Kenyans have been warned to prepare for potential damage to infrastructure like roofs, trees and billboards as strong winds are expected to accompany heavy rains forecast across large parts of the country over the next week.
In its regional forecast for April 23-29, the Kenya Meteorological Department cautioned that “the forecasted strong winds may damage roofs, trees, and towering objects such as billboards.”
The destructive winds are likely as heavy rainfall events are predicted in the Highlands East and West of the Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria Basin, parts of the Rift Valley, the South-eastern lowlands, Coastal regions, and North-western and North-eastern Kenya.
“Flooding is expected in low-lying areas, those in flood plains as well as in urban areas with poor drainage. The public is advised to avoid driving through or wading in fast moving water,” the forecast stated, highlighting the risks posed by the anticipated downpours.
It detailed expected rainfall patterns, with many areas likely to see morning rains spreading to afternoon and night showers and thunderstorms over several locations. Landslides on saturated steep slopes were also flagged as a potential danger.
The forecast warned that visibility could be severely reduced during the heavy rain, advising “road-users, aviators and boat-operators to exercise caution.”
While high temperatures over 30°C are expected in Coastal, North-eastern and North-western regions, cooler conditions with minimum temperatures of 10-20°C are forecast for the Highlands areas.
