As Hurricane Beryl continues to near the Windward Islands, the Government of Trinidad and Tobago has placed Trinidad under a Tropical Storm Watch, while Tobago remains under a Hurricane Warning.
While the core of this system is forecast to remain north of Trinidad and Tobago, there is a higher potential for hurricane conditions across Tobago, including sustained winds in excess of 100 km/h within the warning area within the next 18 hours. For Trinidad, tropical storm conditions, meaning winds between 63 KM/H and 118 KM/H, are possible.
As of 2:00 PM, Hurricane Beryl was located near 10.9°N 55.6°W, approximately 542 kilometers east-southeast of Tobago, moving westward near 33 KM/H.
What you need to know
— Rainfall: Through the night of July 3rd, 2024, overall rainfall accumulations across Trinidad are forecast to range from 25 to 50 millimeters, with isolated totals up to 125 millimeters favoring northern and eastern areas of Trinidad. For Tobago, rainfall totals between 50 and 100 millimeters, with isolated totals as high as 175 millimeters are possible
— Hazards For Trinidad: A Tropical Storm Watch means that tropical storm-force winds (63-118 km/h) are possible, in this case, within 18 hours. Several hazards are forecast. In heavy showers/thunderstorms, there is the risk of gusty winds exceeding 63 KM/H. Based on the current forecast model guidance, heavy rainfall, and stronger winds are likely to affect Trinidad in outer bands, mainly across the northern half of the island, from Sunday night through Monday afternoon. 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. Funnel cloud activity is possible on Monday afternoon across Trinidad 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 5.0 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 Watch
The Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service has maintained a Tropical Storm Watch for Trinidad, updated at 2:33 PM Sunday. According to the TTMS, this watch will remain in effect until 12:00 PM (noon) on Monday, July 1st, 2024.
“A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Trinidad. This means that tropical storm conditions, including “sustained winds” of 63-118 KM/H, are possible somewhere within the watch area within the next 18 hours. As of 2:00 PM, Hurricane Beryl was centered near 10.9N 55.6W, approximately 542 KM east-southeast of Tobago. Beryl is moving westward at a speed of 33 KM/H. There is a medium chance (35-55%) of tropical storm force winds affecting Trinidad, particularly in the northern and eastern areas, from early morning on Monday, July 1st, as Beryl approaches the southern Windward Islands. By 6:00 PM this evening, sea conditions are expected to become rough with large, battering waves. Heavier rainfall and thunderstorm activity are anticipated towards midnight. Strong wind gusts in excess of 55 KM/H, may be experienced ahead of Beryl from this evening. The next update will be issued at 5:00 PM or earlier if necessary.” according to the Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service.
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.
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 Trinidad, 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 Trinidad 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.
