Schools ordered shut, flights cancelled as storm gets closer

All schools have been ordered shut and several flights cancelled as a tropical storm made directly towards Trinidad and Tobago.

The latest advisory from the Met Service at 5 am on Tuesday put the storm just 680 kilometres east of TT.

A bulletin from the Ministry of Education on Monday night said with the exception of students scheduled to write CAPE exams on Tuesday, all schools have been directed to be closed.

Caribbean Airlines in a statement on Tuesday said four domestic flights have been cancelled and flights to Suriname, Curaçao, St Maarten, Guyana and Barbados have been affected.

The Met Office says the country remains on orange alert, with high risk of impact, as the "system is moving toward the west near 23 miles per hour  (37 kilometres per hour), and a westward or west-north-westward motion is expected for the next few days. "

"On the forecast track, the system will pass near or over portions of the southern Windward Islands tonight. As a result, TT remains under a tropical storm warning."

The Met Office is predicting storm-like conditions within 36 hours with intense thunderstorms and possible flooding.

"Gusty winds in excess of 70 km/hr can be expected. These wind gusts are capable of breaking tree branches, displacing unsecured roofs and loose outdoor objects, and can even topple over unhealthy trees," the advisory said.

"The risk of landslides/landslips is likely in areas so prone and sea conditions can become occasionally rough. An update will be issued at 8 am."

People are advised to take steps to protect lives, livelihood, and property, and plan to evacuate to the nearest shelter if it becomes necessary.