Piarco under floodwater

….Met Office issues Riverine Flood alert

REGIONAL

In the aftermath of heavy rainfall on Thursday which left several communities in South and Central Trinidad under flood waters, including over 500 residents in the electoral district of Longdenville/Talparo, other areas are also experiencing flooding.

A dramatic rise in run-off water overnight and early this morning, from yesterday’s rainfall, left several parts of Piarco under floodwaters. The intersection between Golden Grove Road and the Caroni South Bank Road was rendered impassable, forcing commuters to seek alternative routes.

The Meteorological Service of Trinidad and Tobago is advising citizens to proceed with caution in the Piarco area and has since issued a Riverine Flood Alert.

Riverine Flood Alert
The Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service is issuing a Riverine flood alert for Trinidad, having regard to this most recent rainfall activity associated with the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) over the last 18 hours. As oppose to Street and Flash Flooding, Riverine Flooding is more prolong and widespread.

Reports from the Water Resources Agency indicate that water levels in the nation’s major rivers are approaching threshold levels as a result of expected run-off from the current rainfall event. Although water levels in the primary Caroni River remain contained at this time, it is nevertheless threateningly high.

Meteorological Forecasts and data obtained from Numerical Weather Prediction Models indicate that further rainfall activity is expected over the next 12 to 18 hours with rainfall accumulation anticipated to be between 20-40 millimetres.

Given the additional rainfall predicted for Trinidad and Tobago and the occurrence of high tide at 12.36 p.m. today, the possibility of river overtopping is real and imminent.

Citizens in general, and those residing in the Caroni River Basin in particular, are asked to be on the alert for rising river levels and possible overspill. All possible measures MUSTbe taken to preserve life and property.

We strongly underscore that Trinidad and Tobago is not under any Tropical Storm threat, watch or warning at this time.

The Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service is closely monitoring weather conditions and will issue another bulletin at 6.00 p.m. today, or sooner if warranted.

(Trinidad Daily Express)