Strong winds, big waves set to hit Kenya’s coast and highlands
Residents living along the Coast, in the south-eastern lowlands, and in north-western Kenya should prepare for gusts of wind that could cause damage to property and disrupt daily activities.
The Kenya Meteorological Department has issued a warning for strong winds and large ocean waves expected to hit several parts of the country over the next three days.
Residents living along the Coast, in the south-eastern lowlands, and in north-western Kenya should prepare for gusts of wind that could cause damage to property and disrupt daily activities.
The alert covers counties including Marsabit, Turkana, Samburu, Isiolo, Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, Kitui, Makueni, Taita Taveta, Tana River, Lamu, Kilifi, Mombasa, and Kwale.
Starting Friday, May 23, strong southerly winds of more than 30 knots (15.4 meters per second) are expected, with wind speeds increasing to over 35 knots (18.0 meters per second) on Saturday and Sunday.
The winds are forecast to ease back to 25 knots (12.9 meters per second) by Monday, May 26.
Along the Coast, especially in Tana River, Mombasa, Kwale, and Kilifi, the department also warned of large ocean waves likely exceeding 2 meters in height between Friday and Sunday. These waves are expected to reduce to below 2 meters on Monday.
“Residents in all the mentioned areas are advised to be on the lookout for potential gale (very strong winds) and large waves over the Indian Ocean,” Kenya Met announced.
The department cautioned that “strong winds may blow off roofs and cause structural damage,” while large waves “may lower visibility and affect marine activities.”
Kenya Met gave a moderate chance of these events occurring, estimating a 33 to 66 percent probability. This alert comes amid ongoing heavy rains and flooding in various parts of the country, which have displaced many families.
The forecast also indicates that rains will continue over the Highlands East and West of the Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria Basin, the Rift Valley itself, the Coast, and north-western Kenya.
The department urged Kenyans to prepare for a colder season ahead, with nighttime temperatures expected to drop as low as 9 degrees Celsius in some regions.
