PUBLIC ADVISORY

Tropical Storm Warning lifted for Trinidad but Tobago and Grenada remain under Warning

The Tropical Storm Warning for Trinidad has been lifted but is still in effect for Tobago, Grenada and dependencies.

The TT Meteorological Service has advised that Tobago and Grenada can still expect tropical storm conditions within the next 36 hours. Earlier today, Tropical Storm Tomas was upgraded to a Hurricane and is moving in a west north-westerly direction at 19 km/hr. With the centre of Hurricane Tomas moving away from Trinidad, there is still the probability that Hurricane Tomas can produce rainfall in excess of 25mm in Tobago and 50 mm in Grenada. In light of the foregoing, the ODPM underscores that residents of Tobago must still be vigilant and cautious at this time.

The Tobago Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) remains on alert in Tobago and all first responder agencies on both islands (TT Fire Service, TT Police Service, TT Defence Force, Municipal Corporations, and CEPEP) remain on alert so that immediate assistance may be rendered to areas that experience heavy downpour and inundation. The Trinidad and Tobago Red Cross Society and other regional agencies are also still on standby to render additional assistance if required

Citizens should continue to follow all safety tips:-

• Continue to listen to the weather bulletins; remain calm, alert and vigilant.
• 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.
• Be cautious when driving along hillsides or landslide prone areas.

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 still 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 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