T&T told to prepare, as weather system approaches

(Trinidad Express) The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management (ODPM) is advising the national community to prepare for adverse weather conditions, due to the progress of a strong Tropical Wave in the Atlantic that has the potential to form into a Tropical Depression over the next 48-72 hours.

Ahead of this system is another Tropical Wave and the Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service (TTMS) already has issued Adverse Weather Alert #1 Yellow Level for Trinidad and Tobago.

Combined, these systems have the potential to produce heavy rainfall and gusty winds to Trinidad and Tobago, resulting in street/flash flooding, residential flooding and landslides, compounded by saturated soil.

Ponding is possible in low-lying areas and unsecured items may become displaced by strong winds, while electrical discharges are also possible during thunderstorms.

At this time, the ODPM already has alerted the Disaster Management Units (DMUs) of the Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government, the Tobago Emergency Management Agency (TEMA), along with the other first response agencies.

The Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force is also on alert. These agencies have activated their emergency plans and stand ready to coordinate response as the need arises.

In the event Emergency Shelters are required, the Disaster Management Units will open these strategically, to provide alternative shelter for the vulnerable should it become necessary.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the ODPM, Major General (Retired) Rodney Smart, is appealing to the public to put measures in place to prepare for the passage of both weather systems and to continue to prepare for the wet and hurricane seasons.