Venezuela: Tropical storm warning in northeast

Event

A storm system located off the northern coast of South America is expected to form into a tropical storm on Monday, June 19, as it travels in a west-northwesterly direction. As of 05:00 (local time) on Monday, the system was located to the north of Suriname. According to current predictions by the US-based National Hurricane Center, the storm will pass south of Grenada, over Trinidad and Tobago, and skim the northern coasts of Venezuela and Colombia before weakening into a tropical depression early on Thursday. Tropical storm warnings are currently in effect for all of Grenada and Trinidad and Tobago as well as the extreme northeast of Venezuela (Delta Amacuro state).

The system is expected to bring torrential rain and strong winds to the above areas. As such, flooding is likely - particularly in coastal, low-lying, and river adjacent areas - along with landslides in hilly areas. Associated transportation disruptions are possible.

Context

Tropical waves, depressions, tropical storms, and hurricanes are common in the Caribbean region during the Atlantic Hurricane Season, which runs from June 1 to November 30.

Advice

Individuals in the above areas are advised to follow local weather forecasts and to adhere to any advice issued by the regional authorities (e.g. potential evacuation orders). In the event of flooding, keep in mind that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult - and that floodwater may contain wastewater or chemical products.