The Ministry of Works and Transport is advising the public that there will be a temporary traffic disruption along the Caroni Savannah Road, from Caroni Roundabout to Caroni Flyover. This has become necessary to facilitate road pavement markings.

This disruption will begin on Thursday (1st December 2022) between the hours of 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM.

In light of the above, motorists are advised to comply with the following:

• Proceed with caution and observe all directional signs and barriers.
  
• Motorists should drive at a reduced speed on approaching the work zone
  
• Comply with instructions from Police Officers on-site to facilitate a safe and orderly flow of traffic.
  
• Be aware of heavy equipment entering and exiting the site
  
• Drive with caution on all milled (possibly uneven) surfaces.
  

​The Ministry said it regrets any inconvenience caused and thanks the public for its continued co-operation. For further information, please visit the Ministry's website (www.mowt.gov.tt) or call the PURE Unit at 638-2350, 638-2256 or 675-4052.

The Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA) said today (Wednesday 30th November 2022) that it is in “continuous dialogue” with the Desalination Company of Trinidad and Tobago (Desalcott), the privately-owned and operated entity of the Desalinated Water Plant, with a view to “expediting planned maintenance works without compromising their operations.” As such, WASA said the planned shutdown now has a projected completion date of Monday 5th December 2022.

The shutdown, which WASA said began at 12:00 PM today (Wednesday 30th November 2022), suspends the delivery of 40 million gallons daily to WASA, which is used to supply the Point Lisas Industrial Estate, as well as augment the supply to areas in Central and South Trinidad.

To mitigate the effects of this supply shortfall on operations, the Authority will implement the following measures during the period of shutdown:

• Increased production and re-distribution of supply from the Caroni and Navet Water Treatment Plants;
• Implementation of temporary supply schedules;
• Ensure capacity storage at critical service reservoirs;
• Increased water-trucking capacity;
• Special emphasis and arrangements to supply schools, health institutions, homes for aged and other special needs organizations.

Some of the affected areas will include:

• Caroni, St. Helena, Charlieville, Chaguanas, Cunupia, Carapichaima, Couva, Claxton Bay, Marabella, Gasparillo, San Fernando, Cocoyea, Union Hall, La Romaine, Woodland, Palmiste, Phillipine, Rambert Village, South Oropouche, Fyzabad, Avocat, Siparia, Penal, San Francique, Rousillac, Aripero, La Brea.

Customers are advised to maintain/establish a system of storage over the period of the shutdown and to also manage their water use efficiently by reducing consumption. This can be done by eliminating inefficient practices, as well as repairing leaks and overflowing water tanks at home and in business places.

Customers are further advised that temporary supply schedules for the period of the shutdown will be available on the Authority's website: www.wasa.gov.tt; Facebook Page: WASA Trinidad & Tobago and Twitter: @wasatnt.

​A limited truck-borne supply is available upon request. This can be requested through the following self-service options:

• Use of the mobile WASA Services App which can be downloaded for Android mobile customers from the Google Play Store or iPhone mobile customers from the Apple App Store;
• Use of the Customer Portal available on the Authority's website: www.wasa.gov.tt.

​This is a developing story - refresh this page for updates.

The La Niña phenomenon, which has led to drought conditions in some parts of the world and flood conditions in others, including Trinidad and Tobago, is likely to continue into early 2023. So said the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) in a Press Release issued this morning (Wednesday 30th November 2022).

”The unusually stubborn and protracted La Niña event is likely to last until the end of the Northern Hemisphere Winter/Southern Hemisphere Summer,” the Press Release stated. “The first ’triple-dip’ La Niña (three consecutive years) of the 21st century will continue to affect temperature and precipitation patterns and exacerbate drought and flooding in different parts of the world,” it continued.

In its own Press Release on Wednesday, the Ministry of Public Utilities explains that the La Niña, a natural weather-forming phenomenon, which occurs every few years, refers to the large-scale cooling of ocean surface temperatures in the Central and Eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean, coupled with changes in the tropical atmospheric circulation, namely winds, pressure and rainfall. It usually has the opposite impacts on weather and climate as El Niño.

For the Caribbean region, the Ministry notes that this has “led to a Wet Season characterized by above-normal rainfall which is likely to continue into what is usually the Dry Season. In fact, the Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology (CIMH) at their recently concluded Caribbean Climate Outlook Forum (CariCOF), indicated that the probability of the region experiencing above-normal rainfall into January of next year is 45%, while from February to April, there will be a 50% probability of above-normal rainfall in the Southern Caribbean.”

“This trend towards above-normal rainfall has already led to record-breaking levels of precipitation in Trinidad and Tobago, with this November being the wettest on record since 1946,” the Ministry said.

