By Sue-Ann Wayow
A YELLOW adverse weather alert is in effect for the weekend.
The Meteorological Office issued the alert on Friday.
The yellow level alert takes effect from Saturday at 6 pm and is expected to end on Sunday also at 6 pm.
The Met Office stated, “Low and mid-level south-easterly winds are expected to draw equatorial moisture over our area, thus increasing atmospheric moisture and instability this weekend. Moderate winds and substantial concentrations of Saharan dust are also expected over the next few days.
“While the dust is expected to limit widespread rainfall at times, there is still the medium potential for heavy showers and isolated thunderstorms with associated gusty winds. Heavy or prolonged rainfall can lead to street/flash flooding.”
The Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) remains well south of Trinidad and Tobago at this time and is expected to move over the area early next week.
Possible impacts include: Street and/or flash flooding in areas so prone, localised ponding in low-lying areas, landslips and landslides, agitated sea conditions, electrical surges, movement of unsecured items and loose vegetation.
The Met Office advises, “Secure any loose outdoor objects and livestock. Continue to remain vigilant and monitor weather conditions, assessing your surroundings before venturing out. Take necessary precautions to mitigate potential impacts. Follow the instructions of government officials.”
Monitor weather updates from the Met Office and the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management (ODPM).
The alert comes one day after government announced during a post cabinet media briefing that nationwide plans were in place to mitigate flooding and deal with potential effects.
