By Sue-Ann Wayow
TRINIDAD and Tobago is now officially under an orange-level riverine alert.
In addition a yellow-level alert, which means there will be moderate to public safety, livelihood and property, was issued by the Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service (TTMS) from Thursday to Friday.
The riverine orange level alert was issued at 2.51 pm and came into effect on Wednesday morning at 6.45 am. It will end on Friday at 4 pm.
TTMS stated, “Major river levels across Trinidad are currently near or above 80%, and smaller watercourses are also at critical levels. Periods of rainfall will likely continue over the next 36 to 48 hours, which will result in further elevation of the river levels. As a result, there is now a high risk to public safety, livelihood and property.”
Runoff will be slow at high tide times, which are approximately 4.14 pm for Wednesday and 5.17 am and 4.45 pm for Thursday.
The TTMS is advising the public to carefully monitor weather conditions and river and water levels. make preparations to protect lives, livelihoods and property and monitor updates from official sources and plan safety measures, including emergency supplies of food and water.
Do not take unnecessary risks, the public is being warned.
The yellow level alert issued at 2.32 pm takes effect from 2 am on Thursday. It is also expected to end at 4 pm on Friday.
TTMS stated that a combination of features, including the Inter Tropical Convergence Zone and low – level troughs, is expected to affect the region.
Periods of rain and/or showers of varying intensities are expected, with a medium to high (60 – 70%) chance of heavy showers and thunderstorms that can produce intense rainfall in excess of 50mm.
Street/flash flooding and localized ponding are also likely in heavy downpours. Landslides/landslips are also possible in susceptible areas, as the land is already saturated.
Gusty winds in excess of 55 km/h may be experienced and seas can become agitated at times in sheltered areas.
