420 lightning strikes in 30 minutes rattle Trinidad and Tobago amid adverse thunderstorms

Trinidad and Tobago: In a shocking development, the twin-island nation of Trinidad and Tobago was hit by 420 lightning strikes within a span of just 30 minutes. According to the information by Weather Centre of Trinidad and Tobago, an isolated thunderstorm which was located in the Gulf of Paria yesterday produced 420 lightning strikes between 4:15 pm and 4:45 pm before moving along west-central Trinidad.

The Weather Center further said that this thunderstorm is weakening as it is moving south-westward into the Gulf of Paria, possibly creating choppy seas, after dumping heavy rainfall across parts of Point Lisas, Couva and California which has also led to street flooding.  

This activity is because of Invest 99 L’s influence on the environment across the area. Talking about the development, several locals took to Facebook with some agreeing, “We had lots of thunder and lightning in San Fernando.” Another said, “Thunderous rain with lightning and flash flooding in some areas of Penal.” 

Invest 99L Currently Located Near Saint Lucia 

According to forecasters, Invest 99L is currently located near Saint Lucia in the Caribbean Sea. The system has a 10% chance of further developing into a tropical depression or tropical storm within the next 2 days and impact the entire Caribbean region. 

The highly anticipated Caribbean Premier League’s 11th match in Saint Lucia was also abandoned because of adverse weather activity and continuous rainfall on the island nation. 

It is further said that showers and thunderstorms linked with a tropical wave over the Windward Islands have reduced over the last 24 hours along with recent satellite wind data showing that the winds linked with the system have also reduced. 

The disturbance is currently moving into a less favourable environment, and the chances of development are also decreasing. Although the system is becoming weak over the hours, gusty winds are likely over the Windward Islands through this morning. 

As the forecasters continue to monitor the weather activity, they are urging the locals to keep an eye on the official channels.