The Ministry of Education announced all schools in Trinidad will be closed on Monday, November 28th, 2022. Similarly, in Tobago, the Division of Education, Research and Technology closed across Tobago. The school closures come as the country faces severe flooding with an Orange Level Adverse Weather Alert and Riverine Flood Alert in effect.
This school closure comes exactly one month after severe weather prompted the closure of schools across both islands for Friday, October 28th, 2022.
Heavy rainfall associated with a trough that moved across T&T on Saturday, and a southeasterly flow of moisture led to significant rainfall across the country over the last 36-48 hours, with more rainfall on tap for Monday.
Multiple rivers have broken their banks over the last 36 hours with the Caroni River flooding most of the Caroni River Basin on Sunday evening. Several roadways across Trinidad remain impassable due to erosion, landslides, and flooding.
In the Ministry of Education’s update, they added, “Unless a further advisory from the Ministry of Education is issued, schools will re-open Tuesday, November 29th, 2022, except where clean-up operations in schools may be necessary. In such cases, parents will be advised directly through the school’s Principal.” This was also echoed by Tobago’s Division of Education, Research and Technology.
Meanwhile, the University of the West Indies St. Augustine Campus has closed campus for Monday, November 28th, 2022. They have “taken the decision to close the campus physically, Monday 28 November 2022. Staff will switch to remote/online work, except for Campus Security, Facilities Management, Halls of residence, Health Services Unit, and Libraries.”
The UWI says “This week is the designated reading week so no classes or assessments are allowed except for certain programmes in the Faculty of Medical Sciences (FMS). Classes at the FMS will be online for this week. However, the Alma Jordan and Medical Sciences libraries will open tomorrow (Monday) from 9.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m.”
Orange-Level Alerts
The Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service updated the Riverine Flood Alert (Yellow Level) to Orange Level on Sunday at 7:40 AM. The alert went into effect for Trinidad from 12:00 PM Saturday, November 26th, 2022, and now remains in effect until 6:00 PM Monday, November 28th, 2022. The alert is in effect for the Caroni River, the North Oropouche River, the Caparo River, the Navet River, the Ortoire River and the South Oropouche River, as well as all surrounding tributaries.
The Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service updated the Adverse Weather Alert (Yellow Level) on Thursday at 3:51 PM, upgrading it to Orange Level. The alert went into effect for Trinidad, Tobago, and surrounding marine areas from 5:00 AM Saturday, November 26th, 2022, and now remains in effect through 6:00 PM Monday, November 28th, 2022.
Street, flash, and riverine flooding are very likely 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/southern Trinidad.
