Storm brings strong winds and heavy rain to parts of Brazil
A powerful storm slammed into southern Brazil over the weekend, forcing more than 50,000 people from their homes. The low pressure system originated off the eastern coast of Brazil on Friday night, with the centre of the storm lashing the coast of the country with winds of up to 60mph (100kph). A state of emergency was declared in four cities in the Santa Catarina state after heavy rains flooded hundreds of homes.
Low pressure systems frequently form off the coast of South America due to the shape of the land and the interaction of air masses. The Andes which run from north to south through the continent deflect air from Antarctica towards the east. As this air is deflected over Brazil it interacts with warmer air from the Tropics, creating a storm system from an area of low pressure. Although a common feature, this particular system has been unusually intense.
The rains have begun to ease as the storm system travels out into the Atlantic.
