PUBLIC ADVISORY # 2

Wave has been upgraded to Tropical Storm Tomas

Trinidad and Tobago is currently under Tropical Warning as issued by the Government of Trinidad and Tobago at 3:00 p.m. today, Friday October 29 2010.

The TT Meteorological Services indicated that the Tropical Storm Tomas formed today at 3:00 p.m. with its centre located near 10.9 0 north latitude 56.8 0 west longitude or about 350 kilometres east of Tobago.

A Tropical Storm Warning means that Trinidad and Tobago, can expect Tropical Storm conditions within 36 hours..

Storm Tomas is moving to the west-northwest at about 24 to 32 km/hr. Therefore, Tobago and in particular Northern Trinidad will therefore be mostly exposed to Tropical Storm conditions from about midnight tonight.

As such, we will experience heavy showers and thundershowers coupled with gusty winds. Street/flash flooding may occur in areas that experience heavy downpour and small river courses may be easily inundated. Landslides are also likely in areas so prone.

Grenada and its dependencies are also under tropical storm warning.

The ODPM, as the lead coordinator of emergencies and crises, remains in contact with the first responder agencies (TT Fire Service, TT Police Service, TT Defence Force, municipal corporations, CEPEP). These agencies remain on alert so that immediate assistance may be rendered to areas that may experience heavy downpour and inundation. Shelters and other forms of resources have already been prepared and will be used if the need arises. The Trinidad and Tobago Red Cross Society and other regional agencies also remain on standby should we need additional assistance with relief.

In light of the aforementioned forecast, we underscore the following safety tips:-

• Continue to listen to the weather bulletins; remain calm, alert and vigilant. (Spreading unnecessary rumours is not prudent).
• Check your home:
  • Clean gutters, downspouts and drains
  • Remove items around the yard that could be picked up by strong winds such as galvanized metal sheets or pieces of wood
  • Check trees in the yard and trim loose or dying branches
  • Elevate all valuables to higher levels where necessary.
• It’s a good habit to always have all your emergency supplies accessible (medical / First Aid supplies, working flashlight, radio, batteries and bottled water) N.B. Important documents must be protected in a sealed plastic bag
• If intense rainfall occurs and there is flooding, do not walk or drive through flood waters. Stay inside until water levels have subsided.

The ODPM reminds all citizens that if they have been affected by this inclement weather, they must contact their municipal corporation or 800 6376.

The TT Meteorological Services is monitoring this weather condition and will advise the ODPM and the national community if there is a drastic change. Citizens are reminded to continue to monitor the traditional media, follow us on Facebook (ODPMTT) or Twitter (ODPM_TT) for more information.

Contact:-
Public Information Specialist
Public Information, Education and Community Outreach Unit
868 640 1285 ext 14240/ publicinformation@odpm.gov.tt