Trinidad and Tobago is bracing for further adverse weather, as a second tropical wave moves across the island, following heavy overnight rainfall.
The Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service is warning that while Tropical Wave 18 has already impacted the country, Tropical Wave 19 is now moving across the islands, bringing more showers, thunderstorms, and strong winds.
Tropical Wave 18 on Tuesday night, also caused a slight disruption to the electricity grid, with the Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission noting that a “voltage dip” was experienced around 9:15pm during adverse lightning activity in Central Trinidad, which occurred when two circuits between the Brechin Castle and Debe 132 kV substations tripped, but were automatically reclosed by the built-in protection system.
Meteorologist Gary Benjamin said Tropical Wave 18 brought “areas of heavy precipitation and strong thunderstorm activity” late on Tuesday, mainly affecting Trinidad, with Tropical Wave 19 close behind.
“The axis of Tropical Wave 18 passed Trinidad and Tobago last night, producing areas of heavy precipitation and strong thunderstorm activity, mainly affecting Trinidad. Closely following is Tropical Wave 19, the axis of which is expected this afternoon, bringing further showers and thunderstorms across Trinidad and, to a lesser extent, Tobago.”
He noted that the risk of flooding and landslides has increased, especially in vulnerable areas.
“The ground is now relatively saturated, and any rapid addition of precipitation is highly likely to continue to produce street or flash floodings and also raise the probability for landslips or landslides, especially in elevated areas. During the passage of the axis of Tropical Wave 19, and closely following, we can expect to experience surges in the wind speed, which is likely to produce gusts in excess of 50 kilometres per hour at times.”
He also warned citizens about a surge in Saharan dust expected tomorrow, which could impact air quality.
“There is also a projection for a temporary increase of Saharan dust to significant levels tomorrow, Thursday the 25th. Persons sensitive to the dust are advised to take the necessary precautions.”
And attention is also being given to another tropical wave currently in the mid-Atlantic, although he said it poses no immediate threat.
“As we continue to monitor this wave, the present analysis information is not indicating any further development towards Trinidad and Tobago and the Eastern Caribbean at this time. The associated weather of this wave is expected to cross Trinidad and Tobago by Saturday the 27th of June, increasing the probability for a few heavy showers or thunderstorm activity.”