An intense hailstorm caused damage to at least 700 houses in the northern region of Florianópolis, in Santa Catarina, on the night of August 29, 2026. After the storm, Mayor Topázio Neto (PSD) informed that he would evaluate, on August 30, 2026, the possibility of signing an emergency decree for the capital.
Details of the damage and areas most affected by the storms
The neighborhoods most affected by the weather phenomenon were Canasvieiras, Ponta das Canas, Cachoeira do Bom Jesus and Vargem. In addition to the homes, several images taken by residents showed hailstones the size of an egg scattered across the streets and backyards, and there are reports of vehicles that had their windows broken by the force of the impact. Similar losses were recorded in Biguaçu, in the metropolitan region of Florianópolis, where teams from the city hall, Military Police and Fire Department are working to survey the damage.
The municipal Civil Defense had issued an orange alert for storms between August 27th and August 29th, indicating a high risk of roofing, damage to the electrical network and falling trees. Despite the prediction, a note from city hall explained that the phenomenon developed quickly and localized, without monitoring systems indicating the exact area or intensity in advance.
City hall response and assistance to residents
In response to the damage, the city began registering affected homes to organize the distribution of tarpaulins to residents with damaged roofs. After a more detailed assessment of each family’s needs, the supply of tiles will also be arranged.
For residents who were forced to leave their homes, the municipality’s social assistance provides temporary shelter. Referrals to this location are carried out in partnership with Civil Defense.
Climate forecast raises alert for the region
Recent events are part of a context of above-average rainfall volumes and a greater frequency of severe storms in Santa Catarina’s winter. The 245th Santa Catarina Climate Forum indicates that the scenario could intensify even further in the next three months.
Caio Guerra, Civil Defense meteorologist, stated that there is a consensus among meteorological models for above-normal rainfall volumes in the next quarter. This scenario, according to Guerra, could result in a greater frequency of flooding, flash floods and landslides, especially during periods of intense and persistent rain.
Storms in southern Brazil and recorded tragedies
In the metropolitan region of Florianópolis, a 39-year-old tourist died after being struck by lightning on August 29, 2026, at Praia do Sonho, in Palhoça. The woman was rescued, but did not survive her injuries.
Rio Grande do Sul also faces the consequences of intense rain and hail. Since August 27, at least two deaths and damages have been recorded, affecting 33 municipalities in the interior and metropolitan region of the state. One of the most tragic cases occurred in Porto Alegre, on August 28, when a child lost his life in his home due to a falling tree. Mayor Sebastião Melo (MDB) expressed his regret and informed that city hall teams provided assistance to the affected family.
