The meteorological department has issued a warning of impending heavy rainfall across various regions of the country commencing today.
According to the advisory released on Monday, April 1, the department predicts that several areas including the Lake Basin, the Rift Valley, Highlands West and East of Rift Valley, as well as the Nairobi area, will experience rainfall exceeding 30mm within a 24-hour period on Tuesday, April 2.
The advisory further anticipates a heightened intensity of rainfall exceeding 40mm within 24 hours, extending to the Southeast Lowlands, coast, and northern sectors by Wednesday, April 4. Additionally, it cautions that the heavy rainfall may be accompanied by strong gusty winds.
The regions expected to be affected include Nyamira, Nandi, Kericho, Bomet, Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma, Siaya, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Busia, Migori, Narok, Baringo, Nakuru, Trans-Nzoia, Uasin-Gishu, Elgeyo-Marakwet, West-Pokot, Turkana, Samburu, Nyandarua, Laikipia, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Kiambu, Meru, Embu, Tharaka-Nithi, Nairobi, Machakos, Kitui, Makueni, Kajiado, Taita-Taveta, Mombasa, Tana-River, Kilifi, Lamu, Kwale, Marsabit, Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, and Isiolo.
Residents in these areas are urged to exercise caution against potential floods and flash floods. They are advised to refrain from driving or walking through moving water or open fields, and to avoid seeking shelter under trees or near grilled windows to minimize the risk of lightning strikes. Furthermore, the advisory warns of the possibility of gusty winds causing roof damage, uprooting trees, and other structural hazards. Timely updates on the evolving weather conditions will be provided.
The advisory has been disseminated to various stakeholders including the Presidency, the Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, the Principal Secretary for the State Department for Environment and Climate Change, the National Intelligence Service, the Kenya Red Cross, the Kenya Maritime Authority, the Kenya Ports Authority, the Kenya Airport Authority, the National Disaster Operations Centre, the National Disaster Management Unit, media outlets, various government ministries, the Council of Governors, and County Directors of Meteorological Services (CDMs).
