The Kenya Meteorological Department has warned of strong winds and large waves that could cause destruction in various parts of the country for the next five days.
In an alert sent out on Thursday, June 2, 2022, the met department said the adverse weather will vary depending on the region. Normal weather patterns are expected to resume on June 6, 2022.
Strong winds
The regions put on the alert include Northwest, Northeastern, Central, Eastern and Coast.
"The wind speed is expected to strengthen to more than 40 knots (20.6 MIS) from Friday to Saturday 4th June, 9 00 am. Thereafter, the wind speed is likely to reduce to 25 knots from Sunday 5th to Monday 6th June 2022," said David Gikungu, the Director, Kenya Meteorological Services.
On Thursday, strong southerly to southeasterly winds exceeding 25 knots (12.9 meters per second) are forecast for Kenya's northwest, northeastern, central, eastern, and coastal areas. pic.twitter.com/aV0BkeUm1o— Kenya Met Department 🇰🇪 (@MeteoKenya) June 2, 2022
Further, the weatherman indicated that the wave height is likely to be more than 2.5 meters over the Kenyan Indian Ocean Coastal waters from Friday to Sunday and to reduce to 2.2 meters on Monday.
Counties expected to be affected include Turkana, Marsabit, Samburu, Isiolo, Mandera, Wajir, Garissa and Meru.
Others are Kitui, Makueni, Taita Taveta, Tana River, Lamu, Kilifi, Mombasa and Kwale.
Residents in the counties have been advised to be on the lookout for the potential gate (very strong winds) and very large waves over the Indian Ocean.
According to the department, strong winds may blow off roofs, uproot trees and cause structural damage.
Also, very high waves may lower visibility, cause capsizing of boats and threaten the safety of those engaging in maritime activities.
"Those in the areas of concern should be on high alert everyone is urged to continue listening to local media as updates will be provided if conditions change significantly," the weatherman warned.
"Further advisories may be issued as the weather events evolve," it added.
