An active tropical wave is nearing Trinidad and Tobago, forecast to produce inclement weather from early Monday morning. Rainfall is forecast to continue through the week.
What you need to know
— Rainfall: Through the next 48 hours, periodic rain, moderate to heavy showers, and isolated thunderstorms are forecast, mainly from Monday morning. Through Tuesday, heavy to violent showers and intense thunderstorms are possible, producing rainfall totals between 15-45 millimeters across the country, with higher rainfall totals exceeding 75 millimeters across southern and eastern Trinidad, as well as western coastal areas. In highly isolated areas, rainfall totals through Tuesday could exceed 150 millimeters.
— Hazards: Street/flash flooding is likely on Monday and Tuesday. Chances for riverine flooding remain low at this time. Gusty winds, in excess of 50 KM/H accompanying heavy showers or thunderstorms are likely. Lightning will accompany thunderstorms.
— Alerts/Watches/Warnings: An Adverse Weather Alert (Yellow Level) is in effect for Trinidad and Tobago from 5:00 AM Monday, June 13th, 2022 through 12:00 PM Tuesday, June 14th, 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 Sunday afternoon at 2:45 PM. The alert goes into effect at 5:00 AM Monday, June 13th, 2022 through 12:00 PM Tuesday, June 14th, 2022.
Trinidad and Tobago is not under any tropical storm watch or warning at this time.
“There is a high (70%) chance that the passage of a tropical wave will result in heavy showers/thunderstorms. These conditions are expected to occur intermittently over the period, starting with southern areas of Trinidad. 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 likely. The threat of gusty winds will also be present. These wind gusts may be brief, but are capable of breaking tree branches, displacing unsecured roofs and loose outdoor objects, and can even topple over unhealthy trees.” 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.
