Kalain Hosein
Meteorologist/Reporter
kalain.hosein@cnc3.co.tt
Trinidad and Tobago remains under an orange-level High Wind Alert on Thursday, as the T&T Meteorological Service (TTMS) forecasts strong wind gusts accompanying showers and thunderstorms.
On Wednesday, the TTMS upgraded the alert to an orange level approximately an hour after the strongest winds began to sweep across the island.
In their updated alert, which remains in effect until 2 pm om Friday, the TTMS said, "Gusts in excess of 60 KM/H are observed, especially in the vicinity of showers. In heavy downpours and thunderstorms, downdrafts may exceed 75 KM/H. These strong winds may be brief but can displace unsecured roofs, loose outdoor objects, toppling trees, and weak structures. Marine craft can be adversely impacted by these strong winds, and visibility may be extremely low during dusk and dawn. Wind waves occasionally near 2.5 metres are also expected with agitated seas."
Based on the latest situation report from the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management (ODPM) on Wednesday evening, most incidents occurred across northern areas of Trinidad. The ODPM confirmed six fallen trees, three blown-off roofs and one landslide in Trinidad, with one fallen tree in Tobago. At Piarco, peak gusts of 46 KM/H were recorded, while at Crown Point, Tobago, gusts of 50 KM/H occurred.
Within the San Juan/Laventille Regional Corporation, fallen trees were reported at Aranguez at Johnny King Road between Ali's Drive and Tulah Ali Drive, Mt Hope along the Uriah Butler Highway southbound lane onto a vehicle, injuring three, and at Laventille at Mentor Alley, where a tree fell onto a house.
Meanwhile, within the Diego Martin Regional Corporation, there were fallen trees at Chaguaramas at Tucker Valley Road, partially blocking the roadway; Petit Valley at Morne Coco Road, where the tree also partially blocked the road and in Cocorite at Cocorite Terrace, where the downed tree blocked access in and out of a house. One roof was blown off at Factory Road, Hillview and a landslide brought down a bamboo stool at Pioneer Drive, Petit Valley, damaging water tanks.
A roof was also blown off at Vega de Oropouche, Sangre Grande and Waterloo, Brickfield.
In Tobago, a fallen tree also temporarily blocked Union Trace between Orange Hill and Union.
This orange-level alert calls for severe impacts, according to the TTMS.
With more gusty winds forecast Thursday through Friday, the Met Office advises the public to secure loose outdoor objects and livestock, avoid unnecessary outdoor activity where possible, and says that marine interests should also exercise extreme caution during this period. The public with marine interests should also monitor sea conditions and follow lifeguards' instructions.