Govt Issues Heavy Rains Warning

Motorists drive through the flooded Nyerere Avenue in Mombasa after heavy rains in May 2017.
Motorists drive through the flooded Nyerere Avenue in Mombasa after heavy rains in May 2017.
Daily Nation

The Kenya Meteorological Department has issued a warning of heavy rains that will be experienced in various parts of the country.

In a statement released on Tuesday, March 24, the weatherman warned that the rainfall experienced in the Western parts of the country is expected to continue to Central parts of the country including Nairobi. 

The rains are expected to start off low then rise to moderate. The department set the moderate probability of the occurrence of the rains at between 33% to 66%.

“The intensity is expected to increase to more than 20mm in 24 hours on Thursday, March 26 in Western, Central including Nairobi area, South- Eastern as well as North-Eastern regions,” the statement by the met department reads in part.

Vehicles navigate a flooded road in Mombasa.
Vehicles navigate a flooded road in Mombasa.
Daily Nation

Kenya Met further warned that the rainfall was expected to intensify to over 30mm in 24 hours over Central and North-Eastern parts of the country on Friday, March 27, 2020. 

It is expected to subside in intensity on Saturday, March 28, 2020.

Listed under the area of concern were; Kisii, Nyamira, Kericho, Bomet, Nakuru, Kajiado, Migori, Trans Nzoia, Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet, Nandi, Vihiga, Bungoma, Homa Bay, Busia, Kisumu, Siaya, Kakamega, Nairobi, Nyeri, Kiambu, Laikipia, Nyandarua, Murang'a, Embu, Meru, Kirinyaga, Tharaka Nithi, Kitui, Machakos, Isiolo, Garissa, Marsabit, Mandera, and Wajir.

"Residents in all the mentioned areas are advised to be on the lookout for potential flash floods. They are advised to avoid driving through, or walking in moving water or open fields and not to shelter under trees or near grilled windows to minimise exposure to lightning strikes," the statement cautions.

Mombasa residents walk through a flooded section on Nyerere Avenue following heavy rains on October 17, 2019.
Mombasa residents walk through a flooded section on Nyerere Avenue following heavy rains on October 17, 2019.
Photo
WACHIRA MWANGI