The Kenya Meteorological Department has issued a warning for 16 counties over expected heavy rainfalls that could cause flooding in the regions.
Counties to experience flooding include Marsabit, Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, Isiolo, Embu, Nyeri and Kiambu.
Others are Nyandarua, Laikipia, Murang'a, Meru, Kirinyaga, Tharaka Nithi, Kwale, and Mombasa.
In an advisory shared by the department on Thursday, Kenya Met said the listed counties would begin experiencing heavy downpours from Friday that would stretch over to Saturday.
“From Saturday 28th October, it is likely to spread to several parts of Northeastern, the Central Highlands and South Coast. These rains are likely to be accompanied by gusty winds,” read the Met report.
According to the department, residents in the counties are advised to be on the lookout for potential floods and possible destruction of properties.
“The strong winds may blow off roofs, uproot trees and cause structural damages,” the statement noted.
“Flood waters may appear in places where it has not rained heavily, especially downstream.”
The Met also advised Kenyans to avoid driving through, or walking in moving water or even on open fields to avoid being carried away by the floods.
Kenyans were further advised to avoid sheltering under trees and near grilled windows when it rains to minimize exposure to lightning strikes.
The department earlier this week noted that the country would continue experiencing high levels of rainfall as initially mentioned.
In an update released on Monday, the department indicated that rainfall would continue in several parts of the country, with the Highlands East of the Rift Valley and North-eastern Kenya likely to experience isolated storms.
The caution by the meteorological department comes at a time when the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) issued guidelines to counties on preparations for the El Nino rains.
