Caribbean on alert from tropical storm

Despite it being this late in the annual storm season, the South and Eastern Caribbean are once again being placed on high alert as a tropical wave which forecasters are watching keenly has already caused flooding in Trinidad and heavy rains in Guyana and Suriname.

Outer band rains from the so far unnamed tropical wave caused severe flooding in large parts of Trinidad on Tuesday with blankets of mud from some of the island’s relatively small rivers-St. Ann’s and Maraval among them-flowed from their banks causing panic in the capital Port of Spain and nearby areas.

Storm watch warnings are in effect in Trinidad until Saturday afternoon but local forecasters are already warning residents to brace for the worst of the storm via high winds and heavy rain on Wednesday night.

The flash flooding also caused municipal drains to overflow, dumping mud and muddy water on city streets. Cars and other vehicles were stuck, including some parked around the famous and picturesque Queens Park Savannah.

“Periods of rain andor showers of varying intensities are expected, with a high 80 percent chance of heavy showers and thunderstorms that can produce intense rainfall in excess of 50 millimeters. Gusty winds in excess of 55 kilometers may be experienced, especially in the vicinity of heavy showers and thunderstorms. Street, flash flooding and localized ponding are likely in heavy downpours,” the official warning stated on Wednesday.

Official warnings are also out for the Dutch protectorates of Aruba, Curacao and Bonaire which are just north of Venezuela which itself is experiencing heavy rains from the wave.

Weather Channel forecasters say that all indications are that the storm will develop into something stronger as it heads to the Eastern Caribbean and as far north as Jamaica as experts say that the Eastern Caribbean from Grenada to Barbados to Antigua should be on alert for this developing system.

The wave has also caused landslides in several inland communities including in southern Trinidad. A few trees also fell in some areas.