weather had already caused disruption in the interior of Bahia. A bridge collapsed on BA-046, the highway that connects the municipality of Iaçu to the village of Faustino.
According to Iaçu city hall, the volume of rain exceeded 150 millimeters in a few hours. The force of the water compromised the structure of the bridge, which gave way on a paved section of the road. The site was closed for around 24 hours and is already undergoing maintenance and repair services.
North East
Across the region, the highest volumes of rain throughout the week are expected to be concentrated in the hinterland and central-north of the region, mainly in areas of Piauí, Pernambuco and the central strip of Bahia, where rainfall can exceed 150 millimeters in seven days.
Rains are expected to occur recurrently throughout the week. On the other hand, in the eastern coastal strip of the Northeast — from Zona da Mata to Salvador — the forecast indicates a predominance of more stable weather, with occasional accumulations below 15 millimeters.
Recommendations
Inmet advises that, in case of gusts of wind, the population does not take shelter under trees, due to the risk of falls and electrical discharges, and avoid parking vehicles near transmission towers or advertising signs.
If possible, it is recommended to turn off electrical appliances and the general power supply. In emergency situations, the Civil Defense must be called 199 and the Fire Department by 193.
The guidance is that the population follows official bulletins and pays extra attention, especially in areas under red alert.
