Rain and strong winds knock down trees and cause damage in cities in western São Paulo

The rain accompanied by strong winds caused trees and branches to fall on highways and public roads in the cities of Rancharia (SP) and Martinópolis, on the afternoon and evening of Wednesday (4). The state of São Paulo is on alert for storms until Saturday (7).

In Martinópolis, nine trees fell on the Assis Chateaubriand Highway (SP-425), while another large tree blocked a local road that gives access to the Teçaindá district. In Rancharia, tree falls were also recorded, one of which blocked a street.

According to the Civil Defense of Rancharia, one of the incidents was recorded on an urban road and another on Rodovia Brigadeiro Eduardo Gomes (SP-457), towards Balneário Municipal. There were no victims.

In Martinópolis, the storm began at around 5:45 pm and hit the section of the Assis Chateaubriand Highway between kilometers 412 and 416. According to the Municipal Coordination of Protection and Civil Defense (COMPDEC), in addition to the nine trees, several smaller branches were scattered across the road and the shoulder, posing risks to drivers.

Civil Defense teams were called at 6:13 pm and worked on signaling and clearing the highway, together with the concessionaire Eixo SP. Employees from Usina Alto Alegre provided support to the incident.

While the teams were working on Rodovia Assis Chateaubriand, the Martinópolis Fire Department responded to another incident caused by falling trees.

On Rodovia Vicinal Coronel João Gomes Martins, which connects SP-425 to the district of Teçaindá, a large tree fell onto the road and blocked the passage of vehicles.

According to Civil Defense, the work to remove obstacles on the Assis Chateaubriand Highway was completed at 8:10 pm, when the section was released.

The state of São Paulo is on alert for storms until Saturday (7). The forecast is for heavy rain, winds of up to 80 km/h and the possibility of hail. The regions of Sorocaba, Jundiaí, Itapetininga, Bauru, Marília, São José do Rio Preto, Araçatuba and Presidente Prudente (SP) are within the orange alert risk area.

The possibility of rain showers is greater in the early morning and morning periods. On Sunday (8), there should be a drop in temperature. A crisis office was prepared to be on duty from this Thursday (5) in São Paulo.

The agency reinforces preventive guidelines to avoid accidents during the period of instability: Flooding: avoid flooded areas and do not try to cross roads with accumulation of water, even if the depth seems small; Strong winds: keep away from trees, poles, electrical wiring and metal structures; Slopes and hills: pay attention to signs of landslides and, in the event of any changes, look for a safe place; Traffic: drivers must reduce speed and increase the safe distance from other vehicles.

In case of emergency, the population can contact the Civil Defense by calling 199 or the Fire Department by calling 193. To receive free weather alerts via SMS on your cell phone, simply send a message with your residence's ZIP code to number 40199.