ORANGE Riverine Flood & YELLOW Adverse Weather alerts currently are in effect for both Trinidad and Tobago, and the meteorological Service of Trinidad and Tobago (TTMS) has indicated these will remain in effect until late on Friday 7 October 2022.
Riverine Flood Alert / ORANGE
The Riverine Flood Alerts for both Trinidad and Tobago were activated at 5:03 PM on Wednesday and will remain in effect until 5:00 PM on Friday 7 October 2022.
However, the status was updated from YELLOW to ORANGE at 6:55 am, today (Thursday, October 6) with a particular emphasis on major watercourses of Trinidad, including the North Oropouche, Caroni and South Oropouche Rivers, as well as watercourses in Tobago, including the Crooks and Darrell Spring Rivers.
The Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government (RDLG is advising that today’s High Tides will result in slower water run-off. The next High Tide will be at 2:03 pm for Trinidad, and 1: 47 pm for Tobago.
According to the Met Service:
“Continuous rainfall overnight has pushed major watercourses to critical thresholds and some may be close to overspilling or already doing so. Periods of heavy showers, rain and thunderstorms are still expected. This additional rainfall, in combination with spring tides, can keep the river levels elevated and there now exists a severe risk to public safety, livelihood and property. Smaller water courses over both Trinidad and Tobago are also elevated and can burst their banks with additional rainfall.”
The state of the South Oropouche River, along Debe Trace in Debe, as at 10:30 am on Thursday, October 6. [Image by RISHI RAGOONATH]
Members of the public are being urged to do the following:
—Finalize preparations to protect lives, livelihoods, and property.
—Activate your safety plan. Secure food, water, and medicine for at least 7 days in waterproof containers. Protect important assets and documents.
—DO NOT TAKE UNNECESSARY RISKS.
—Follow the instructions of government officials, and continue to monitor official sources for information at www.metoffice.gov.tt/ and www.odpm.gov.ttv
Adverse Weather Alert / YELLOW
The Adverse Weather Alert / YELLOW was activated on Wednesday at 12 am, and will remain in effect until 12 pm on Friday, October 7.
The Met Service reports:
“The axis of the tropical wave is now west of T&T. However, the atmosphere remains significantly moist and unstable. Periods of rain and/or showers of varying intensities are still expected. There is also a high (70%) chance of occasional heavy showers and thunderstorms that can produce intense rainfall in excess of 25 mm.”
Forecasters note that some of these showers can become heavy and/or thundery especially near eastern Trinidad and Tobago.
“Some settling is expected by late evening into night, despite the lingering shower. Gusty winds in excess of 55 km/h may be experienced especially in the vicinity of heavy showers/thunderstorms,” the Met Service says in its advisories. “Street/flash flooding and localized ponding are also likely in heavy downpours or thunderstorms. Landslides/landslips are also possible in areas so prone.”
Water levels at Greenvale Bridge, as of 9:30 am, on Thursday, October 6. [Image by KEJAN HAYNES]
It added: “Spring Tides are in effect until Thursday 13 October. Persons with marine interests are advised to exercise caution, particularly during high tides.”
Members of the public are being urged to do the following:
—Do not wade or drive through flood waters.
—Secure loose outdoor items and livestock.
—Monitor weather conditions and river levels.
—DO NOT TAKE UNNECESSARY RISKS.
—Follow the instructions of government officials, and continue to monitor official sources for information at www.metoffice.gov.tt/ and www.odpm.gov.ttv
