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. However, this watch has now been upgraded from Yellow Level to Orange Level, as the certainty of impacts increased from possible to likely.
For Trinidad, this means that tropical storm conditions, including sustained winds and gusts of 63-118 KM/H, are possible within the watch area in the next 15 hours.
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 For Trinidad: A Tropical Storm Watch means that tropical storm-force winds (63-118 km/h) are possible within 15 hours. Several hazards are forecast. In heavy showers/thunderstorms, there is the risk of sustained winds exceeding 63 KM/H. 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 Sunday through Tuesday in the Gulf of Paria. From 6:00 PM this evening, northern and eastern open waters are forecast to see rough seas through Tuesday morning, with waves as high as 5.0 meters, mainly in open waters north of Trinidad and Tobago.
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, in conjunction with the National Hurricane Center, has issued a Tropical Storm Watch and this was updated at 4:59 PM Sunday. According to the Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service, this watch will remain in effect until 12:00 PM (noon) Monday, July 1st, 2024. The Watch was upgraded to Orange Level.
“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 within the watch area in the next 15 hours. As of 5pm, Hurricane Beryl was centered near 11.1N 56.5W, approximately 450 km east-southeast of Tobago. Beryl is moving westward at a speed of 33 km/h. There is still a medium chance (35-55%) of sustained tropical storm force winds affecting Trinidad, particularly in the northern and eastern areas, from early morning on Monday, 1st July. From 6 pm this evening, there is a high chance (70%) of hazardous seas with large, battering waves. Mariners should expect wave heights to increase significantly, posing a danger to small craft, coastal and offshore activities. Strong currents and choppy seas will make navigation hazardous. Wind gusts, exceeding 55 km/h, may be experienced ahead of Beryl from this evening. Heavier rainfall and thunderstorm activity are anticipated near midnight. The next update will be issued at 8 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 likely.
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 orange. This means that the hazards are likely, and the severity of impacts is severe for this particular watch. 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 an orange-level Tropical Storm Watch, there is a high risk to public safety, livelihoods, and property. Dangerous conditions are imminent or already occurring. Hazardous conditions may threaten lives, livelihoods, and property. Serious injuries or casualties are possible if you do not prepare.
A severe Tropical Storm Watch means that the event 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. Ensure all marine vessels are properly anchored and secured. 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.
