A red-level Hurricane Warning remains in effect for Tobago ahead of Hurricane Beryl, which has rapidly strengthened into a Category 4 Hurricane. Its maximum sustained winds are 215 KM/H with higher gusts.
According to the Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service, this upgrade to a Hurricane Warning means there is a higher potential for hurricane conditions, including sustained winds in excess of 118 KM/H, within the warning area, within the next 12-18 hours.
A Tropical Storm Warning (Orange Level) is in effect for Trinidad.
As of 8:00 PM today, Hurricane Beryl was located near 11.2°N 57.3°W, approximately 360 kilometers east of Tobago, moving westward near 30 KM/H.
What you need to know
— Rainfall: Through Thursday morning, across Trinidad, rainfall accumulations between 25 and 50 millimeters are likely, while across Tobago, accumulations between 25 and 75 millimeters are likely, with isolated totals favoring the northern half of Trinidad and Tobago exceeding 150 millimeters, particularly where feeder band activity develops.
— Hazards: Hurricane conditions with sustained winds of 74 MPH or 119 KM/H greater are expected within 12-18 hours across Tobago. All preparations should be complete. Several hazards are forecast. Tobago can expect a gradual deterioration in conditions beginning with periods of showers and gusty winds in excess of 70 KM/H from early evening today. As Beryl approaches the southern Windwards, there is a high chance (80%) of hurricane-force winds impacting Tobago from early morning Monday 1st July. Locally intense rainfall is likely to produce street/flash flooding with frequent lightning in intense thunderstorm activity. Landslides are possible in elevated areas, particularly in northern Trinidad and across Tobago. Funnel cloud activity is possible on Monday afternoon across Trinidad and hazardous seas.
— Marine: From 11:00 PM today, there is a high chance (80%) of hazardous seas with large, battering waves. Mariners should expect wave heights to increase significantly, posing a danger to small craft and coastal and offshore activities. Strong currents and choppy seas will make navigation hazardous.
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 Hurricane Warning
The Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service maintained the Hurricane Warning for Tobago on Sunday at 8:00 PM. According to the TTMS, this warning will remain in effect until 12:00 PM (noon) on Monday, July 1st, 2024.
“A Hurricane Warning is in effect for Tobago. This means there is a higher potential for hurricane conditions, including sustained winds in excess of 118 KM/H, within the warning area, in this case, within the next 12-18 hours. As of 8:00 PM, Hurricane Beryl was located near 11.2°N 57.3°W, approximately 360 KM east of Tobago, moving westward near 30 KM/H. Tobago can expect a gradual deterioration in conditions beginning with periods of showers and gusty winds in excess of 70 KM/H near midnight. From 11:00 PM tonight, there is a high chance (80%) of hazardous seas with large, battering waves. Mariners should expect wave heights to increase significantly, posing a danger to small craft and coastal and offshore activities. Strong currents and choppy seas will make navigation hazardous. The next update will be at 11:00 PM (Sunday, June 30th, 2024) or earlier if necessary.” according to the Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service.
Why am I under a Hurricane Watch or Warning?
A Hurricane Warning is an announcement that sustained winds greater than 74 MPH or 119 KM/H are expected somewhere within the specified area within 36 hours in association with a tropical, subtropical, or post-tropical cyclone.
A Hurricane Watch is an announcement that sustained winds of greater than 74 MPH or 119 KM/H 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 hurricane-force winds alone, not the other hazards associated with a hurricane (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 Hurricane watch or warning, but you may have other advisories in effect.
The color of the warning indicates the severity of the event and the probability of the event occurring. Currently, the warning level is red. This means that the hazards are expected, and the severity of impacts is extreme for this particular warning. For the island of Tobago, the public should prepare for the hazards associated with hurricane-force winds and 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, as well as life-threatening storm surge.
At Red Level, there is a very high risk to public safety, livelihoods and property with hazardous conditions threatening lives, livelihoods, and property. According to the TTMS guidance on their Early Warning System, at this level, dangerous conditions are imminent or already occurring, and there is a very high potential for multiple lives to be lost and major damage to property and infrastructure.
The TTMS says extreme impacts are possible. This means that there is a high potential for the loss of multiple lives, with widespread, catastrophic losses for the exposed population, where income earning becomes impossible for weeks. Island-wide devastation is possible, where external help will be needed.
The TTMS is advising the public in Tobago to take immediate action to protect lives, livelihoods, and property. They add that the public should shelter in place or evacuate to a safe location if their home is unsafe or vulnerable to flooding or wind damage. The public should secure food, water, and medicine for at least seven days in waterproof containers. Outdoor drains should be clear, and loose outdoor objects should be secured by now. The Met Office says sandbags should be near all entrances to your home.
Conditions are likely to deteriorate overnight tonight through Monday morning, so preparations need to be rushed to completion in Tobago.
