TT Met Office: Expect heavy rains and gusty winds

A broad area of low pressure located off the eastern coast of Trinidad and Tobago has an 80 per cent chance of becoming a tropical cyclone in the next 48 hours, according to
the US National Hurricane Centre (NHC) tropical weather outlook issued at 2 pm today.

Earlier, an information bulletin from the Trinidad & Tobago Meteorological Service stated, "We strongly underscore that Trinidad and Tobago is not under any tropical storm threat, watch or warning at this time."

The TT Met Office warned, however, that T&T should brace for flooding, gusty winds, heavy showers with the occasional thundershower, and landslips/landslides along the slopes of the northern range.

"Citizens are advised to be vigilant and cautious given forecast weather conditions. Be alert to any electrical discharges from thunderclouds and adopt measures which would preserve life and property," the bulletin said.

The developing weather system, which is about 100 miles west of Dominica is producing showers and thudershowers in Trinidad and Tobago, as well as portions of the Lesser Antilles. It is expected to develop to a tropical cyclone as it moves northwestward at 10 to 15 mph.

If this occurs, parts of the Leewards Islands will be under tropical storm warning.

The National Hurricane Centre is also issuing advisories on Tropical Storm Patty, which is located about 275 miles east-northeast of the central Bahamas.