A red-level Hurricane Warning remains in effect for Tobago ahead of Hurricane Beryl, which has rapidly strengthened into a powerful hurricane.
Hurricane Beryl is now a major Category 3 Hurricane with maximum sustained winds near 195 KM/H and higher gusts. As of 8:00 AM today, it was located near 12.0°N 60.5°W, approximately 73 kilometers north of Tobago, and was moving west-northwestward near 31 KM/H.
According to the TTMS, “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 4 hours”, as of their 8:05 AM Monday update.
A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Trinidad.
What you need to know
— Rainfall: Through Thursday morning, across Trinidad, rainfall accumulations between 15 and 25 millimeters are likely, with totals exceeding 50 millimeters in northeastern Trinidad, 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 4 hours across Tobago. All preparations should be complete. Several hazards are forecast. Periods of showers and gusty winds have been observed and are expected to continue with an increasing likelihood of landslides through the morning, according to the TTMS. Locally intense rainfall is likely to produce street/flash flooding with frequent lightning in intense thunderstorm activity. Landslides are also 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: Hazardous seas have been observed 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
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 Hurricane Warning
The Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service maintained the Hurricane Warning on Monday at 8:05 AM. According to the TTMS, this Warning will remain in effect for Tobago and surrounding coastal waters 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 4 hours. As of 8:00 AM, Hurricane Beryl was located near 12.0°N 60.5°W, approximately 73 KM north of Tobago, moving west-northwest at 31 KM/H. Periods of showers and gusty winds have been observed and are expected to continue. The likelihood of landslides will increase as the morning progresses. Hazardous seas have been observed with large, battering waves. Mariners should continue to expect significant wave heights, posing 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 AM (Monday, July 1st, 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.
Those across Tobago should be sheltering in place at this point, as the worst of the weather is ongoing and will continue through the late morning hours.
