Severe hailstorm injures more than 150 people and damages hundreds of homes, prompting state of emergency in Erechim, Brazil

"A powerful convective storm developed over northern Rio Grande do Sul during the afternoon bringing heavy rainfall, strong wind gusts, and hail to Erechim and surrounding municipalities.

According to the Civil Defence of Rio Grande do Sul (Defesa Civil RS), the hail event was triggered by a low-pressure system interacting with hot and humid air, generating strong updrafts capable of sustaining large hail formation.
The storm produced hailstones reportedly up to 10 cm (3.9 inches) in diameter, causing severe damage to roofs, vehicles, and power infrastructure.
Local officials said the hail fell for roughly 20 minutes, damaging hundreds of residential buildings. At least 35 schools sustained structural damage, including broken windows and collapsed roofs.
Hospitals in Erechim and nearby municipalities treated between 150 and 200 people for injuries related to hail impacts or debris from damaged structures. Most injuries involved cuts and head trauma from falling ice or roofing materials." W