On Sunday, the Kenya Meteorological Department issued a four-day advisory for heavy rainfall, strong winds, and large ocean waves.
Meteorological Services Director David Gikungu said the heavy rainfall over the weekend in the Lake Victoria Basin, the Rift Valley, the Highlands West and East of the Rift Valley, including Nairobi, will continue on Sunday.
Rain is expected to intensify until Monday evening across the Rift Valley, Highlands West and East of the Rift Valley, including Nairobi, Lake Victoria Basin, and Coast regions on Monday and Tuesday.
"It is likely to reduce in intensity on 22nd May 2024 inland but intensify along the coast from 22nd to 24th May," Dr Gikungu said.
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The advisory also stated that the heavy rainfall is expected to be accompanied by gusty winds, large waves in the Indian Ocean, and strong southerly winds in the eastern region.
As a result, residents in Kisumu, Homabay, Siaya, Migori, Busia, Kisii, Nyamira, Nandi, Kericho, Bomet, Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma, Narok, Baringo, Nakuru, Trans-Nzoia, Uasin-Gishu, and Elgeyo-Marakwet counties were advised to exercise caution.
The areas of concern include West-Pokot, Turkana, Samburu, Nyandarua, Laikipia, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang'a, Kiambu, Nairobi, Machakos, Kajiado, Mombasa, Tana-River, Kilifi, Lamu, and Kwale.
"Residents in all of the aforementioned areas should be on the lookout for potential floods, flash floods, and reduced visibility. The water levels in rivers, lakes and dams are expected to remain high," reads the advisory.
The meteorological department also advised against driving or walking through moving water or open fields and sheltering under trees or near grilled windows to reduce exposure to lightning strikes.
"People living in landslide-prone areas, particularly those on hillsides, should exercise caution. Strong winds can blow off roofs, uproot trees, and cause structural damage. Large waves may disrupt marine activities," it added.
Fair-weather conditions have prevailed across Kenya in the last week, following weeks of heavy rains that caused devastating floods, killing over 290 people and leaving 75 others missing, according to government figures.
Over 180 others have been injured, and the floods have displaced over 55,000 households.
