Heavy rainfall, strong winds to continue until Monday next week - Met Department

The Kenya Meteorological Services has issued a continued heavy rainfall and strong winds advisory starting from Thursday through to Monday next week.

Met. Department Director Dr. David Gikungu, in a statement on Thursday, cautioned of intensified high rainfall which may be accompanied by floods in the Lake Victoria Basin, Rift Valley, Highlands West and East of the Rift Valley including Nairobi and Southeastern lowlands among other areas in 41 counties.

“Heavy rainfall of more than 40mm in 24hrs pounding several parts of the Lake Victoria Basin, the Rift Valley, Highlands West and East of the Rift Valley including Nairobi area and Southeastern lowlands is likely to continue from Thursday 2-5 May 2024,” stated Dr. Gikungu.

Counties set to be affected by the heavy rains include; Nandi, Kericho, Bomet, Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma, Narok, Baringo, Nakuru, TransNzoia, Uasin-Gishu, Elgeyo-Marakwet, West-Pokot, Kisumu, Homabay, Siaya, Migori, Busia, Kisii, Nyamira, Nyandarua, Laikipia, Nyeri and Kirinyaga.

Others are Murang'a, Kiambu, Meru, Embu, Tharaka-Nithi, Nairobi, Machakos, Kitui, Makueni, Kajiado, Turkana, Samburu, Marsabit, Mandera, Wajir, Garissa and Isiolo counties.

The weatherman further warned of strong winds and waves affecting coastal regions and parts of Northeastern Kenya from Thursday to Monday.

Dr. Gikungu noted that the winds which may be in the form of cyclones from the Coastal regions may influence the intensity of rainfall on the land and affect marine activity in the sea.

“Strong southerly winds of more than 30 knots (15.4m/s) are predicted over the coastal region and parts of Northeastern Kenya on 2 May 2024. The strong winds are projected to exceed 40 knots (20.6m/s) on 3-6 May 2024,” stated the Met. Dept.

“Large Ocean Waves more than 2 m are predicted in the Indian Ocean from 2-6 May 2024.” 

Counties set to experience strong winds are Mombasa, Tana-River, Kilifi, Lamu, Kwale, Taita-Taveta and Garissa counties while the waves will be on the Indian Ocean.

The weatherman warned that strong winds may blow off roofs, uproot trees and cause structural damage.

Residents in all other aforementioned areas have been told to watch out for potential flooding and poor visibility as water levels in rivers, lakes and dams are expected to remain high.

The public is also advised to avoid driving through or walking in moving water or open fields and not to shelter under trees and near grilled windows to minimize exposure to lightning strikes.

People residing in hilly areas prone to landslides or mudslides have also been urged to remain vigilant.