Tobago: Meteorologist De Coteau urges citizens to prepare for intense hurricane season

Trinidad and Tobago: As the Caribbean region braces itself for the upcoming Hurricane Season 2024, which will begin on June 1, Meteorologist Carolyn De Coteau is urging the citizens of Tobago to prepare and exercise caution for what’s ahead.

De Coteau said that the above-normal activity is being anticipated for the upcoming hurricane season and noted that flood potential is moderately higher for well known flood prone areas and is a bit higher for emerging flood prone areas.

While talking during a media briefing, the Meteorologist said that citizens are urged to accelerate preparations right now.

In addition to this, she motivates all officials at disaster management to do their part as well and noted that disaster preparedness and flood alleviating agencies and emergency responders must utilise available time to boost preparations for the rainy season.

According to her, the official beginning of the rainy season did not mean that citizens would be spared of intense heat, as it will continue over a few days.

She stated that the island will also be witnessing heat spells which will go on for three days or more. So, she is expecting the hot weather to affect citizens later in the year around August to September.

On the other hand, Tobago Emergency Management Agency Director Allan Stewart stated that the agency is doing its part in preparing for any type of natural disaster because of the heavy rainfall expected.

He has also issued a call for citizens to take note of the changes in the weather patterns and so they can plan ahead about safeguarding themselves from the impacts of climate change.

While Chief Secretary Farley Augustine assured the citizens that the THA through TEMA is all set for the upcoming hurricane season, there are high chances for damages and he urged the citizens and residents to stay alert and play their own role in protecting their houses from adverse affects of such climate changes.