Following inclement weather on Wednesday, October 5th, 2022, associated with Invest 91L’s passage across the country, the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) has decided to close all schools across the island on Thursday, October 6th, 2022.
In a late-night media release, the Office of the Chief Secretary advised that all Tobago schools shall remain closed on Thursday, October 6th, 2022 but shall return to normal operations on Friday, October 7th, 2022.
However, public officers and other categories of workers are expected to report for duty on Thursday, October 6th, 2022. The release stated that those who have been adversely affected by inclement weather and are unable to report for duty should inform their supervisor of their circumstances.
As a result of Wednesday’s inclement weather, schools in Tobago were dismissed early, the operations of the THA were suspended, and employees were sent home.
On Wednesday into early Thursday morning, periods of heavy rain and gusty winds swept across the island. As of Wednesday night, the Tobago Emergency Management Agency received over 120 reports of inclement weather impacts. Most of these reports comprised of landslides and street/flash flooding across the island.
Between 10:00 PM Wednesday and 2:00 AM Thursday sustained winds at Crown Point reached as high as 26 KM/H and gusted to 48 KM/H.
What about Trinidad?
On Wednesday, Education Minister Dr. Nyan Gadsby-Dolly said approval is being given upon request for schools in affected areas to close, and principals are allowing parents to collect their children from schools if required.
Multiple primary and secondary schools flooded on Wednesday, including The University of the West Indies St. Augustine Campus. Schools, particularly across north-central, central, and northeastern Trinidad, were affected following torrential rainfall associated with Invest 91L.
School is set to proceed as normal on Thursday in Trinidad as there has been no additional advice coming out of the Ministry of Education on Wednesday night.
More Inclement Weather Forecast
Showers and thunderstorms trailing Invest 91L remain in the forecast for Trinidad and Tobago over the next two days.
A Riverine Flood Alert (Yellow Level) went into effect for Trinidad and Western Tobago from 5:03 PM Wednesday, October 5th, 2022, and remains in effect through 5:00 PM Friday, October 7th, 2022 for Trinidad and western Tobago.
The Met Office also has Trinidad and Tobago under an Adverse Weather Alert (Yellow Level) until 12:00 PM Friday, October 7th, 2022.
