Hailstorm Turns Santa Catarina Highway into Icy Scene

Hailstorm Turns Santa Catarina Highway White: A Sudden Weather Event Coats Roads in Ice On Monday afternoon, June 9, 2025, a significant hailstorm hit São Joaquim in the Serra Catarinense region of Santa Catarina, Brazil. The unexpected weather event resulted in a thick layer of ice covering the SC-114 highway, turning it a striking white. "It started suddenly," said a spokesperson from the São Joaquim city government, "with small ice pellets mixed with heavy rain." The hailstorm was accompanied by thunderstorms and a dramatic drop in temperature. The phenomenon was not limited to São Joaquim; Joinville, almost 400 kilometers to the north, also reported hail in the Santa Rita and Vale do Caminhos da Neve areas. Videos and photos circulating on social media show cars driving cautiously on the ice-covered road. The unusual sight of a major highway transformed into a temporary ice rink caused some traffic delays, but thankfully, no injuries were reported. São Joaquim, known for its cold winters and occasional snowfall, experienced an unexpected summer hailstorm, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the weather in the region. The event serves as a reminder of the importance of being prepared for sudden weather changes, especially in areas known for their extreme weather conditions.