Though the worst has passed already for Trinidad, isolated heavy showers and thunderstorms are forecast for both islands today, particularly Tobago, due to the Intertropical Convergence Zone across the country and favorable upper-level conditions.
What you need to know
— Rainfall: Through the next 12 hours, isolated moderate to heavy showers and isolated thunderstorms are forecast, interrupting variably cloudy skies. Rainfall totals between 15 and 35 millimeters are forecast across both islands over the next 12 hours, with locally higher amounts.
— Hazards: Street and flash flooding with localized ponding are expected. Wind gusts in excess of 55 KM/H accompanying heavy showers or thunderstorms are expected. Localized wind damage, such as fallen trees, is likely. Lightning will accompany thunderstorms. Landslides are likely across both islands.
— Alerts/Watches/Warnings: The Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service issued an Adverse Weather Alert (Yellow Level) for Trinidad and Tobago from 8:00 AM Sunday, October 9th, and remains in effect through 8:00 PM Sunday, October 9th. There are no tropical storm or hurricane watches or warnings in effect for T&T at this time.
The Adverse Weather Alert
The Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service issued a late-notice Adverse Weather Alert (Yellow Level) on Sunday at 7:38 AM. The alert went into effect for Trinidad and Tobago from midnight 8:00 AM Sunday, October 9th, 2022, and remains in effect through 8:00 PM Sunday, October 9th, 2022.
Trinidad and Tobago is not under any tropical storm watch or warning at this time.
“As the ITCZ continues to linger in and around the islands, rainfall and showers of varying intensities are expected during the day today, with a 70% (high) chance of thunderstorm activity. Heavy downpours can produce accumulations in excess of 25mm. Localized street/flash flooding can be expected near heavy downpours. Gusty winds in excess of 55 km/hr may be experienced in the vicinity of showers/thunderstorms. Landslides/ landslips can also occur especially in areas of already saturated soil,” according to the Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service. This “alert” status takes into account the possibility of the event occurring. This adverse weather event has been observed.
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 have been observed, and the severity of the 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, flash, and riverine flooding, landslides, 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 monitor weather conditions and updates from official sources, do not wade or drive through flood waters and secure loose outdoor items and livestock.
