Weatherman warns of heavy rainfall and floods

Kenyans have been told to brace for heavy rainfall with possibility of flash floods between Monday and Wednesday.

According to the Meteorological Department, the heavy rainfall is likely to be accompanied by strong winds.

The counties set to be most affected are Embu, Meru, Murang’a, Nairobi, Nyeri, Kiambu, Kirinyaga and Tharaka-Nithi. Others are Kitui, Machakos, Makueni, Isiolo, Garissa, Tana River, Taita Taveta, parts of Mombasa, Kilifi and Lamu.

The department’s director Stella Aura yesterday said the rainfall being experienced over several parts of the country is expected to continue up to Monday before increasing in intensity.

“The heavy rainfall is expected to reduce in intensity on Wednesday, December 22. The heavy rainfall is likely to be accompanied by strong winds of more than 15 knots,” said Ms Aura.

Residents in all the mentioned areas have been advised to be on the lookout for potential floods, with floodwaters likely to appear even in places where it has not rained heavily.

“We advise the residents to avoid driving through, or walking in moving water or open fields and not to shelter under trees and near grilled windows to minimise exposure to lightning strikes,” she said.

Risk of accidents

The weatherman has also warned those living in landslide prone areas, especially on the slopes of the Aberdare ranges and Mt Kenya, to be watchful.

The flash floods, according to the department, may cause transport challenges on poorly drained roads. The rains might also lead to slippery roads, increasing the risk of accidents.

“The moderately strong winds may blow off roofs, uproot trees and cause structural damage,” said Ms Aura.

December normally marks the cessation of the October-November-December “short-rains” season in Kenya, with the rains likely to cease between the second to fourth week of December in several parts of the country.

Nairobi, the south-eastern lowlands, north-eastern and coastal regions have experienced enhanced rainfall in the fourth week of November, with isolated storms recorded.

The alert comes months after several counties were rocked by flash floods during the April-May rain season.

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