Risk of heavy rain, strong winds at Kenyan coast despite Cyclone Hidaya weakening

The Kenyan Coast region is projected to receive moderate to heavy rainfall despite the weakening of Cyclone Hidaya which was expected to hit the Coast region this weekend.

On Saturday, Tanzania's meteorological body TMA  announced that the cyclone had lost its strength after hitting Mafia Island, about 130 kilometres south-east of Dar es Salaam.

The Kenya Meteorological Department on Sunday, however, warned people in the coastal region counties of Kwale, Mombasa, Kilifi, and Lamu of the risk of heavy rainfall on Monday and Tuesday.

“The remnants of the rain clouds that accompanied the cyclone have been observed to weaken and spread out in various areas of the southern region of Tanzania, as confirmed by the Tanzania Meteorological Authority.

“However, the Coastal region (Kwale, Mombasa, Kilifi, and Lamu counties) is likely to experience moderate to heavy rainfall offshore, which might propagate inland on Monday and Tuesday accompanied by strong winds (>40 knots) and large waves (>2m),” Director of Meteorological Services, David Gikungu, said in a statement.

A weather forecast for the week between May 5 and May 12 showed that occasional moderate-to-heavy rainfall will continue over the Western region (Kakamega, Vihiga, Busia, Bungoma and Trans Nzoia counties); Lake Victoria Basin (Kisumu, Kisii, Nyamira, Migori, Siaya and Homa Bay counties) and Rift Valley (Nandi, Bomet, Nakuru, Elgeyo Marakwet, West Pokot, Baringo, Uasin Gishu, Laikipia, Kajiado and Narok counties).

This will also be the case in Central (Nyeri, Muranga, Kirinyaga, Kiambu, Nyandarua counties); Eastern (Machakos, Embu, Tharaka Nithi, Meru, Makueni, Kitui counties); and Nairobi County.

🌤️ Nairobi County Forecast: From 9am on May 5th to 9am on May 6th 🌧️
While the sun may be shining, it's important not to lower your guard! Expect sunny intervals over most parts of Nairobi County initially, but anticipate moderate to heavy rainfall. Stay prepared and safe! 🌤️🌧️ pic.twitter.com/5GELoEeBdH

Meanwhile, most parts of the North Eastern region (Isiolo, Garissa, Wajir and Mandera counties), North-western (Turkana, Samburu and Marsabit counties), and parts of South Eastern (Taita Taveta and Tana River counties) are expected to be generally dry.

The Met Department, however, noted that occasional light to moderate rainfall is likely.

“The continuing rainfall in the Central region and the overflow of the Seven Forks Dams are likely to exacerbate flooding in the Tana Delta, impacting Garissa, Tana River, and Lamu Counties,” said Dr Gikungu.

Continued rainfall is meanwhile expected in the Lake Victoria Basin while the backflow from Lake Victoria may continue, causing backflow and flooding in Homa Bay, Kisumu, Busia, Migori, and Siaya counties.

“Residents, particularly in coastal regions and individuals involved in marine activities in the Indian Ocean, are encouraged to take maximum precautions,” the meteorological services director added.

The death toll from flooding and other impacts of the heavy rains that have hit Kenya since March rose to 228 on Sunday. The Interior Ministry said over 164 people have been injured while 212,630 have been displaced.

In neighbouring Tanzania, over 150 people have been killed, according to the United Nations, and others in Burundi, Rwanda and Somalia as East Africa grapples with the effects of heavy downpours.