NHC: Gonzalo Still To The East, Forecast To Track Across Trinidad

Kalain Hosein

Heavy rains and gusty winds began across Trinidad and Tobago this morning associated with Tropical Storm Gonzalo. Street flooding has been reported along the East-West Corridor, including parts of Barataria, Mt. Lambert and Port of Spain.

Based on the latest update from the National Hurricane Center (NHC) as of 11:00 AM, Gonzalo is still 90 kilometres east of Trinidad with maximum sustained winds of 65 KM/H and higher gusts possible. Tropical-storm-force winds extend 35 kilometres outward from the center.

Based on the present forecast track, Tropical Storm Gonzalo is forecast to make landfall and track across the northern half of Trinidad this afternoon. While no tropical storm warning is in effect for Trinidad from the Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service (TTMS), the Adverse Weather Alert #3 (Orange Level) was updated this morning.

The TTMS, in their third alert, explained, “Heavy showers and thunderstorms have begun to affect eastern parts of Trinidad. This activity is expected to spread across the country through the day and showers are likely to be intense enough to result in street/flash flooding, as well as landslides/landslips in areas so prone. Gusty winds in excess of 65 KM/H can also be experienced in the vicinity of heavy downpours. This event is due to the passage of Tropical Storm Gonzalo.”

The following alerts are in effect for T&T from the Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service:

  • For Trinidad: Adverse Weather Alert #3 (Orange Level) from 11:00 AM through 8:00 PM Saturday.
  • For Tobago: Tropical Storm Warning #6 (Orange Level) from 8:00 AM through 8:00 PM Saturday.
  • For T&T’s coastal areas: Hazardous Seas Alert #2 (Yellow Level) from 8:00 AM Saturday through 2:00 AM Sunday.

The 11 AM NHC calls for little change in strength is forecast before Gonzalo reaches the southern Windward Islands later today. Weakening is expected after Gonzalo moves over the southeastern Caribbean Sea, and the system is forecast to dissipate by Sunday night.

In addition to Tobago, a tropical storm warning remains in effect for Grenada and its dependencies.