- Director General David Gikungu said rainfall of more than 40mm is expected in the next 24 hours in several parts of the country from Thursday to Sunday.
- He said severity of the rains is high with a 33-66 per cent probability of occurrence in the forecasted areas.
Image: EZEKIEL AMING'A
The Meteorological department has asked Kenyans to exercise caution in light of the heavy rains pounding the country as it issued a heavy rains alert for the period ending May 6.
Director General David Gikungu said rainfall of more than 40mm is expected in the next 24 hours in several parts of the country to Sunday.
He said severity of the rains is high with a 33-66 per cent probability of occurrence in the forecasted areas.
These are Nairobi, Lake Victoria Basin, Rift Valley and southeastern lowlands.
Counties to be affected include Nandi, Kericho, Bomet, Kakamega, Homa Bay, Siaya, Machakos, Murang’a, Kiambu, Meru, Uasin Gishu and Narok, Baringo, Wajir, Garissa, Mandera, Marsabit, Isiolo, Busia, Kisii, Nyamira, West Pokot, Nyeri, KIrinyaga and Kajiado.
“Stay vigilant and heed weather alerts for your area,” Gikungu said.
“Residents in all the mentioned areas are advised to be on the lookout for potential floods, flashfloods and poor visibility. The water levels in rivers and lakes are expected to remain high.”
The heavy rainfall, he said, is predicted to spread to northern parts of Kenya on May 3-5.
He said the rain will be accompanied by strong southerly winds of more than 30 knots (15.4m/s) over the coastal region and parts of northeastern Kenya on May 2, 2024.
The strong winds are projected to exceed 40 knots (20.6m/s) from Friday to Monday, May 6, he warned.
Gikungu said counties of concern for the strong winds are Mombasa, Tana River, Kilifi, Lamu, Kwale, Taita Taveta and Garissa.
“Strong winds may blow off roofs, uproot trees and cause structural damages,” he said.
As such, he advised against sheltering under trees, walking in open fields or standing next to grilled windows when it rains to minimise the risk of being struck by lightning.
As a safety measure, the weatherman further advised against walking or driving through running flood waters and for residents in mudslide prone areas to remain vigilant.
The government said at least 188 people have so far died due to ongoing heavy rains in the country.
The Ministry of Interior said nine fatalities had been reported in the last 24 hours.