Guardian ( Trinidad and Tobago )
14 June 2023 ( Page 5 )
As floods subside, T&T under strong winds alert
KALAIN HOSEIN - METEOROLOGIST/REPORTER
KALAIN.HOSEIN@CNC3.CO.TT
Even as residents in parts of south Trinidad are trying to clean up
from floods on Monday, T&T is set to experience more showers and
thunderstorms today and tomorrow with the passage of a weak
tropical wave.
While rivers across south Trinidad remain out of their banks today,
this next round of rainfall will pack gusty winds exceeding 55
kilometres per hour, introducing new hazards.
Through 10 am today, the Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological
Service (TTMS) maintained the Riverine Flood Alert (Yellow Level),
which was downgraded from Orange Level yesterday afternoon.
The alert was also expanded eastward to encompass the Ortoire
An aerial view of a flooded section of Woodland yesterday.
PICTURE IVAN TOOLSIE
River Basin in southeastern Trinidad, where the Ortoire River,
Nariva River and its tributaries began to overtop from early
yesterday morning.
According to the Ministry of Rural Development and Local
Government, flooding was reported along the Guayaguayare Main
Road, Rio Claro; Poole Valley Trace; Cedar Grove; Northwest Trace,
Mafeking; Inner Mafeking; and the Naparima Mayaro Road,
Mafeking, with approximately six to twelve inches of water on this
main thoroughfare as of yesterday.
Flooding continued across parts of the South Oropouche River
yesterday, where the Riverine Flood Alert is still in effect today.
Flooding continued to subside in Barrackpore, Penal and Debe
gradually.
Over half an average June’s worth of rainfall, with the average
rainfall total at Piarco for June at 253.3 millimetres, fell across
south Trinidad between Sunday and Monday, causing multiple
rivers across south and west-central Trinidad to overtop.
While elevated up to yesterday, other major rivers across the island
were contained within their banks.
The Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government issued a
River Level Advisory yesterday stating that the Caroni River
upstream at El Carmen was at 73 per cent capacity, while
downstream at Bamboo Settlement #3 it was at 64 per cent
capacity—unchanged from 3 pm on Monday. The North Oropouche
River at Toco Road, Aripo River, Arouca River and Caparo River all
remained below 40 per cent capacity. The South Oropouche River
remained above 100 per cent capacity.
In the latest Riverine Flood Alert yesterday, the Met Office said,
“Official reports indicate that flood waters due to overtopping
rivers (mainly the South Oropouche River) are gradually receding
in some areas. However, this alert has been extended to
southeastern areas of Trinidad as the Ortoire River is currently
bank full.
Note that run-off will be slower near high tide times.” According
to the Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service, high tides at
Portof-Spain are expected at 12.40 am and 1.48 pm today.
While officials continue to monitor flooding today, another hazard
is expected—strong gusts accompanying showers and isolated
thunderstorms. As a result, the Met Office issued a High Wind
Alert (Yellow Level) for Trinidad, Tobago and offshore areas from 8
am today through 2 pm Friday.
The TTMS stated, “There is a high (70 per cent) potential for gusts
in excess of 55km/h, especially in the vicinity of showers.
Gusts may be brief but are capable of displacing unsecured roofs
and loose outdoor objects.” These strong winds can adversely
impact marine craft, and visibility may be extremely low during
dusk and dawn. Wind waves occasionally near 2.5 metres are also
expected.
The Met Office cautioned that under the Riverine Flood Alert, the
public should monitor weather conditions and river levels before
venturing out, avoid areas with floodwater, plan safety measures,
including emergency food and water supplies, and follow
government officials’ instructions.
As gusty winds are forecast through Friday, the TTMS also advised
the public to secure loose items and livestock, take all necessary
precautions, and monitor weather conditions and updates from
official sources.
Photo: An aerial view of a flooded section of Woodland yesterday.
PICTURE IVAN TOOLSIE