The Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service has issued the first Adverse Weather Alert for 2024 as Tropical Wave 02, identified by the Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service as a low-level trough, moves across the area. Gusty winds up to 56 KM/H have already been recorded on Wednesday due to heavy showers and thunderstorms ahead of the wave/trough.
What you need to know
— Rainfall: Through Thursday night, forecast models show additional rainfall accumulations across Trinidad and Tobago. For the western half of Trinidad, between 5 and 15 millimeters of rainfall is forecast, while across the eastern half of Trinidad and Tobago, between 15 and 50 millimeters of rainfall is forecast. Generally, eastern Tobago and northeastern Trinidad are forecast to record the highest rainfall accumulations, with isolated high totals across southwestern and northern Trinidad.
— Hazards: The main hazards will originate from heavy showers and thunderstorms, which will produce cloud-to-ground lightning, gusty winds up to 55 KM/H (through Thursday afternoon), and periods of heavy/violent rainfall, which can trigger street/flash flooding. Seas are forecast to become locally agitated during heavy showers or thunderstorms.
Latest Alerts
Adverse Weather Alert Discontinued For T&T
Trinidad and Tobago is NOT under any tropical storm or hurricane threat, watch, or warning at this time.
The Adverse Weather Alert
The Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service issued an Adverse Weather Alert (Yellow Level) on Wednesday at 5:33 PM. The alert goes into effect for Trinidad and Tobago at 11:00 PM on Wednesday, May 29th, 2024, and remains in effect through 4:00 PM Thursday, May 30th, 2024.
As mentioned earlier, the forecast of inclement weather is due to Tropical Wave 02, identified by the Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service as a low-level trough, which has deep-layered moisture, favorable low-level convergence, and favorable upper-level conditions which is located mainly after the wave/trough axis.
This “alert” status considers the possibility of the event occurring. This adverse weather event is likely to have the following impacts, according to the TTMS:
- There is a high (70%) chance of overnight isolated heavy showers and thunderstorm activity.
- Gusty winds in excess of 55 km/h can lead to fallen trees, displace unsecured items, and agitate seas.
- Street flooding and localized ponding.
What has happened
Heavy showers and isolated thunderstorms affected Trinidad and Tobago on Wednesday. At Crown Point, Tobago, wind gusts between 50 and 56 KM/H were recorded between 2:30 PM and 3:00 PM, with sustained winds up to 33 KM/H during showers. At Piarco, winds up to 24 KM/H have been recorded
Rainfall-wise, most areas have seen up to one inch (25 millimeters).
The alert’s color indicates the severity of the event and the probability of its occurrence. 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 and frequent lightning.
A moderate Adverse Weather Alert can result in possible injuries and behavioral changes are required to ensure safety. Minor damage to property may also occur, temporarily disrupting income-earning activities and affecting a couple of communities.
The Met Office is advising the public not to wade or drive through flood waters, secure loose outdoor items and livestock, and monitor weather conditions.
