São Paulo, 5/7/2004 (Agência Brasil) - This one is not as big as Catarina, that hit southern Brazil at the end of March, which was really big by Brazilian standards, but it has civil defense authorities issuing warnings. The recommendation is for fishing boats to remain in port and inhabitants to prepare for strong winds and high tides.

The new extratropical storm, which does not have a name yet (Brazil is not used to giving storms names), will hit the coast of São Paulo and points further south with waves of up to four meters and winds of around 70 kilometers per hour tonight. Civil Defense officials and fire departments are on standby with helicopters, boats and cars to provide assistance if it is needed.

Translator: Allen Bennett