By Benjamin GroffMedia© | benandsteve.com | ©2025 

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The state of Paraná, in southern Brazil, does not experience tornadoes as often as North America’s “Tornado Alley.” In contrast, it is one of the more active regions for severe weather. It experiences more frequent severe weather compared to the rest of South America. Tornadoes here are not everyday events, yet they occur often enough to be taken seriously.

Frequency and Historical Records

• The southern region of Brazil (Paraná, Santa Catarina, and Rio Grande do Sul) records the majority of the country’s tornadoes.
• A comprehensive meteorological study found around 310 tornado occurrences in southern Brazil. Approximately 87 of those took place in Paraná during the recorded period.
• (Source: Universidade Federal de Santa Maria – Ciência e Natura Journal)
• Another catalog lists at least 106 tornadoes that have historically occurred in Paraná alone. Nonetheless, researchers agree that the actual number is probably higher. Many rural or short-lived tornadoes go unreported.
• (Source: Wikipedia – List of Brazil Tornadoes)

When and Where Tornadoes Occur

• The peak season runs from September through March or April, corresponding to the warm, storm-prone months in the Southern Hemisphere.
• Tornadoes in Paraná are typically linked to cold fronts. They are also linked to severe convective systems (supercell thunderstorms). These systems move north from Argentina and Paraguay across southern Brazil.
• The western and central portions of the state, especially open agricultural regions, experience the highest number of reported events.

Risk and Impacts

• While far less frequent than in the U.S. Midwest, Paraná tornadoes can still be destructive.
  • One notable event occurred in 2015, when a tornado struck Marechal Cândido Rondon, destroying homes and injuring residents. Meteorologists later classified it as an EF-2 tornado.
    • Damage paths in Brazilian tornadoes are often shorter. Building standards and awareness levels are low. This means that even small tornadoes can still cause significant losses.
• Meteorologists note that the public’s perception of tornado risk in Brazil is low. This can make isolated events more dangerous due to a lack of preparation or warning infrastructure.

Summary

Aspect Description

Frequency: Dozens recorded over several decades; under-reported

Peak Season September–March (Southern Hemisphere spring to early autumn)

Most Active Areas Western/Central Paraná

Typical Intensity EF-0 to EF-2, occasionally stronger

Risk Level Low overall, but real — capable of significant local damage

In Perspective

Tornadoes in Paraná are uncommon but not rare. They sporadically, mostly during severe summer thunderstorms. For locals, this means staying alert during major storm fronts — not living in fear, but with awareness.

Compared to global hotspots, while Paraná’s tornadoes seem minor. In a region better known for lush farmland and waterfalls, a twisting funnel cloud is a striking sight. It remains one of nature’s most potent spectacles. It is also among the most sobering spectacles.

Late on Friday night, a ferocious whirlwind ripped through the southern Brazilian town of Rio Bonito do Iguaçu. It left behind a scene described by officials as “like a war zone.” With winds exceeding 250 km/h (155 mph), the twister flattened homes. The tornado overturned vehicles and claimed at least six lives — including a 14-year-old girl — while injuring hundreds more. Source (Al Jazeera+2AP News+2)

As emergency crews sift through the rubble, the people of this tight-knit community face an uncertain morning. They wonder where to sleep. They consider how to rebuild. They must reckon with nature’s sudden fury. Source (ABC News+1)

This is not just a storm. It’s a stark reminder of how swiftly life can change. This happens when the skies unleash their full power.

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By Benjamin GroffMedia© | benandsteve.com | ©2025