Storm Cuts Power to 1.3 Million in Brazil

More than 1.3 million residents in Brazil’s largest city, São Paulo, were left without electricity late Thursday after powerful winds toppled hundreds of trees onto power lines, causing widespread disruption across the metropolitan area. 

Authorities reported that nearly 400 flights were canceled as the storm system swept through the region.

Utility company Enel said it had restored power to 1.2 million of its 2.2 million customers in and around São Paulo, leaving roughly 300,000 people without electricity throughout the day on Thursday.

The company did not provide a clear timeline for full restoration. Marcelo Puertas, one of Enel’s directors, told reporters that more than 1,300 employees have been working continuously since wind gusts of up to 100 km/h (62 mph) hit the city.

São Paulo’s municipal government reported that 231 trees were brought down by what it described as the effects of an extratropical cyclone that developed in southern Brazil. Aviation authorities said most canceled flights originated from Congonhas Airport, though operations at Guarulhos International Airport were also affected.

The impact extended to water services as well. Utility company Sabesp announced on Thursday that the power outages were disrupting pumping operations, limiting the city’s water supply in several districts.

Officials warned that additional outages and delays may occur as crews continue clearing debris and repairing damaged infrastructure.