The Kenya Meteorological Department has projected strong winds and high waves in the Indian Ocean following the anticipated Cyclone Ialy.
In an advisory issued on Tuesday, May 21, Kenya Met noted that strong wind speeds between 10 to 30 knots would be experienced over the coasts of Kenya, Tanzania, and Somalia.
Therefore, the Department warned against undertaking sea activities in small boats which risk being swept away by the strong winds and waves.
It was explained that there was a likelihood for boats to be filled with water, a scenario that affects the stability of the small boats and crafts.
On the other hand, those who engage in deep sea activities were also advised to be cautious of the anticipated weather patterns and always check the marine weather forecasts on time.
The weather patterns are projected to occur during the next seven days.
"Easterly winds are expected over Somali waters with wind speeds of 30 knots (15 m/s) hence South Easterly winds are expected over Kenya and Tanzania waters with winds of 10 to 30Knots (5- 15m/s) during the entire forecast period.
"Fresh to strong breezes with wind speeds of (10 to 30 Knots) are expected over Somalia, Kenya and Tanzania waters. Small boats and crafts are advised not to venture into deep sea areas during the entire forecast period," read the advisory in part.
This is the second cyclone that has been projected on the Kenyan coast in the last four weeks.
During the last projected cyclone, Hidaya, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki banned beach activities such as swimming and fishing.
Kenyans living near the ocean were also evacuated as a precautionary measure.
However, the cyclone did not hit the country as it lost strength before reaching the coastal towns of Kenya.
"Following its landfall at Mafia Island on Saturday, May 4, 2024, Tropical Cyclone Hidaya completely lost its strength. The remnants of the rain clouds that accompanied the cyclone have been observed to weaken and spread out in various areas of the southern region of Tanzania, as confirmed by the Tanzania Meteorological Authority," Kenya Met explained then.
