Stay Alert: Met warns of heavy rains until May 14

Heavy Rains pound Nairobi on December 14, 2023/FILE

The Kenya Meteorological Department has warned that heavy rainfall being experienced across several parts of the country is expected to intensify over the next seven days, raising the risk of floods, flash floods and landslides.

In an advisory issued on Thursday, the weatherman said the rains would continue from May 8 to May 14 across parts of the Highlands West and East of the Rift Valley, the Central Highlands and sections of the Southeastern lowlands.

The department said rainfall intensity is expected to peak between May 10 and May 13 before gradually reducing towards the end of the period.

“The rainfall being experienced over several parts of the Highlands West and East of the Rift Valley, and Central Highlands, including parts of the Southeastern lowlands, is expected to intensify,” the advisory stated.

Areas expected to receive heavy rainfall include Nairobi, Kiambu, Murang’a, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Embu, Meru, Nyandarua, Nakuru, Narok, Kisumu, Kakamega, Bungoma, Busia, Vihiga, Kisii, Nyamira, Kericho, Bomet, Nandi, Uasin Gishu and Elgeyo Marakwet.

Other affected counties include Migori, Homa Bay, Siaya, Baringo, West Pokot, Trans Nzoia and Laikipia, as well as parts of Turkana, Samburu, Machakos and Kajiado.

The Met Department warned that some areas could experience flooding even where heavy rainfall is not directly recorded due to overflowing rivers and downstream water movement.

“Please remain vigilant for potential floods, flash floods and poor visibility. Note that flooding may occur even in areas without heavy rainfall, particularly downstream,” the department said.

Residents living in landslide-prone regions, especially near the Aberdare ranges, Mt Kenya and other hilly areas, have also been urged to exercise caution during the period.

The advisory further cautioned motorists and pedestrians against crossing flooded roads or walking through moving water.

“To ensure your safety, avoid driving or walking through moving water or open fields,” the department warned.

The agency also advised members of the public not to shelter under trees or near grilled windows during storms due to the risk of lightning strikes.

The latest advisory comes amid continued heavy rains that have affected several parts of the country in recent weeks, with cases of flooding, damaged infrastructure and displacement reported in some regions.

Weather experts say the ongoing rains are part of the long rains season, which typically peaks between April and May.

Although the heavy downpours are expected to reduce from May 14, the department said rainfall would continue in parts of the Lake Victoria Basin, the Rift Valley, Highlands West of the Rift Valley and the Central Highlands, including Nairobi.

The Meteorological Department said updates would be issued should there be any changes in weather conditions.