By Chantalé Fletcher
TOBAGO is now under a Hurricane Warning -Orange Level, as Beryl has been upgraded to a dangerous Category 3 Hurricane.
This means there is a higher potential for hurricane conditions, including sustained winds in excess of 100 km/h, within the warning area, within the next 30 hours.
The warning took effect from 8.30 am on Sunday and was expected to end at 12 noon on Monday. There was previously a Hurricane Watch in effect for Tobago.
The Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service (TTMS) stated, “As of 8 am today, Hurricane Beryl was located near 10.6°N 53.9°W, approximately 740km E of Tobago, moving westward near 33 km/h.
“As Beryl approaches the southern Windwards on Monday, there is a high chance (60-80%)of hurricane force winds impacting Tobago.”
The Met Office stated heavy showers and thunderstorms are likely from Monday, and sea conditions can become choppy and rough.
The next update will be at 11 am on Sunday or earlier if necessary.
Officials have advised residents of Tobago to take immediate actions to protect their lives, livelihoods, and property. And shelter in place or evacuate to a safe location if homes are unsafe or vulnerable to flooding or wind damage.
Food, water and medicine should be secured for at least seven days in waterproof containers; outdoor drains should be clear and loose objects secured by now, as well as sandbags should be near all entrances of homes.
