Parts of Port of Spain in darkness after freak storm

AREAS in East Port of Spain were without electricity on Wednesday night hours after a freak storm tore off the roofs of several houses and downed trees in Woodford Square and along the Brian Lara Promenade.

After the city baked under sun and clear, blue skies for most of Wednesday, the weather changed drastically by 4.30 pm, when a sharp heavy shower fell, accompanied by very strong gusts of wind.

Reports began reaching our newsroom of houses in East Port of Spain losing their roofs, while trees came crashing down, one blocking the road at the front of the Hall of Justice. The falling trees brought down power lines, resulting in a loss of electricity in several areas.

Residents called the newsroom last night to say that electrical power had not returned ito areas in east Port of Spain, while on Frederick Street, between Park and Hart Streets, lower Henry and on Charlotte Streets, the power was also out. Heavily armed police were on patrol to ensure stores and malls were not burgled under the cover of darkness.