Following floods, downed trees and damaged roofs as a result of a tropical wave yesterday, the Adverse Weather Alert for T&T remains in effect for one more day.
The Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service (TTMS) yesterday said the alert will remain effective through 2 pm today.
“Isolated thunderstorms are occurring and affecting parts of Trinidad. Periods of showers and/or rain are also affecting both islands and will persist until Friday (3rd). Winds can gust in excess of 55 km/h in heavy showers and thunderstorms,” the TTMS said.
“These thunderstorms and rainy periods have produced significant rainfall accumulations in various parts, producing localized ponding and flooding in areas so prone, causing traffic disruptions. Electrical discharges are also likely in thunderstorms. There continues to be significant moisture in the atmosphere and an increase of low-level windspeeds is still expected.”
The colour of the alert indicates the severity of the event and the probability of the event occurring.
Currently, the alert level is at Yellow, which means that the hazard has been observed, but the severity of impact is moderate for this particular alert. Citizens should be aware of the hazards in their communities associated with gusty winds in excess of 55 km/h, street and flash flooding, as well as landslides.
A flatbed truck makes its way through flood waters in Maloney yesterday.
There is also the potential for possible injuries for a moderate Adverse Weather Alert, where citiznes must udnertake behavioural changes to ensure their safety.
Yesterday, there were reports of flooding at Oropouche South Trace; the SS Erin Road, Penal; the Golconda Connector Road, Union Hall; Xavier Street, Chaguanas; the Caroni Savannah Road, Endeavor; along the Penal Rock Road and along Reid Road and parts of Gonzales, Point Fortin.
One roof was blown off a home at Mission Road, Freeport.
A tree fell at Fort George, with a downed utility pole in the vicinity of the Preysal High School.
The inclement weather is due to a significant increase in moisture, instability and convergence behind the axis of a Tropical Wave, which is also being followed by an increase in low-level wind speeds.
The Met Office continues to advise the public to secure loose outdoor items, ot drive through flood waters and to monitor weather conditions and updates from official sources.
In addition, small craft operators should be on the alert for above normal or choppy sea conditions in strong winds.
The official forecast for T&T today sugests it will be “cloudy to overcast with periods of rain/showers in broad areas. There is a high (70-80 per cent) chance of heavy showers and thunderstorms in varying localities which can be accompanied by gusty winds.”
