West prepares for incoming storm

Centre managers at the Diego Martin Central Community Centre said they were prepared for the intake of residents in the area who might be affected by the approaching storm on Tuesday evening.

The orange-level update from the Met Office at 11 am said the tropical storm warning remained in effect for Trinidad and Tobago.

It said the potential tropical cyclone was 380 km east of TT with a high risk of impact. It also said the system was forecast to pass near or over portions of the southern Windward Islands by Tuesday evening from 6 pm, sooner than expected. Previous updates said the storm was not expected until 8 pm on Tuesday.

Cots, blankets, water, tea and other food items had been stocked and were readily available for anyone in the Diego Martin area in need of shelter during the storm.

Volunteer shelter manager Lynette Ward told Newsday in years past, the centre has accommodated many people.

At the time of Newsday’s visit, she said there had been no calls from residents but said the police would check periodically to find out.

“We have our things in place,” she said. “We have our bags packed and we made sure to take care of our house first. We’re ready.”

She said people should continue to follow the instructions being issued by officials such as the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management (ODPM), the police and fire services, regional corporations and other government agencies.

She said residents should ensure they have stocks of water, canned foods and sandbags for flood-prone homes. Sensitive documents should be placed in plastic bags for safekeeping.

West Bees Supermarket in Diego Martin was also abuzz with activity as shoppers stocked up on supplies.

Diego Martin resident Jamal Wilson said he came for his usual groceries, but left because the long lines.

“A lot of people getting on excited and buying out water, candles, fly sprays, (and other) provisions,” he said. “I am not concerned. The last time TT had a good storm was a long time ago. I don’t think it will reach, but if it does, I’m good.”

Another West Bees shopper, who requested anonymity, said, “I am from Tobago, so when they say a storm coming, it coming. We are used to that.

" But in Trinidad, not so much. The people are not used to it because it never comes.”

The woman was accompanied by two friends, who all expressed their annoyance at the scene at the supermarket.

“People are over-preparing. We’re just here to get the basics, but people are going beyond the basics. The kind of groceries I see coming out of here, it’s too much,” he joked, adding people were stocking up on snacks like ice cream and popcorn, rather than the essentials.

“They are panicking (but) I still hope we are able to withstand it.”

Newsday also visited Johnny Q Hardware on Ariapita Avenue, Woodbrook, where customerss were buying other storm supplies.

One employee said people were coming for sandbags, flashlights, lamps and air horns (used to alert neighbours toan emergency).

On Tuesday morning, Newsday also visited stores in the Port of Spain area.

Despite the early-morning warning from the Met Office, many businesses chose to remain open. The earliest orange alert update on Tuesday morning from the Met Office had come at 5 am.

Some Port of Spain businesses carried on as usual, leaving staff unsure what to expect.

It was later announced that government offices would close at noon.

Anyone in need of shelter at the Diego Martin Community Centre can call 745-4584 or the regional corporation at 637-2204.