According to the Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service (TTMS), significant concentrations of Saharan dust are expected to remain in our area until the end of the weekend (Sunday 13th June 2021). Thereafter we can see some decrease as the week starts and the next Tropical Wave approaches.

The Met Office notes that dust plumes follow Tropical Waves and they can suppress convective activity/severe weather activity. Records show a strong cycle that suggests that dust haze is most prevalent in Trinidad and Tobago during June to August.

Another, but less significant, dust plume is expected on Wednesday 16th June 2021, after the passage of the Tropical Wave.

Persons who are usually affected are advised to take the necessary precautions.

UPDATE (11:45am): Heavy rainfall with thunder is currently taking place in the Chaguanas area. Street/Flash Flooding is expected. Do NOT attempt to drive through floodwaters.

In its third update to the current Adverse Weather Alert (Yellow Level), the Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service (TTMS) has now extended it by twelve (12) hours until 12am on Sunday (6th June 2021). A Riverine Flood Alert (Yellow Level) is also in effect until 12pm on Sunday.

The Caroni River is nearing threshold levels, but remains within its banks as of Saturday morning. There is also elevated tributary levels in Sangre Grande, which feed into the Cunapo and North Oropuche Rivers.

Significant Street Flooding was observed on Saturday morning in the following areas due to heavy rainfall:

• On the S.S Erin Road in Rancho Quemado, Palo Seco.
• On all lanes of the Eastern Main Road in the vicinity of the Success Lavantille Secondary School.
• Along various points of the Couva Main Road. In the last 8 - 9 hours, up to 50 Millimeters of rain has been recorded in the area.

According to the Met Office, intermittent rainfall and isolated Thunderstorms are expected to continue throughout the day on Saturday. Gusty winds in excess of 45 Km/hr can be experienced in the vicinity of showers/Thunderstorms.

Moderate/heavy downpours and saturated soils can lead to or exacerbate localized flooding and ponding. There is also the likelihood of Landslips/Landslides in areas so prone.

The Met Office said in its 10am weather forecast this morning (Saturday 5th June 2021) that cloudy to overcast conditions are expected with periods of light to moderate showers and rain occurring in most areas and heavy showers or Thunderstorms occurring in confined areas. Some improvement is expected during the evening, however, a few showers and light rain will persist overnight.

Citizens are advised to not venture into floodwaters. Continue to monitor weather conditions and updates from official sources.

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

The Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service (TTMS) has issued a Riverine Flood Alert (Yellow Level) from 8pm tonight (Friday 4th June 2021) until 12pm on Sunday (6th June 2021). This follows an Adverse Weather Alert (Yellow Level) which is currently in effect until 12pm tomorrow (Saturday 5th June 2021). Low lying areas near water courses in Central and Northern Trinidad are expected to be affected.

According to the Met Office, river levels are currently near threshold values in some parts, especially along the Caroni River basin. Additional rainfall is expected overnight tonight and tomorrow (Saturday 5th June 2021), which will further elevate river levels. There is a moderate risk to public safety, livelihoods and property as watercourses may overtop their banks.

Citizens are advised to monitor weather conditions and river levels before venturing outside. Monitor updates from official sources and plan safety measures, including emergency supplies of food and water. You should also follow the instructions of Government Officials.

According to the Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service (TTMS), a Tropical Wave is currently producing periods of rainfall of varying intensities as well as isolated Thunderstorms mainly across Trinidad and to a lesser extent Tobago. These conditions are forecast to continue intermittently today and into tomorrow (Saturday 5th June 2021).

An Adverse Weather Alert (Yellow Level) is in effect and will last until 12pm on Saturday.

The Met Office says gusty winds in excess of 55 Km/hr may be experienced especially in the vicinity of showers/Thunderstorms and some localized flooding is likely. Seas can become agitated due to the strong winds.

The Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service (TTMS) has issued an Adverse Weather Alert (Yellow Level) from 12am on Friday 4th to 12pm on Saturday 5th June 2021.

According to the Met Office, a Tropical Wave currently located just to the East of Trinidad and Tobago is expected to produce periods of rain and showers of varying intensities, from around Midnight tonight and continuing to Saturday (5th June 2021). There is the 70% (high) chance of Thunderstorm activity associated with the passage of this Tropical Wave. This activity is expected to impact mainly Trinidad and to a lesser extent, parts of Tobago. Gusty winds in excess of 55 Km/hr may be experienced especially in the vicinity of showers/Thunderstorms and some localized flooding is likely. Seas can become agitated due to the strong winds.

Today (1st June 2021) marks the first day of the 2021 Atlantic Hurricane Season, which will run until 30th November 2021. The updated long-term averages are fourteen (14) named Storms, seven (7) Hurricanes, and three (3) major Hurricanes. The peak of the Atlantic Hurricane Season runs from mid-August to late October.

One Tropical Storm, Ana, already formed in May. The next named Storm this Season will be Bill.

The list of names for 2021 is as follows:

• Ana
• Bill
• Claudette
• Danny
• Elsa
• Fred
• Grace
• Henri
• Ida
• Julian
• Kate
• Larry
• Mindy
• Nicholas
• Odette
• Peter
• Rose
• Sam
• Teresa
• Victor
• Wanda

To support preparedness and mitigation activities across Trinidad and Tobago, the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management (ODPM) has developed a Wet/Hurricane Season Preparedness Guide, which you can download below.

This Hurricane Guide provides you with the information and resources to support your preparedness efforts. Everyone has a role to play in preparing for a Hurricane, Storm, severe weather and flood impact. All employers and organizations — from Government Ministries, businesses, faith and community-based organizations and individuals are essential components of the nation’s response to any hazard impact and can help people and groups to be more prepared.

​Preparation and planning will make a significant difference in being safe. Individuals, families and organizational processes require a disciplined focus on preparedness, planning, and networking with families, friends, and the community. You should take action now to increase your preparedness and participate in community resilience planning.