Heavy rains to intensify from Friday to Sunday - Met. Department warns

The Kenya Meteorological Services has issued a heavy rainfall advisory starting from Friday through to the weekend.

In a statement on Thursday, Met. Department Director Dr. David Gikungu said high intensity of rainfall which may be accompanied by floods will be experienced in Rift Valley, Nairobi, Lake Victoria Basin, off the Coast among other areas in 46 counties.

He said the rains which have so far led to loss of lives and property would intensify for two days and subside on Sunday.

 “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, Southeast Lowlands, Coast and Northern sector is expected to continue from 25th April 2024,” he said.

“The heavy rainfall is predicted to intensify to more than 50mm in 24hrs over the Rift Valley, Highlands West and East of the Rift Valley including Nairobi area, Southeast Lowlands, Lake Victoria Basin and off the coast on 26th to 27th April 2024. It is likely to reduce in intensity on 28th April 2024.”

Counties set to be affected by the heavy rains include; Nyandarua, Laikipia, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang'a, Kiambu, Meru, Embu, Tharaka-Nithi, Nairobi, Machakos, Kitui, Makueni, Kisumu, Homabay, Siaya, Migori, Busia, Kisii, Nyamira, Nandi, Kericho, Bomet, Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma and Narok.

Others are Baringo, Nakuru, Trans Nzoia, Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet, West- okot, Kajiado, Taita Taveta, Mombasa, Tana River, Kilifi, Lamu, Kwale, Turkana, Samburu, Marsabit, Mandera, Wajir, Garissa and Isiolo counties.

Dr. Gikungu cautioned residents in the aforementioned areas to watch out for potential flooding, poor visibility, gusty winds, large ocean waves, and strong southerly winds in the South Eastern region.

“The water levels in rivers, lakes and dams are expected to remain high. People leaving downstream rivers and along seasonal rivers should be careful since water may appear suddenly even though it may not be raining within the area,” he stated.

“Strong winds may blow off roofs, uproot trees and cause structural damages. Large waves may affect marine activities.”

The weatherman further advised the public 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 slopes of the Aberdare ranges, Mt. Kenya, Western and other hilly areas have been urged to be cautious of landslides.