An active tropical wave is nearing Trinidad and Tobago, forecast to produce inclement weather from early Thursday morning. Rainfall is forecast to continue through the weekend.
What you need to know
— Rainfall: Through the weekend, periodic rain, moderate to heavy showers, and isolated thunderstorms are forecast. Through Friday, heavy to violent showers and intense thunderstorms are possible, producing rainfall totals between 15-35 millimeters across the country, with higher rainfall totals exceeding 50 millimeters across southern and eastern Trinidad, as well as western coastal areas.
— Hazards: Street/flash flooding is likely on Thursday and Friday. Chances for riverine flooding remain low through Friday but gradually increase through the weekend. Gusty winds, in excess of 55 KM/H accompanying heavy showers or thunderstorms are also forecast. Lightning will accompany thunderstorms. Severe thunderstorms are possible on Thursday. Landslides are possible across elevated areas.
— Alerts/Watches/Warnings: An Adverse Weather Alert (Yellow Level) is in effect for Trinidad and Tobago from 8:00 AM Thursday, June 2nd, 2022 through 2:00 PM Friday, June 3rd, 2022 from the Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service.
The Adverse Weather Alert
The Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service has issued an Adverse Weather Alert (Yellow Level) on Wednesday afternoon at 3:57 PM. The alert goes into effect at 8:00 AM Thursday, June 2nd, 2022 through 2:00 PM Friday, June 3rd, 2022.
Trinidad and Tobago is not under any tropical storm watch or warning at this time.
“Thunderstorms are 60-80% likely to occur, favoring Tobago and Northern parts of Trinidad on Thursday (2nd), followed by extended periods of showers and/or persistent rainfall which can affect both islands on both Thursday (2nd ) and Friday (3rd). Winds can gust in excess of 55km/h in heavy showers and thunderstorms. These thunderstorms can produce intense rainfall of over 25mm. Street and/or flash flooding are possible in areas so prone, causing minor traffic disruptions. Electrical discharges are also very likely as well. This is due to a significant increase in moisture, instability, and convergence behind the axis of a Tropical Wave, which is also being followed by an increase of low-level wind speeds.” according to the Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service. This “alert” status takes into account the possibility of the event occurring. This adverse weather event is likely.
The color of the alert indicates the severity of the event and the probability of the event occurring. Currently, the alert level is Yellow. This means that the hazards are likely, but the severity of impacts is moderate for this particular alert. You should be aware of the hazards in your area associated mainly with gusty winds in excess of 55 KM/H, street, and flash flooding as well as frequent lightning.
For a moderate Adverse Weather Alert, there is the potential for possible injuries, where behavioral changes are required to ensure safety. There may be minor damage to property, with income-earning temporarily disrupted and a couple of communities affected.
The Met Office is advising the public to be alert for cloud-to-ground lightning activity and not venture into floodwaters, secure loose objects outdoors as well as monitor weather conditions and updates from official sources.
Small craft operators should be on the alert for above normal or choppy sea conditions in strong winds.
