Weather bulletins discontinued but

Heavy showers and reports of a tropical wave yesterday created panic among some people in Port-of-Spain who tried to beat traffic and transport problems getting home.

Roads in Port-of-Spain were busy at midmorning and lunch time following the first severe weather bulletin issued by the Meteorological Service of TT (Met Service). By 2.15 pm dark clouds had lifted but several people including students were seen waiting for transport at the San Fernando/Chaguanas taxi stand at Broadway. The Arima, La Horquetta/Maloney, and San Fernando maxi-taxi stands at City Gate were also busy. More rain is expected as the Met Service has forecast lingering showers and light rains.

The first severe weather bulletin was issued by the Met Service at 11 am indicating that heavy showers and thundershowers associated with an active tropical wave would affect TT for two to three hours.

The release stated, “Gusty winds will accompany heavy showers/thundershowers. Street and flash flooding will occur in the vicinity of heavy showers.”

The Met Service advised people to take the necessary precautions.

The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management (ODPM) issued a release which said that in light of continuing rainfall it was monitoring conditions and maintained the alert of its response mechanisms at the national and local levels.

ODPM said the areas of concern were the Chaguanas borough region. It said the problem areas identified by the borough were Yard Street, Chaguanas and John Street, Montrose, which were closely monitored.

The ODPM said water levels along the Caroni River at the Tunapuna and El Carmen areas were elevated and residents in this vicinity should be vigilant “as rainfall continues, there could be over-spilling of the river bank.”

ODPM has asked the regional corporations to maintain their state of alert and readiness due to continuing rains.

“The National Task Force has also been alerted and remains on stand-by to respond as necessary,” said the ODPM.

ODPM said people living in flood prone areas should begin preparations in the event that evacuation becomes necessary.

However the ODPM said there was one report of a roof being blown off a house at Gravel Trace, Sangre Grande.

At 1.30 pm, the Met Service sent another bulletin which announced the discontinuation of the severe weather bulletin.

“The heavy showery activity that affected areas across TT has decreased intensity. Although some lingering showers and/or light rain are forecast, the TT Met Service is discontinuing the severe weather bulletin.” The Met Service said it continued to monitor the situation.