Weatherman warns of rainy weekend, strong winds in 27 counties

The Kenya Meteorological Department has warned of strong winds and heavy rainfall from January 22 to January 23 in some parts of the country.

The rainfall of more than 24 mm in 24 hours will pound parts of western, central, southeastern and northeastern parts of the country between Friday and Saturday.

The counties affected will be: Migori, Homa Bay, Siaya, Kisumu, Kisii, Nyamira, Kericho, Bomet, Narok Kiambu, Nyandarua, Nyeri, Murang’a, Embu, Meru, Kirinyaga, Tharaka Nithi, Kitui, Machakos, Makueni, Tana river, Garissa, Wajir, Isiolo, Samburu, Marsabit and Turkana.

Residents living in those areas have been asked to be vigilant and on the lookout for potential flooding and heavy winds.

“Flood waters may appear in places where it has not rained heavily especially downstream. 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,” the advisory from Kenya MET reads.

Strong easterly to south-easterly winds being experienced over the north-western region are likely to strengthen to more than 15 meters per second (30 knots) while northerly winds of more than 12.9 meters per second (25 knots) are expected over eastern parts of the country from tomorrow till Saturday.

Those living in the high-risk region have been asked to stay vigilant as strong winds may blow off roofs, uproot trees and cause structural damages.