Very close cloud to ground lightning strike in São José dos Campos, Brazil

A very close cloud to ground lightning was recorded in São José dos Campos, Brazil on April 10, 2019.

Heavy rainfall has been affecting several parts of Brazil since last week, causing fatalities and damage, particularly in the States of Rio de Janeiro, Maranhao, Piaui and Sao Paulo. 

Rio de Janeiro officials said the city received 152 mm (5.98 inches) of rain in just 4 hours on Monday night, April 8. This is more than the average for the whole month of April (95 mm / 3.74 inches).

Copacabana Forth, near famous beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema, received a 246 mm (9.68 inches) of rain in 9 hours (2.6 month's worth of April rain). If confirmed, it will mark the highest 24-hour total ever recorded in the city of Rio de Janeiro.

The botanical garden neighborhood received 231 mm (9.09 inches) in a 24-hour period – 2.4 months' worth of April rain.

As of April 10 at 8.00 UTC, media report at least 10 deaths in the city of Rio de Janeiro due to floods and landslides. The authorities confirm that at least 1 500 families have been affected in the States of Maranhao and Piaui. 

A state of emergency has been declared for Rio de Janeiro State and several municipalities in Sao Paulo State. 

Featured image credit: Meteo Reporter Storm