Met Department issues heavy rainfall alert starting Thursday, warns of flash floods

The Kenya Meteorological Department has issued a weather advisory for moderate to heavy rains expected across various parts of the country between Thursday, November 14, and Friday, November 15, 2024.

According to the forecast, areas in the Central Rift Valley, Central Kenya, including Nairobi, and the southeastern lowlands will experience rainfall amounts exceeding 20mm within 24 hours starting on Thursday, November 14.

The intensity of the rains is expected to increase on Friday, with some areas, including Nairobi and the southeastern lowlands, receiving more than 30mm of rain within the same timeframe.

"Rainfall of more than 20mm in 24hrs is expected from Thursday 14th November, 2024 in parts of Central Rift valley, Central including Nairobi area and southeast lowlands," reads the advisory.  

"The rainfall is likely to intensify to more than 30mm in 24hrs on Friday 15th November, 2024 over Southeastern lowlands and central parts including Nairobi area. It is projected to reduce in intensity from 16th November, 2024 over most parts of the country."

The regions most likely to be affected include Meru, Embu, Tharaka Nithi, Kirinyaga, Murang'a, Nyeri, Kiambu, Nyandarua, Laikipia, Isiolo, Nakuru, Kericho, Bomet, Narok, parts of Kajiado, Nairobi, Machakos, Kitui, and Makueni.

Residents in the areas have been urged to be on the lookout for the potential risk of flash floods, as heavy rainfall in upstream areas can cause water levels in rivers to rise rapidly, even if it is not raining directly in those regions.

"People living downstream rivers and along seasonal rivers should be careful since water may appear suddenly even though it may not be raining within the area," warned the Met Department.

"Residents are 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."

In addition, those living in landslide-prone areas, particularly on the slopes of the Aberdare Ranges, Mount Kenya, and other hilly regions, are advised to remain vigilant due to the heightened risk of landslides during heavy rains.