A Tropical Storm Watch remains in effect for Tobago. This is ahead of now Hurricane Beryl as it nears the Windward Islands. While the core of this system is forecast to remain north of Trinidad and Tobago, tropical storm conditions are possible across Tobago. Hence, the watch is being issued. However, there is a low to medium chance (30-40%) of Tobago experiencing tropical-storm-force winds.
What you need to know
— Rainfall: Over the next five days through the night of July 3rd, 2024, overall rainfall accumulations across the country are forecast to range from 40 to 110 millimeters, with totals up to 125 millimeters favoring northern and eastern areas of Trinidad, as well as Tobago and localized western parts of Trinidad. In isolated areas, five-day totals may reach as high as 175 millimeters.
— Hazards: A Tropical Storm Watch means that tropical storm-force winds (63-118 km/h) are possible within 48 hours. Over the next five days, several hazards are forecast. In heavy showers/thunderstorms, there is the risk of gusty winds exceeding 45 KM/H, up to 65 KM/H, locally intense rainfall producing street/flash flooding, frequent lightning in intense thunderstorm activity, landslides in elevated areas, particularly northern Trinidad and Tobago, funnel cloud activity on Monday, and hazardous seas.
— Marine: Hazardous conditions are possible on Monday through Tuesday in the Gulf of Paria, while northern and eastern waters are forecast to see rough seas from Sunday night through Tuesday morning, with waves as high as 4.5 meters.
Latest Alert
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 Tropical Storm Warning
The Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service, in conjunction with the National Hurricane Center, has maintained the Tropical Storm Watch on Saturday evening at 5:20 PM. According to the Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service, this watch will remain in effect until 12:00 PM (noon) Monday, July 1st, 2024. Note that this watch will be updated at 11:00 PM Saturday, or earlier if necessary.
Why am I under a tropical storm watch or warning?
A tropical storm warning is an announcement that sustained winds of 34 to 63 knots (39 to 73 mph or 63 to 118 km/hr) are expected somewhere within the specified area within 36 hours in association with a tropical, subtropical, or post-tropical cyclone.
A tropical storm watch is an announcement that sustained winds of 34 to 63 knots (39 to 73 mph or 63 to 118 km/hr) are possible within the specified area within 48 hours in association with a tropical, subtropical, or post-tropical cyclone.
This specific watch or warning is based on the potential for experiencing tropical-storm-force winds alone, not the other hazards associated with a tropical storm (hazardous seas, torrential rainfall, etc.). This means if the system tracks close to your country, but the strongest winds remain offshore or north/east of your location, you may not be placed under a tropical storm watch or warning, but you may have other advisories in effect.
“A Tropical Storm Watch remains in effect for Tobago. This means that tropical storm conditions, including sustained winds of 63-118 km/h, are possible somewhere within the watch area, in this case, within 42 hours. At 5 pm today, Hurricane Beryl was centered near 10.1N 49.3W, about 1230 km east-southeast of Tobago. Beryl is moving westward near 35km/h. There is a low to medium chance (30-40%) of tropical storm force winds affecting Tobago, as Beryl approaches the southern Windwards. Sea conditions are likely to become occasionally rough. The next update will be at 11 pm or earlier if necessary.” according to the Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service. This “watch” status takes into account the possibility of the event occurring. This weather event is possible.
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 possible, but the severity of impacts is severe for this particular alert. You should be aware of the hazards in your area associated mainly with gusty winds, street and flash flooding, as well as frequent lightning. Seas will also become hazardous, and mariners should prepare for large waves in nearshore areas, particularly Atlantic-facing coastlines.
For a yellow-level Tropical Storm Watch with severe impacts, there is a moderate risk to public safety, livelihoods, and property. Dangerous conditions are possible. Hazardous conditions may threaten lives, livelihoods, and property. Serious injuries or casualties are possible if you do not prepare.
A severe Tropical Storm Watch may result in the loss of a single life or serious injuries; physical defenses are needed, major losses in confined areas, income earning impossible for several days, and several communities may be affected. External help is needed for recovery.
The public should prepare for the possibility of tropical storm conditions. Have systems in place to protect lives, livelihood, and property. Secure loose outdoor objects and livestock. Marine interests should exercise extra caution. Monitor official news sources and weather updates. Do not wade or drive through flood waters. Preposition sandbags if your area floods and monitor river levels.
