The Intertropical Convergence Zone is now across Trinidad and Tobago, producing rain, showers, and thunderstorms. Tropical Wave 48 is forecast to move across the area by Friday, interacting with the ITCZ and a deep-layered trough, generating additional rainfall.
What you need to know
— Rainfall: Through Saturday, scattered moderate to heavy showers and thunderstorms are forecast, interrupting cloudy skies. Rainfall totals between 35 and 80 millimeters are forecast across both islands over the next three days, with locally higher amounts exceeding 100 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.
The Adverse Weather Alert
The Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service updated the Adverse Weather Alert (Yellow Level) on Wednesday at 4:10 PM. The alert went into effect for Trinidad, Tobago, and surrounding marine areas from 9:00 AM Tuesday, October 25th, and remains in effect through 3:00 PM Saturday, October 29th, 2022.
Trinidad and Tobago is not under any tropical storm watch or warning at this time.
“The ITCZ is expected to drift over T&T tonight, followed by a Tropical Wave on Friday (28th). Periods of rain and/or showers of varying intensities are expected, with a high (80%) chance of heavy showers and thunderstorms that can produce intense rainfall in excess of 50mm. 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, and 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, river levels, and updates from official sources, not wade or drive through flood waters, and secure loose outdoor items and livestock.
