Tobagonians are bracing for the impact of Tropical Storm PTC2.
According to the T&T Meteorological Service, the storm is a strong Tropical Wave but there is potential for intensification into a Tropical Cyclone over the next 24 hours.
In anticipation of the storm, hundreds of people in Tobago flocked to hardware stores, supermarkets and gas stations in droves to purchase their last-minute emergency items on Tuesday, but the flow was being controlled.
Long lines, filled parking lots and bumper-to-bumper traffic was observed, as everyone bustled to their locations before the rains descended.
Checks at several supermarkets revealed batteries, candles, torchlights and tin items were sold out.
Most of the day saw overcast weather conditions, with grey skies.
The atmosphere also appeared still.
However, the rains came around 2 pm with a constant flow, with no heavy winds.
The Tobago Emergency Management (TEMA) said it is prepped and ready for any eventualities resulting from the bad weather expected to hit the island.
All schools were ordered closed, although planned graduation ceremonies continued.
The Tobago Regional Health Authority (TRHA) issued a press release informing the public that all primary care health centres would be closed early, while outpatient clinics were cancelled so as to ensure the safety of staff and patients due to the Tropical storm warning.
All offices of the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) closed at 12 noon but mandatory emergency offices remained open.
All shelters throughout the island were stocked and opened to persons who needed assistance.
In an interview, TEMA director Allan Stewart said he was concerned for the villages located on the Atlantic side of the island
“Villages like Lambeau, Scarborough, all the way to Hope, Mt St George going up to the Eastern end. These are the areas that would seemingly be most vulnerable. These villages are coastline villages, they are exposed to the sea line environment and there is a strong possibility that there are buildings susceptible to these winds,” he said.
Stewart said Tobago is expected to feel the brunt of the storm with winds exceeding 40km/h. He also advised residents to prepare sandbags, secure roofs, barricade doors and secure pets before the storm.
Despite the Tropical Storm warning effect, the THA Budget Debate continued with all members making contributions.