Met Dept warns of heavy rainfall, strong winds and ocean waves until Wednesday

The Kenya Meteorological Department on Sunday issued a four-day heavy rainfall, strong winds and large ocean waves advisory.

Meteorological Services Director David Gikungu said the heavy rainfall experienced over the weekend in the Lake Victoria Basin, the Rift Valley, Highlands West and East of the Rift Valley, including Nairobi, is expected to continue from Sunday.

The rain is predicted to intensify until Monday evening over the Rift Valley, Highlands West and East of the Rift Valley including Nairobi, Lake Victoria Basin and the Coast regions on Monday and Tuesday.

“It is likely to reduce in intensity on 22nd May 2024 inland but intensify along the coast from 22nd to 24th May,” Dr Gikungu said.

The advisory further warned that the heavy rainfall is likely to be accompanied by gusty winds, large waves in the Indian Ocean and strong southerly winds in the eastern region.

As such, people in Kisumu, Homabay, Siaya, Migori, Busia, Kisii, Nyamira, Nandi, Kericho, Bomet, Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma, Narok, Baringo, Nakuru, Trans-Nzoia, Uasin-Gishu and Elgeyo-Marakwet counties were advised to be cautious.

West-Pokot, Turkana, Samburu, Nyandarua, Laikipia, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang'a, Kiambu, Nairobi, Machakos, Kajiado, Mombasa, Tana-River, Kilifi, Lamu, and Kwale are also among the areas of concern.

“Residents in all the mentioned areas are advised to be on the lookout for potential floods, flash floods and poor visibility. The water levels in rivers, lakes and dams are expected to remain high,” reads the advisory.

The meteorological department further discouraged driving through or walking in moving water or open fields and sheltering under trees and near grilled windows to minimise exposure to lightning strikes.

“People in landslide-prone areas especially over hilly areas should be vigilant. Strong winds may blow off roofs, uproot trees and cause structural damage. Large waves may affect marine activities,” it added.

Over 180 others have been injured while more than 55,000 households have been displaced by the floods.