Kalain Hosein
Meteorologist/Reporter
On Tuesday afternoon, isolated afternoon thunderstorms following the passage of a weak low-level trough produced heavy rainfall and flooding across the capital.
Flooding occurred in the usual flood-prone areas of lower and eastern Port of Spain, including the Eastern Main Road in the vicinity of Success Lavantille Secondary School, South Quay and City Gate, as well as Charlotte Street, Abercomby Street, St. Vincent Street, Edward Street, and Richmond Street. The waters quickly subsided once the rains ended.
Heavy rainfall also affected parts of Maraval and Diego Martin, where street flooding was also reported along various areas of Saddle Road.
Further east, flood waters also briefly covered parts of the eastbound lanes of the Churchill Roosevelt Highway near Pasea.
While the Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service (TTMS) did not issue a formal weather or flood alert, the forecast for Tuesday did state, “Gusty winds and street/ flash flooding can occur in the event of heavy showers or thunderstorms.”
According to the TTMS, “The recent passage of tropical waves has been modulating some (Intertropical Convergence Zone) ITCZ moisture across Trinidad and Tobago and the Windward Islands, but moderate to strong mid-level winds together with a generally dampening airflow in the upper atmosphere have helped to reduce the extent of thunderstorm development across Trinidad and Tobago, so far, although isolated thunderstorm activity and heavy showers have been observed in some areas. The strong pull by an area of low pressure towards the north created stronger surface convergences to the north and east of Trinidad and Tobago and therefore allowing for clusters of thunderstorm activity mainly in those areas.”
The Met Office says that for the remainder of this week, particularly from Thursday, a ridge of high pressure is forecast to establish itself across the Lesser Antilles. Most fairer weather is expected across the northern Windward and the Leeward Islands for the remainder of this outlook period.
