Government offices closed at noon

MOST government offices (except essential services) were due to close at noon on Tuesday, owing to the impending storm, said a statement from the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM).

It said, "Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service has been monitoring the centre of potential tropical cyclone two to the east of Trinidad. On the forecast track, the system will pass near or over portions of the southern Windward Islands tonight. As a result, TT has been under a tropical storm warning.”

The OPM said given its present track and the likely storm conditions with periods of heavy to intense showers and/or thunderstorms, the Prime Minister, out of an abundance of caution, instructed that all government offices should close at noon, except for essential services.

Heads of department were to communicate with their staff.

This was said to be in an effort to minimise the number of people on the  roads "and to allow first responders, if necessary, easier access and mobility.

The public was  advised to pay attention to news updates, follow instructions from government officials and take necessary steps to protect lives, livelihood and property.