A Tropical Storm Watch has been issued for Tobago as of 10:14 AM on Saturday, June 29th, 2024. This is ahead of Tropical Storm 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.
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 across Trinidad, with higher gusts across Tobago, 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 in the Gulf of Paria from Monday through Tuesday, while northern and eastern waters are forecast to see rough seas from Sunday night through Tuesday morning, with waves as high as 3.5 meters.
Latest Alert
Hazardous Seas Alert in Effect – Swells from Hurricane Kirk Affecting Region
Trinidad and Tobago is NOT under any tropical storm or hurricane threat, watch, or warning at this time.
The Tropical Storm Watch
The Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service (TTMS), in conjunction with the National Hurricane Center, issued a Tropical Storm Watch on Saturday at 10:14 AM. According to the Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service, it went into effect for Tobago at 10:11 AM Saturday, June 29th, 2024, and will remain in effect until 12:00 PM (noon) Monday, July 1st, 2024.
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.
“Tobago has been placed under a Tropical Storm Watch. A Tropical Storm Watch means that tropical storm force winds (63-118 KM/H) are possible within 48 hours. At 10:00 AM, Tropical Storm Beryl was centered near located 9.9N 47.1W, about 1450 KM east of Tobago. Currently, 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 also likely to become occasionally rough. The next update will be 5:00 PM or early if necessary.” according to the Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service.
The color of the watch indicates the severity of the event and the probability of the event occurring. Currently, the watch level is yellow. This means that the hazards are possible, but the severity of impacts is severe for this particular watch. For the island of Tobago, the public should be aware of the hazards associated with strong wind gusts, street/flash flooding, frequent lightning in thunderstorms, and landslides. Seas will also become hazardous, and mariners should prepare for large waves in nearshore areas, particularly Atlantic-facing coastlines.
At a Yellow Level, there is a moderate risk to public safety, livelihoods and property, with some disruptions possible in a few places.
However, the TTMS says severe impacts are possible. This means that conditions may result in the loss of a single life or serious injuries, physical defenses are needed, major losses in confined areas, and income earning impossible for several days, with several communities being affected. External help is needed for recovery.
The TTMS is advising the public in Tobago to prepare for the possibility of tropical storm conditions and secure loose outdoor objects and livestock; marine interests should exercise extra caution during this period and monitor official news sources and weather updates.
With conditions likely to deteriorate on Monday, those in Tobago should make preparations to protect yourself, your family, your livelihood, and your property. Plan your evacuation to a shelter if it becomes necessary. Always have emergency supplies of food and water on standby. Do not wade or drive through flood waters. Pre-position sandbags if your area floods and monitor river levels.
