The Kenya Meteorological Department has issued a weather advisory warning of heavy rainfall and strong winds in several parts of the country starting this weekend.
According to the notice released on Friday, parts of the Lake Victoria Basin, the Rift Valley and the Highlands West of the Rift Valley are expected to receive rainfall exceeding 20 millimetres within 24 hours. The rains will likely spread to the Highlands East of the Rift Valley on Sunday before gradually reducing in intensity from Wednesday, August 20.
“The heavy rainfall is likely to persist until Tuesday, with a decline in intensity projected from midweek,” the department stated.
In addition, strong southerly winds exceeding 25 knots (12.9 metres per second) are being experienced over the eastern sector and are expected to continue. The warning has been classified as medium in urgency and moderate in severity, with a probability of 33 to 66 percent.
Residents in the affected areas have been urged to remain vigilant against flash floods, poor visibility and lightning strikes.
The advisory cautioned that “water may suddenly appear downstream or along seasonal rivers even in areas where it is not raining.”
The public has been advised to avoid crossing flooded roads, walking in moving water or seeking shelter under trees and near grilled windows. Strong winds could also lead to roof damage, uprooted trees and destruction of property.
Kenya Met confirmed that the alert has been shared with key state agencies, including the Presidency, the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, the National Intelligence Service, the Kenya Red Cross, the Kenya Ports Authority, the Kenya Maritime Authority, the National Disaster Operations Centre, county governments and other disaster management units.
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