Kenyans have been warned to be on the lookout for heavy rainfall and flash floods in unsuspecting areas over the coming few days.
Kenya Meteorological Department took to social media to announce that the country would face heavy downpour between Thursday, October 10 and Monday, October 14.
The heavy rainfall during this period is likely to be accompanied by strong winds.
The areas of concerns according to Kenya Met are counties in the Highlands West of the Rift Valley (Kakamega, Vihiga, Nandi, Elgeyo Marakwet, West Pokot, Trans Nzoia, Bungoma, Bomet, Uasin Gishu, Kisii, Kericho, Nyamira.
Lake Victoria Basin (Kisumu, Siaya, Migori, Homa Bay and Busia).
Counties in the Central Rift Valley (Nakuru, Narok, Laikipia, Baringo).
Counties in the Highland East of the Rift Valley (Nyeri, Murang'a, Embu, Meru, Tharaka Nithi, Kirinyaga, Kiambu and Nyandarua) and Nairobi.
Counties in the Coastal strip (Mombasa, Kilifi, Kwale, Tana River and Lamu). Northeastern Kenya Counties (Wajir, Garissa and Mandera). Counties in Southeastern Kenya (Machakos, Makueni and Taita Taveta). Northwestern Kenya (Western parts of Turkana, Nothern parts of Marsabit and Samburu).
"Residents in all the mentioned areas are advised to be on the lookout for potential flash floods. Floods may suddenly appear even in places where it has not rained heavily and can be deeper and faster than they look.
"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 department warned.
It further cautioned civilians residing in landslide-prone areas.
People in landslide-prone areas should be on high alert. The heavy rains and moderate to strong winds may result in storm surges along the coast; hence fishermen and all in Marine industry should be on high alert," the department stated.
