The Kenya Meteorological Department has issued an urgent advisory, warning residents across the nation to brace for enhanced rainfall, strong winds, and potential floods in the coming days. The alert, designated as notice 01/2023 and titled “Heavy Rains and Strong Winds Advisory,” was released on Tuesday, particularly urging those in Central Highlands, South Rift, and South-Eastern regions to remain vigilant.
In an effort to minimize the risk of lightning strikes, officials recommend avoiding driving or walking through moving water, staying clear of open fields, and not seeking shelter under trees or near grilled windows.
The advisory specifically urges residents of Embu, Nyeri, Kiambu, Nyandarua, Laikipia, Murang’a, Meru, Kirinyaga, Tharaka Nithi, Nairobi, Narok, Nyamira, Kericho, Bomet, Nakuru, Kitui, Machakos, Makueni, Mombasa, Kwale, Kilifi, Tana River, Lamu, Mandera, Marsabit, Isiolo, Wajir, and Garissa to stay alert for potential flooding. The current rainfall affecting parts of Kenya is expected to persist until Friday, April 21, 2023.
Meteorological authorities anticipate the rainfall to intensify to over 30 mm within 24 hours starting April 18, 2023, particularly in Central Highlands, Nairobi County, South and Central Rift Valley, Southeastern lowlands, off South Coast, and parts of Northeastern Kenya. The probability of this occurrence is described as moderate.
The heavy rainfall is expected to spread to the North coastal region and Lake Basin on Wednesday, April 19, 2023, and continue with reduced intensity over the coastal region on Thursday, April 20, and Friday, April 21, 2023. Alongside the rains, strong winds exceeding 25 knots (12 m/s) are forecasted for the South Coast and Northwestern Kenya.
The Met Department emphasizes the potential danger posed by these winds, which may uproot trees, blow off roofs, and cause structural damage. As the situation develops, the department pledges to promptly deliver updates and additional information.