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| Heavy rainfall pounding |
Heavy rainfall pounding parts of Lake Victoria Basin, Rift Valley, Highlands West and East of Rift Valley including Nairobi is expected to persist, Kenya Meteorological Department has announced.
The department noted that the rainfall has been of 30mm (millimetre) in the last 24 hours.
“The heavy rainfall is predicted to intensify to more than 40mm in 24 hours over the Rift Valley, Highlands West and East of the Rift Valley including Nairobi area, Lake Victoria Basin and off the coast on May 20-21, 2024,” it said.
The department said rain is likely to reduce in intensity on Wednesday inland but intensify along the coast from May 22-24, 2024.
The heavy rainfall is likely to be accompanied by gusty winds, large ocean waves in the Indian Ocean and strong southerly winds in the eastern region.
The heavy downpour will be experienced in Kisumu, Homabay, Siaya, Migori, Busia, Kisii, Nyamira, Nandi, Kericho, Bomet, Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma, Narok, Baringo, Nakuru, Trans-Nzoia and Uasin Gishu counties.
Other areas are Elgeyo-Marakwet, West-Pokot, Turkana, Samburu, Nyandarua, Laikipia, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Kiambu, Nairobi, Machakos, Kajiado, Mombasa, Tana-River, Kilifi, Lamu, and Kwale counties.
The department advised residents in all the mentioned areas to be on the lookout for potential floods, flash floods and poor visibility.
It said water levels in rivers, lakes and dams are expected to remain high.
“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 added.
It said people in landslide-prone areas especially over hilly areas should be vigilant.
It further warned that strong winds may blow off roofs, uproot trees and cause structural damages. Large waves may affect marine activities. Updates will be provided appropriately
BY THE STAR