PUBLIC ADVISORY

ADVERSE WEATHER & RIVERINE FLOOD ALERTS ELEVATED TO ORANGE LEVEL

Today at 7:40AM, the Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service (TTMS) elevated the Riverine Flood Alert to Orange Level, indicating that river levels are currently near or above threshold values in some parts along the major and minor watercourses with flooding ongoing in some areas. Rainfall accumulations are forecast to be in excess of 25mm over the next 12 to 24 hours and can further increase the volume of already overwhelmed water courses and over spilling of banks is expected. There is now a high risk to public safety, livelihood and property especially in communities surrounding these watercourses. Please note that runoff will be slow at high tide, which will be at 6:24PM (today), 7:51AM and 7:23PM (tomorrow, Monday 28th November).

Additionally, the TTMS also elevated the Adverse Weather Alert to Orange Level, citing that rainfall and/or showers of varying intensities are expected to continue throughout the course of today, especially during this afternoon. There is still a 70% - 80% (high) chance of heavy showers and thunderstorms. Rainfall greater than 25mm and in excess of this amount is expected in isolated areas. Gusty winds in excess of 55 km/h may be experienced especially in the vicinity of heavy showers/thunderstorms.

Street/flash flooding and localised ponding are also likely in heavy downpours. At this time, numerous incidents of street and residential flooding have been reported in the following locations: Abattoir Road, Port of Spain; Tacarigua; Maracas, St Joseph; Arouca; Valsayn North; Santa Rosa; Arima; Tabaquite; Freeport; Caparo, Brasso Valley; Claxton Bay; Guaracara Road; California; Point Lisas; Freeport; Gasparillo; Couva; San Raphael; Manuel Congo; Cunupia; Carapichaima; Chandernagore; Preysal; Flanagin Town; Penal; La Romain; Debe; Barrackpore; Biche; Ortoire; Sangre Grande; Navet; San Pedro; Mayaro; and Manzanilla.

Landslides/landslips are also possible in areas so prone. Landslides have been reported in Malick; along the Lady Young Road, which have been closed to the public; Champs Fleurs; Lower Santa Cruz; Maraval; Maracas, St. Joseph; Tacarigua; Arima; Brasso; Preysal; Guaracara-Tabaquite Road; Flanagin Town; Gran Couva; Penal; Ortoire; Manzanilla; and Speyside in Tobago.

The ODPM reiterates that Trinidad and Tobago is not under any Tropical Storm or Hurricane Watch or Warning.

While we experience this Riverine Flooding and Adverse Weather, the ODPM also reminds persons to take the following precautions to preserve life, livelihood and property:

Know and Reduce Your Risks

1. Firstly, stay informed by looking out for alerts, warnings, and public safety information from official sources like the ODPM, TTMS and T&TEC, Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government.
2. Do not walk, play or drive through flood waters unless it becomes absolutely necessary.
3. Be cautious when walking /driving along hillsides or landslide-prone areas.

Make/Review Emergency/Business Continuity Plans

4. Review and update your family emergency plans. If you live or work in an area that is prone to flooding, please adequately prepare for the possibility of an evacuation.
5. Identify easily accessible and safe locations to meet in the event that you are separated. Prepare for the specific needs of your family, which may differ if you have pets, people with special needs.

Prepare Emergency Resources

6. Assemble an emergency kit with enough essential items to last you and your family 3-7 days. Also, prepare a Grab and Go Bag/Kit for each family member, with essential items in the event you need to evacuate.
7. Ensure that all your important documents are stored in a waterproof bag.

Act and Assist Others

8. Prepare for flooding by elevating items above ground level and unplugging sensitive electronic equipment.
9. If you are in an area where flood risk is high, keep sandbags on hand. These can be acquired from your local municipal corporation.

If persons are impacted by impacts of the adverse weather, immediately contact the Municipal Corporations’ Disaster Management Units and the Tobago Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) via the relevant hotline numbers below:

End

Issued by:

Public Information, Education and Community Outreach Unit

To view the full release as a PDF, click here.