All government offices will be closed at noon today, save and except for essential services, according to an announcement made by Communications Minister Symon de Nobriga in a media conference a short while ago.

This is to minimize the number of people on the roads, ahead of impending bad weather.

The announcement reverses the government’s previous position outlined on Sunday, when Local Government Minister Faris Al Rawi said no recommendation had been given for work-from-home measures to be implemented for public sector employees as a precaution.

Potential Tropical Cyclone #2 is now forecast to pass near or over portions of the southern Windward Islands by this evening and tropical storm conditions are now likely from 6pm instead of 8pm as was previously forecast, according to the 11am update from the T&T Met Service.

Isolated heavy showers may develop in the afternoon period, producing gusty winds in excess of 55 km/h.

Meanwhile, Those living in flood prone areas are being offered to park their vehicles at a few select locations for safety, as identified by Local Government Minister Faris Al Rawi.

Those sites are: the Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba, UDECOTT at the Parkade in Port of Spain, all community centers, the Naparima Bowl in San Fernando, and the Northern and Southern Academies for the Performing Arts.

Minister Al Rawi assures municipal police will be placed on duty at all locations, to ensure the safety of these vehicles.