- It added that the rainfall is likely to intensify from April 15 to 18, 2024 to more than 50mm in 24hrs along the Coast.
- The heavy rainfall is likely to be accompanied by gusty winds, large ocean waves and strong southerly winds in the Southeastern region, Weatherman warned.
Image: FILE
Kenyans have been advised to prepare for heavy rainfall that will run until Thursday.
Kenya Meteorological Department said the heavy rains which will begin on Saturday and end on April 18, 2024, at 6 pm.
The weatherman said heavy rainfall is expected to continue from Saturday over several parts of the Lake Victoria Basin, the Rift Valley, Highlands West and East of the Rift Valley including the Nairobi area, Southeastern Lowlands, Coast and the northern sector.
The forcast said heavy rainfall of more than 40mm in 24hrs will be experienced over Lake Victoria Basin, the Rift Valley, Highlands West and East of the Rift Valley including the Nairobi area, Southeastern Lowlands and South coast on April 14, 2024.
It added that the rainfall is likely to intensify from April 15 to 18, 2024 to more than 50mm in 24hrs along the Coast.
"The heavy rainfall is likely to be accompanied by gusty winds, large ocean waves and strong southerly winds in the Southeastern region," Director, Meteorological services David Gikungu said.
He pointed out counties that should be on the lookout for potential floods, flash floods and reduced visibility.
They include Kisumu, Homabay, Siaya, Migori, Busia, Kisii, Nyamira, Nandi, Kericho, Bomet, Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma, Narok, Baringo, Nakuru, Trans-Nzoia, Uasin- Gishu, Elgeyo-Marakwet, West-Pokot and Nyandarua.
Others are Laikipia, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang'a, Kiambu, Meru, Embu, Tharaka-Nithi, Nairobi, Machakos, Kitui, Makueni, Kajiado, Taita- Taveta, Mombasa, Tana-River, Kilifi, Lamu, Kwale, Marsabit, Garissa and Isiolo.
Gikungu said flood waters may appear in places where it has not rained heavily, especially downstream.
He advised residents to avoid driving through or walking in moving water or open fields and not to shelter under trees and near grilled windows to minimise exposure to lightning strikes.
"Strong winds may blow off roofs, uproot trees and cause structural damages. Large waves may affect marine activities. Updates will be provided promptly if there are any changes," he said.
The Met Department has since unveiled a new mobile application to alert Kenyans on storms.
The app dubbed FASTA (Forecasting African Storms Application) displays live weather conditions.
It also shows real-time project storm development of two hours.
The Application gives two options to choose from including storm regions showing areas of current storm activity and storm rainfall showing current rainfall activity.
This comes at a time when the country is experiencing heavy rainfall that has left a trail of destruction.