Expect heavy to very heavy rains in Nairobi today

The Meteorological Department has alerted Nairobi residents to brace themselves for heavy to very heavy rains exceeding 40mm within a 24-hour period starting from Thursday.

In a forecast broadcast on Thursday afternoon, the weatherman indicated that the rainfall is expected to persist across various regions, including the Lake Victoria Basin, Rift Valley, Highlands West and East of the Rift Valley, Southeast Lowlands, Coast, and the northern sector.

“The intensity is predicted to escalate, surpassing 50mm in 24 hours,” stated the department, advising Kenyans to remain weather-aware and prepared.

The department further stated that the heavy rains are anticipated to continue from Friday, April 26, through to Saturday, April 27.

“Reduction in intensity is likely by April 28. Gusty winds, large Ocean waves, and strong southerly winds are likely in the eastern sector. Stay safe and vigilant,” cautioned the weatherman.

According to the forecast, the heavy rains, which may reach up to 100mm in certain areas in Nairobi, are expected in Westlands, Lang’ata, Kibra, Roysambu, Dagoreti South, and Embakasi East and South.

Neighboring Kiambu is also projected to experience the rains in places such as Kiambaa, Kabete, Limuru, Githunguri, Thika town, Ruiru, Juja, and Gatundu North and South.

The forecast indicates that the rains will extend to Machakos and affect areas like Matungulu, Mavoko, and Kangundo, as well as Masinga, Mwala, Kathiani, Machakos town, and Yatta, where the intensity is expected to slightly decrease and fluctuate between 20 to 50mm of rain.

Residents of Kajiado have also been urged to stay weather-aware as rains of varying intensity are expected from Thursday through Friday.

The rains are anticipated to trigger flash floods in many areas, including those where rainfall may not occur, considering the ground is already saturated in regions that experienced heavy rains on Tuesday night.

On Thursday, the Nairobi county government issued an update stating that at least 60,000 people were affected by the floods, aggravated by Ngong River and Mau Mau River bursting their banks.

Governor Johnson Sakaja reported four fatalities while six individuals were reported missing.

The Kenya National Highways Authority and the Kenya Red Cross issued safety guidelines to motorists and pedestrians, advising extreme caution and adherence to the guidelines to prevent loss of lives.

Motorists were urged to drive at reduced speeds to maintain control over their vehicles and to keep a safe distance from other vehicles to allow for sudden stops.

Drivers were also cautioned against unnecessary lane changes, overtaking, or driving through flooded sections of the road and bridges.

Pedestrians were equally advised to refrain from walking through moving waters and areas with downed electricity cables to avoid the risk of electrocution.