Postby Duane 3NE 2NR » June 19th, 2017, 9:03 pm
MET Office update:
Tropical Storm Bret: A Note to Trinidad and Tobago
This storm is here. The first outer bands remain just east of Trinidad and Tobago. It contains widespread moderate to heavy rains. Once these bands make landfall, Trinidad and Tobago may not see clear conditions until late Tuesday. This results in 24-36 hours of prolonged, widespread, moderate to heavy showers. This relatively calm period before the arrival of these first rain bands is your last chance to finalize your outdoor preparations for securing life and property from heavy rains, potential flooding, gusty winds and possible trees falling. Please act!
The Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service expect rainfall accumulations of 50 to 125 millimeters. Street and flash flooding in Trinidad and Tobago typically begins with rainfall less than 30 millimeters of rainfall accumulation. Street flooding, flash flooding and river flooding is likely to occur. Persons living in low lying areas and flood prone areas need to take all necessary precautions. Sustained winds in excess of 65 KM/H is expected. These strong winds will be damaging as they will be more prolonged in heavy thunderstorms.
Trinidad and Tobago is expected to take a direct hit from this system. Trinidad and Tobago Weather Center has been relaying advisories from the National Hurricane Center (NHC) and the Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service (TTMS). The National Hurricane Center has just begun its first Hurricane Hunter Mission into the system and the plane is en route. This may require adjusting the strength of the system on short notice. Regardless of the strength of the system, impacts to Trinidad and Tobago will be the same:
- Gusty winds in excess of 65 KM/H
- Street, flash and river flooding
- Increase chances of landslides/landslips
- Frequent Thunder & Lightning
- Increased chances of downed trees blocking roadways.
- Storm Surge on Trinidad and Tobago’s Coast.
High Tide for Trinidad and Tobago will occur around midnight. This is also the time where the core of this system will approach Trinidad and Tobago. Extreme coastal erosion will occur on Trinidad’s east coast. All necessary precautions will need to be taken to preserve life and property. Coastal flooding is likely. Persons living near or on Trinidad’s east coast need to take all necessary precautions as this flooding may be prolonged.
Landslides and downed trees may take down power lines, cutting off power to certain residents. Citizens should be prepared for not having electricity for 12-24 hours.
The National Hurricane Center issues advisories every 3 hours. Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service issues advisories every 3 hours. Trinidad and Tobago Weather Center will relay all information posted by these sources as well as provide hourly radar updates, provided we too has electricity and internet and the Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service radar does not go down.
Be safe and be prepared Trinidad and Tobago!
