According to notes from the National Center for Natural Disaster Monitoring and Alerts (Cemaden), it rained around 54mm in the last 24 hours in São Leopoldo. At around 9am, on Wednesday, September 13th, the São Leopoldo Civil Defense verified that the level of the Rio dos Sinos was 4.60m.
Due to the rain, it rose approximately 5cm in the last 10 hours. The measurement was verified on the ruler of the National Water Resources Information System (SNIRH) installed on Rua da Praia.
Even with the constant rain, no major disruptions were recorded anywhere else, only occasional flooding. There is no record of homeless or displaced families. At the moment there is no risk, but it requires intensive monitoring as set out in the Flood Contingency Plan (Placon), as when the river is above 4.30m and there are signs of elevation, it goes into this alert status.
The situation room of the State Secretariat for the Environment and Infrastructure (Sema) maintains the alert for severe weather risk over Rio Grande do Sul between the 13th and 15th of September. Due to a low pressure system, moisture flow and the action of a cold front, heavy and intense rain is expected in the southern half, with floods and disruptions associated with high accumulations.
Local information
Level of Rio dos Sinos (ANA/CPRM): 4.60m
Precipitation in the last 24 hours (ANA/CPRM): 54mm
Accumulated precipitation in the month of September (ANA/CPRM): 231mm
Average 30-year precipitation for September (Climate): 179mm
Summary of the Placon from the Rio dos Sinos level in São Leopoldo
Normal level: between 2m and 2.5m
Up to 3.50m – observation
Above 3.50m – intensive attention and monitoring
Above 4.30m more evidence of elevation or forecast of new rains – alert
Arriving in 4.50m – start reaching Rua da Praia and Rua das Camélias
In 5.10m – alarm – start reaching Rua Alberto Ramos – Feitoria.
Records in 2023
The lowest level recorded in São Leopoldo was 0.29m on February 14th. The highest was 6.18m on June 19th.
Forecast
On Wednesday (13), instability continues to operate throughout the state and there is a risk of storms, heavy rain and possible associated disruptions. Accumulations range from 50 to 70 mm/day in most regions, with the possibility of locally reaching 100 mm/day in the Southeast and South.
In the Northeast and East, accumulations are between 40 and 60 mm/day. The rivers have high and rising levels, with the exception of the Northeast and North, which are stable or declining. Ibirapuitã, Ibicuí, Santa Maria, Uruguay are above the flood level and continue to rise slowly. The Jacuí, Sinos and Gravataí rivers are above the alert level and at elevation.
In the early hours and morning of Thursday (14), the weather remains unstable over the state of Rio Grande do Sul, with constant rain in the eastern half, but with lower volumes than on previous days.
On Friday (15), a colder air mass favors minimum temperatures ranging between 3 and 8°C across the state. The possibility of frost in low-lying regions of the Serra Gaúcha cannot be ruled out. Furthermore, a dry air mass favors stable weather with sun between few clouds across the State.
The trend is that on Saturday (16), the weather will remain firm, with temperatures rising throughout the afternoon.
