With approaching showers and thunderstorms associated with Tropical Wave 27 interacting with the Intertropical Convergence Zone, the Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service has issued an Adverse Weather Alert for the country.
What you need to know
— Rainfall: Over the next 24 hours, forecast models show rainfall accumulations across Trinidad and Tobago between 15 and 25 millimeters, with areas across northern Trinidad and Tobago, as well as localized areas of eastern and western coastal Trinidad, receiving as high as 75 millimeters of rainfall. High-resolution modeling shows highly localized totals as high as 100 millimeters. Generally, the northern and eastern halves of Trinidad and Tobago are forecast to record the highest rainfall accumulations, with isolated high totals elsewhere. Note that the most intense rains and winds are forecast to remain north of T&T.
— Hazards: As a result of periods of heavy/violent rainfall, street/flash flooding is likely. While the threat of gusty winds remains lower than in Tobago, wind gusts up to 55 KM/H are possible, favoring Tobago in heavy showers and thunderstorms, which will produce cloud-to-ground lightning. With the potential for very heavy rainfall in elevated areas of Tobago and northern Trinidad, landslides are likely in elevated areas. Seas are forecast to become locally agitated during heavy showers or thunderstorms.
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Trinidad and Tobago Placed Under Hot Spell Watch
Trinidad and Tobago is NOT under any tropical storm or hurricane threat, watch, or warning at this time.
The Adverse Weather Alert
The Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service issued the Adverse Weather Alert (Yellow Level) on Sunday at 3:36 PM. The alert goes into effect at 11:00 PM Sunday, August 4th, 2024, for Trinidad and Tobago and remains in effect for the country until 6:00 PM Monday, August 5th, 2024.
As mentioned earlier, the forecast of inclement weather is due to a tropical wave interacting with the Intertropical Convergence Zone across T&T.
This “alert” status considers the possibility of the event occurring. This adverse weather event is likely to have the following impacts, according to the TTMS:
- There is a high (80%) chance of thunderstorm activity and moderate to heavy showers, beginning with Tobago and gradually spreading across to Trinidad from tonight through to tomorrow due to the passage of a tropical wave, which is also modulating the ITCZ.
- Likely impacts include gusty winds in excess of 55 KM/H, which can lead to fallen trees, displace unsecured items, and agitate seas.
- Street/flash flooding and localized ponding can also occur as a result of this activity.
The alert’s color indicates the severity of the event and the probability of its occurrence. Currently, the alert level is Yellow. This means that the hazards are likely, and the severity of the impacts is moderate for this particular alert. You should be aware of the hazards in your area associated mainly with street/flash flooding, landslides, gusty winds near 55 KM/H possible falling trees, and agitated seas.
A moderate Adverse Weather Alert can result in possible injuries and behavioral changes are required to ensure safety. Minor damage to property may also occur, temporarily disrupting income-earning activities and affecting a couple of communities.
The Met Office is advising the public to monitor weather conditions before venturing out, secure loose outdoor objects and livestock, not drive through flood waters, monitor official news sources and weather updates, and follow instructions of government officials.
