Confirmed Tornado Hits Vila Rica, Farroupilha, Causing Significant Damage

On December 23, 2025, a severe tornado struck the community of Vila Rica in Farroupilha, located in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The event was confirmed by Climatempo meteorologist Bruno Zanetti, who noted the damage pattern was consistent with a short-duration tornado involving intense wind speeds likely exceeding 100 km/h. Aerial images and debris distribution indicated a rotational wind circulation typical of tornadoes.

Before the tornado, radar data from Porto Alegre showed high reflectivity over the area, signaling intense storm activity. The storm was part of a severe weather system moving through the Serra Gaúcha region. On the same day at 12:58 PM, the Civil Defense of Rio Grande do Sul (CMDEC) issued an Orange Alert (Laranja Alert) for Farroupilha, warning residents of the risks of high winds and significant flooding until 3 PM. The alert included safety guidelines, such as seeking secure shelter away from windows and avoiding open or fragile structures.

Climatempo continues monitoring weather conditions in Rio Grande do Sul, urging the public to heed meteorological warnings and safety precautions during such extreme weather events. This tornado highlights the volatile weather patterns impacting southern Brazil, where elevated humidity and storm systems can trigger severe storms and damaging winds.

In a broader context, Brazil is experiencing a period of intense heat and thunderstorms, especially in the southern region, with the National Meteorological Institute (Inmet) forecasting temperatures surpassing historical averages by up to 5°C in parts of the country. The combination of high humidity and low-pressure systems is contributing to continuous storms, some with gusts over 100 km/h, electrical discharges, and hail, increasing the risk of further severe weather events in the region.