“The Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service (TTMS) will continue to monitor the weather conditions in and around Trinidad and Tobago for the purpose of providing timely, accurate and relevant meteorological information and advice to the public,” the Ministry added.

The TTMS is urging the general public to pay close attention to alerts and updates issued via their social media: Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service, or their website: www.metoffice.gov.tt.

Pictured Above: T&TEC’s amphibious vehicle on Wednesday.

The Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission (T&TEC) undertook the first field test of its amphibious vehicle today (Wednesday 30th November 2022). The vehicle is designed to take T&TEC crews into heavily flooded areas to restore electricity supply.

​The vehicle was seen entering Nabee Road, Bamboo No. 2 Valsayn, earlier today, where work is currently ongoing to diagnose a problem and restore supply in the area.

​Watch the video below.

The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management (ODPM) has issued an update on the flooding situation on the Uriah Butler Highway.

According to the ODPM, the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) has indicated that as of 2:21 PM this afternoon (Wednesday 30th November 2020, the water level on the Southbound lane “has subsided at the following locations: Caroni Flyover and Guayamare River.”

As a result, there is a free flow of traffic on all three (3) lanes.

Please be guided accordingly.

The National Infrastructure Development Company Limited (NIDCO) is advising members of the public today (Wednesday 30th November 2022) that the Water Taxi Service will operate an additional sailing at 2:30 PM from Port-of-Spain.

The 3:30 PM and 4:30 PM sailings remain as scheduled.

Please be guided accordingly.

A teenager was killed last night (Tuesday 29th November 2022) and five (5) others sent to Hospital, following an accident along the Sir Solomon Hochoy Highway, near the Brian Lara Stadium. The deceased has been identified as 19-year-old Rond Mohammad of Phillipine Road.

According to reports, Mohammed was a passenger in the back seat of a Nissan Wingroad, driven by Amrit Beepat, 19, of Marabella. There were four (4) other teenagers in the vehicle.

While proceeding South along the Solomon Hochoy Highway around 7:35 PM, Beepath reportedly lost control of the wagon, which then careened across the Northbound lane. As the wagon went airborne, Mohammed fell onto the road and was struck by an oncoming Nissan Bluebird Sylphy.

The wagon overturned several times before it came to a stop. Mohammed, Beepat and the other passengers, including Beepat’s 17-year-old relative, another 17-year-old boy, Justin Mangray, 18, and Navin Bedassie, 18, were all treated at the San Fernando General Hospital. However, Mohammed eventually succumbed to his injuries while his friends were in stable condition up to last night, according to Police.

Investigations are continuing.

​[Source: CNC3]

The Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service (TTMS) has extended its Riverine Flood Alert by another twenty-four (24) hours. The Alert has been downgraded from Orange Level to Yellow Level and now remains in effect until 12:00 PM on Thursday (1st December 2022) for communities surrounding major and minor rivers and their tributaries.

According to the Met Office, most river levels across Trinidad have decreased to below bankfull and run-off is steady. However, some impacted communities are still at low to moderate risk of adverse impact. The Met Office notes that run-off will also be slower at High Tide, which will be at 9:45 PM (Wednesday 30th November 2022) and 10:55 AM (Thursday 1st December 2022).

Citizens are advised to monitor weather conditions and river levels before venturing out. Avoid areas with flood waters. Monitor updates from official sources and plan safety measures, including emergency supplies of food and water. Follow the instructions of Government Officials.

​This is a developing story - refresh this page for updates.

UPDATE (11:20 AM): While some water remains on the Southbound lanes of the Uriah Butler Highway, traffic is flowing smoothly at this time.

The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) is urging motorists this morning (Wednesday 30th November 2022) to reduce their speed and proceed with caution when driving along the Southbound lanes of the Uriah Butler Highway in the vicinity of the Caroni Flyover.

Floodwaters are said to have now crossed all three (3) lanes of the carriageway as at 9:00 AM this morning. However, the centre and middle lanes are passable by all classes of vehicles, while the left lane is only passable by tall trucks and SUVs.

Highway Patrol vehicles are presently on static locations to assist motorists if required.

​This is a developing story - refresh this page for updates.

​[Source: CNC3]

An earthquake was reportedly felt across Trinidad at 10:21 PM tonight (Tuesday 29th November 2022). According to the UWI Seismic Research Centre, it was a magnitude 5.1, with an epicenter located 103 Km Northeast of Carúpano, Venezuela. It was also 104 Km Northwest of Port-of-Spain and 128 Km Northwest of Arima. The depth of the earthquake was 10 Km.

Shaking was widely reported across North and Central Trinidad.

More on this as it becomes available.

​This is a developing story - refresh this page for updates.