In a Heavy Rainfall Alert seen by KUTV, the Director of the Kenya Meteorological Department, Dr David Gikungu addressed Kenyans and relevant government institutions on impending heavy rains.
The rains are expected to fall from 26th February 2024 6 pm to 29th February 2024 6 pm, with a moderate severity.
“Heavy rainfall of more than 20mm in 24hrs is expected over the South Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria Basin, the Highlands West and Central Highlands on Monday 26th February, 2024. The heavy rainfall is likely to spread to the Southeast Lowlands on Tuesday 27th and Wednesday 28th of February, 2024. It is likely to reduce in intensity on Thursday 29th February, 2024. The heavy rainfall is likely to be accompanied by gusty winds,” the alert read in part.
The alert also expressed that strong southeasterly winds of more than 10 meters per second (m/s) being experienced over the Northwestern sector of Kenya were expected to continue.
The counties are Narok, Nakuru, Bomet, Kericho, Kisii, Nyamira, Migori, Homa Bay, Siaya, Kisumu, Nandi, Vihiga, Kakamega, Busia, Bungoma, Trans Nzoia, West Pokot, Turkana, Marsabit, Uasin Gishu, Kiambu, Nyeri, Murang’a, Nairobi, Machakos, Kajiado and Taita Taveta.
Dr Gikungu has advised residents in all the mentioned areas to be on the lookout for potential floods and flash floods. Flood waters may appear in places where it has not rained heavily especially downstream.
He also 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.
Gusty winds may blow off roofs, uproot trees and cause structural damage. The statement came to an end, citing that updates would be provided promptly if there were any changes.