The November 3, 2023 storm became the second worst storm-related power grid disaster in Brazilian history, leaving over 4 million without electricity.
Key Facts
- Deaths
- At least 8
- Max wind speed (Santos)
- 151 km/h
- Customers without electricity
- More than 4 million
- Power grid ranking
- 2nd worst storm-related disaster in Brazil
- Affected region
- State of São Paulo, Southeastern Brazil
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
A strong cold front moved into Southeastern Brazil, producing a squall line with exceptionally powerful winds. This meteorological system generated gusts reaching 151 km/h in the coastal city of Santos, creating conditions typical of extreme storm events in the region.
On the afternoon of November 3, 2023, the squall line struck several cities across the state of São Paulo and broader Southeastern Brazil. The storm brought destructive winds and intense precipitation, causing fatalities and widespread infrastructure damage across the affected urban areas.
At least eight people were killed, and more than 4 million electricity customers in São Paulo state lost power. The event was classified as the second worst storm-related power grid disaster in Brazil's history, exceeded only by the June 2020 Southern Brazil bomb cyclone.