The Kenya Meteorological Department has warned of heavy rainfall and strong winds in parts of the country as the Chenge tropical system moves closer to the East African coast.
In a statement on Sunday, October 26, the department said the residual depression, which originated in the southwest Indian Ocean, could influence weather conditions over southern coastal regions early in the week.
"The Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD) has issued a statement on the low-pressure system "CHENGE" (Residual Depression) currently over the southwest Indian Ocean.
"CHENGE, located about 500 km north of Madagascar, continues to weaken as it moves west across the northern Mozambique Channel. Despite its weakening, the system’s proximity to the coast may influence local weather conditions over southern coastal Kenya and Tanzania early in the week," the statement read.
Kenya Met explained that areas along the south coast could experience intense rainfall accompanied by strong winds exceeding 25 knots on Monday and Tuesday as the system dissipates.
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"Heavy rainfall is expected over several parts of the country, with strong winds exceeding 25 knots possible along the south coast on Monday and Tuesday as the system dissipates," the statement added.
As such, the department issued an advisory to residents, especially those in coastal and low-lying regions, to remain vigilant and follow official weather updates.
"Residents, particularly in coastal regions and those engaged in marine activities, are urged to exercise caution, stay informed through official KMD updates, and take necessary preparedness measures," the statement concluded.
This update comes days after Kenya Met issued a week-long heavy rainfall advisory affecting 38 counties from October 23 to October 30.
In a statement on Wednesday, October 22, the department said the rains will intensify over several regions and could lead to flooding, landslides, and lightning incidents.
The advisory indicates that the current rainfall affecting parts of the Lake Victoria Basin, the Rift Valley, and the highlands west of the Rift Valley will strengthen and extend to the central and eastern highlands, including Nairobi and parts of the southeastern lowlands.
It further notes that the rains will continue throughout the week and spread to northeastern Kenya by the end of the period.
The affected counties include Kisumu, Homabay, Siaya, Migori, Busia, Kisii, Nyamira, Nandi, Kericho, Bomet, Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma, Narok, Baringo, Nakuru, Trans-Nzoia, Uasin-Gishu, Elgeyo-Marakwet, West-Pokot, Turkana, and Isiolo.
Others are Samburu, Marsabit, Mandera, Wajir, Nyandarua, Laikipia, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Kiambu, Meru, Embu, Tharaka-Nithi, Nairobi, and parts of Kajiado, Machakos, and Makueni.
Residents in these counties were advised to remain alert and take precautions as floodwaters may appear in unexpected areas.
"Residents in all the mentioned areas are advised to be on the lookout for potential floods. Flood waters may appear in places where it has not rained heavily, especially downstream," the advisory warned.
The department also urged the public to exercise caution during storms and avoid risky behavior.
"People are advised to avoid driving through or walking in moving water, open fields, and not to shelter under trees and near grilled windows to minimize exposure to lightning strikes," the advisory added.
