Major river levels remain near or above 80% capacity. With additional rainfall on the horizon, the Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service maintained the Riverine Flood Alert (Orange Level) for only the South Oropouche and Caroni Rivers, with severe impacts expected.
What you need to know
— What has happened: Over the last 48 hours, between 100 and 200 millimeters of rain fell across parts of Trinidad, with isolated totals exceeding 200 millimeters. Compounding the flooding situation, over the next 24 hours, an additional 15-25 millimeters of rain fell across the country, with isolated totals exceeding 25 millimeters.
— What to expect: More rainfall over the next 24 hours. Riverine flooding is likely across all major river basins in Trinidad, particularly smaller tributaries to larger rivers, and across the Caroni and South Oropouche Rivers (where the alert is in effect for) as well as the Nariva, Caparo, North Oropouche and Ortoire River basins.
Latest Alerts
Flooding Continues To Subside As Riverine Flood Alert Discontinued
Adverse Weather Alert Discontinued. Showers, Thunderstorms Still In The Forecast
Trinidad and Tobago is NOT under any tropical storm or hurricane threat, watch, or warning at this time.
The Riverine Flood Alert
The Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service updated the Riverine Flood Alert (Orange 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 12:00 PM Tuesday, November 29th, 2022. The alert is now only in effect for the Caroni River and the South Oropouche River, as well as all surrounding tributaries.
While it was discontinued for the North Oropouche River, the Caparo River, the Navet River, and the Ortoire River – these rivers continue to flood parts of northeastern, eastern and central parts of Trinidad on Monday afternoon. With additional rainfall, flooding is expected to continue into Tuesday.
Trinidad and Tobago is not under any tropical storm watch or warning at this time.
“River levels of both the Caroni and South Oropouche Rivers are near or above threshold values and surrounding communities are at moderate to high risk. Further rainfall into these areas may further overwhelm these water courses and delay run-off. Note, though, that run off will be slower at high tide, which will be at 07:23 p.m. (Monday 28th November, 2022) and 8:52 a.m. (Tuesday 29th November, 2022).” according to the Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service. This “alert” status takes into account the possibility of the event occurring. This riverine flood event is expected/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 Orange. This means that the hazard is likely, and you need to be aware of the impacts of street, flash, and riverine flooding in your area. Severe impacts are expected.
For a severe Riverine Flood Alert, there is the potential for a loss of a single life or serious injuries; physical defenses are needed, major losses are possible in confined areas, income earning is impossible for several days, and several communities are affected where external help is needed for recovery.
The public should finalize preparations to protect lives, livelihoods, and property, activate your safety plan, secure food, water, and medicine for at least 7 days in waterproof containers, and protect important assets and documents. Do not take unnecessary risks. Follow the instructions of government officials. Monitor official sources for information
