An active tropical wave, Tropical Wave 47, is approaching the Lesser Antilles. Stronger convection (showers, thunderstorms) are forecast to remain north of the country, affecting the northern Windwards and French Antilles. For Trinidad and Tobago, active weather is set to trail the wave axis with sporadic showers/thunderstorms today into tonight, with peak inclement weather from Wednesday (tomorrow)
What you need to know
— Rainfall: Through the next 12 hours, isolated moderate to heavy showers and isolated thunderstorms are forecast, favoring Tobago, eastern Trinidad, and along western coastal areas, interrupting variably cloudy skies. Rainfall totals between 5 and 15 millimeters are forecast across both islands over the next 12 hours, with locally higher amounts exceeding 25 millimeters.
— Hazards: Street and flash flooding with localized ponding are possible in heavier showers or thunderstorms. Wind gusts in excess of 55 KM/H accompanying heavy showers or thunderstorms are also possible during and ahead of heavy showers or thunderstorms. Localized wind damage, such as fallen trees, is possible. Lightning will accompany thunderstorms. Landslides are also possible, mainly across Tobago and northern Trinidad.
— Alerts/Watches/Warnings: The Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service issued an Adverse Weather Alert (Yellow Level) for Trinidad, Tobago, and surrounding marine areas from 9:00 AM Tuesday, October 25th, 2022, and remains in effect through 5:00 PM Tuesday, October 25th, 2022. 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 an Adverse Weather Alert (Yellow Level) on Tuesday at 6:21 AM. The alert went into effect for Trinidad, Tobago, and surrounding marine areas from 9:00 AM Tuesday, October 25th, and remains in effect through 5:00 PM Tuesday, October 25th, 2022.
Trinidad and Tobago is not under any tropical storm watch or warning at this time.
“Periods of rain and/or showers of varying intensities are expected today (25th October 2022), also with a 70% (high) chance of heavy showers and thunderstorms that can produce intense rainfall in excess of 25mm. Gusty winds in excess of 55 km/h may be experienced, especially in the vicinity of heavy showers/thunderstorms. Street/flash flooding and localized ponding are also likely in heavy downpours. Seas can become agitated at times in sheltered areas. Landslides/landslips are also possible in areas so prone,” 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, 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 and not wade or drive through flood waters.
