The Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service (TTMS) has discontinued the Localized Flood Alert for Trinidad as rainfall has ceased. However, significant flooding is ongoing across southern Trinidad in the South Oropouche River Basin as several tributaries to the river overtop. While the TTMS has not issued a Riverine Flood Alert, riverine flooding is ongoing and likely to continue through the next 1-2 days.
What you need to know
— What has happened: Heavy showers and thunderstorms produced high rainfall accumulations over the last 12 hours, sending minor and major watercourses towards threshold levels.
— What to expect: While rainfall has ceased, watercourses are anticipated to remain outside of their banks within the South Oropouche River Basin for the next 12-48 hours, leading to prolonged flooding in several areas.
Latest Alerts
Localized Flood Alert Discontinued For Trinidad as Severe Floods Continue Across South
Trinidad and Tobago is NOT under any tropical storm or hurricane threat, watch, or warning at this time.
The Localized Flood Alert
Hours The Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service discontinued the Localized Flood Alert (Yellow Level) on Tuesday at 3:58 PM.
Trinidad and Tobago is not under any tropical storm watch or warning.
The TTMS states, “Water channels have largely returned to normal levels, and localized ponding has reduced in most areas.”
Heavy rainfall occurred across much of Trinidad mainly between 8:00 AM and 1:00 PM on Tuesday. Widespread rainfall accumulations exceeded 25 millimeters, with higher totals across southern and eastern areas of Trinidad.
This water is making its way through watercourses, particularly within the South Oropouche River and, to a lesser extent, the Caroni, North Oropouche and Ortoire River basins.
This “alert” status considers the possibility of the event ending, with the certainty at its highest, expected or observed.
The alert’s color indicates the event’s severity and probability of occurring. Currently, the alert level is Green, as the discontinuation was issued, with certainty at very likely/observed. According to the TTMS, impacts are expected to be minor.
According to the TTMS, there is a low risk to public safety, livelihoods, and property at this level.
The Met Office advises the public to monitor weather conditions and assess your surroundings before venturing out, avoid driving or wading through flood waters, follow the instructions of government officials, and monitor weather updates.