Institute speaks of shocks exceeding 60 mm per hour, with risks of flooding, river overflows and slope slides
The (National Institute of Meteorology) issued 2 red alerts for “great danger” for accumulated rainfall this Thursday (Mar 12, 2026) covering more than 440 municipalities in the States of São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Minas Gerais and Paraná.
The warnings remain valid from midnight this Thursday (12th March) until 11:59 pm on the same day.
The institute speaks of rainfall exceeding 60 mm per hour or above 100 mm per day in the affected regions. There is a great risk of flooding and river overflows and landslides.
According to Inmet, one of the warnings refers to an area that covers regions of São Paulo, Minas Gerais and Rio de Janeiro. The most affected, according to the institute, are:
- MG: South and Southwest of Minas, Zona da Mata and Campo das Vertentes;
- SP: Campinas, Piracicaba, Vale do Paraíba and Macro Metropolitana Paulista;
- RJ: South and Center Fluminense, Baixadas, North and Northwest Fluminense;
- Metropolitan regions of Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo.
Read the complete list of municipalities in this 1st notice.
Inmet red notice covers regions of SP, MG and RJ
The other warning covers the South Coast of São Paulo and some areas in the metropolitan regions of São Paulo and Curitiba. Here is the complete list of municipalities in the 2nd notice.
Inmet’s red warning mainly covers the South Coast of SP
Inmet advises residents of affected areas to turn off electrical appliances or the general power supply, observe changes in the slopes and remain in a sheltered place.
In case of flooding, the advice is to protect belongings by wrapping them in plastic bags and staying in contact with Civil Defense (199) and the Fire Department (193).
Inmet alerts are divided into:
- yellow (potential danger): potentially dangerous weather situation. Care must be taken when carrying out activities subject to risks and remain informed about the expected conditions, so as not to take unnecessary risks;
- orange (danger): dangerous weather situation. You must remain very vigilant and regularly informed about expected conditions;
- red (great danger): meteorological situation of great danger, when phenomena of exceptional intensity are predicted. There is a high possibility of major damage and accidents with risks to physical integrity or life. You must follow the instructions of the authorities, stay informed about expected conditions and possible risks and be prepared for emergencies.
