Rio Cancels School Friday Over 90 km/h Winds

Why Did Rio Cancel School on Friday?

Rio de Janeiro Mayor Eduardo Cavalieri signed an emergency decree published in an extra edition of the Diário Oficial suspending all municipal public school classes on Friday, August 8. The decision followed the city entering Alert Stage 2 at 7:05 pm on Thursday, August 6, due to forecasts of dangerously strong winds expected to last through Sunday, August 9.

How Strong Could the Winds Get?

The Sistema Alerta Rio forecasts wind gusts above 90 km/h across the city. Friday is expected to be the most intense day, particularly in the early morning and morning hours, with gusts ranging from strong (52–76 km/h) to very strong (above 76 km/h). The arrival of a cold front associated with a low-pressure system is also bringing partly cloudy to overcast skies and isolated rain showers from late afternoon onward.

What Are Authorities Doing?

The national natural disaster monitoring center Cemaden-RJ warned that coastal areas face a particularly high risk of very strong gusts through Sunday night. The State Civil Defense reinforced its 24-hour Situation Room teams, which are monitoring El Niño effects and weather conditions statewide. More than 95 agents from 59 of the state's 92 municipalities attended a daily alignment meeting on Thursday to coordinate response strategies. Alerts have been sent via SMS to residents in affected cities.

What Should Residents Do During Strong Gusts?

• Stay away from trees, utility poles, signage, scaffolding and metal structures.
• Do not park vehicles under trees.
• Keep doors and windows closed.
• Avoid unnecessary travel during peak wind periods.
• Do not touch fallen power lines.
• Follow official alerts and guidance.
• Call the fire brigade on 193 in emergencies.