Monster Tornado Strikes Paraná, Brazil
A powerful tornado hit the southern Brazilian state of Paraná, leaving six people dead and over 700 injured. The event is considered one of the most severe weather incidents in the region's history.
Damage Assessment and Tornado Classification
The state's climate monitoring agency, Simepar, initially classified the tornado as category F2 but later upgraded it to F3 after reviewing the damage and weather data.
“In terms of magnitude, it was certainly the most devastating tornado we’ve ever had in the state of Paraná,” said Simepar meteorologist Lizandro Jacobsen, as quoted by Bloomberg.
Destruction in Rio Bonito do Iguaçu
Paraná’s Civil Defense released photos showing widespread destruction in the municipality of Rio Bonito do Iguaçu. Homes, vehicles, and roads suffered significant damage.
- More than 90% of the town was affected.
- Efforts to restore water and electricity services are ongoing.
Tornado Severity and Regional Impact
The US National Weather Service defines an F3 tornado as “severe,” with wind speeds between 158 and 206 mph (254 to 331 km/h).
Southern Brazil, a major producer of grains and meat, has experienced an increase in severe weather events. In November, heavy rains in parts of Paraná led authorities to declare states of emergency in several cities.
Summary: The F3 tornado that devastated Paraná, Brazil, caused extensive destruction and casualties, highlighting the growing frequency of severe weather in the region.