After inexplicably dropping the Riverine Flood Alert (Orange Level) for parts of the North Oropouche, Caparo and Ortoire River Basins, where some areas are severely impacted by flooding over the last 24 hours, the Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service has expanded its new alert to cover the entire island. Major river levels remain near or above 80% capacity with severe flooding ongoing across the Caroni, South Oropouche and Ortoire River Basins.
What you need to know
— What has happened: Over the last 72 hours, between 100 and 200 millimeters of rain fell across parts of Trinidad, with isolated totals exceeding 200 millimeters. While no significant rainfall is forecast over the next 48 hours, runoff remains slow across the country with places across central, south and eastern Trinidad still experiencing flood waters as high as eight feet.
— What to expect: Major riverine flooding to continue through the next 24 hours as waters gradually subside. Flooding may continue through the end of the week, although river levels may become contained by late Wednesday into Thursday.
Latest Alerts
Flooding Continues To Subside As Riverine Flood Alert Discontinued
Active ITCZ Forecast To Affect T&T
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 Tuesday at 12:02 PM. The alert went into effect for Trinidad from 12:00 PM Saturday, November 26th, 2022, and is now extended until 12:00 PM Wednesday, November 30th, 2022. The alert has been expanded to all of Trinidad, specifically communities surrounding major and minor rivers, as well as their tributaries.
Trinidad and Tobago is not under any tropical storm watch or warning at this time.
“Some river levels across Trinidad are on a very slow decline with others remaining near full capacity. Runoff is slow due to saturated soils and any additional rainfall will cause further delay. Some impacted communities are still at moderate to high risk of adverse impact. Water levels are expected to slowly but persistently decrease in most areas. Note, though, that run off will also be slower at high tide, which will be at 8:30 p.m. (Tuesday 29th November, 2022) and 9:54 a.m. (Wednesday 30th 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
