Kenya Met Warns of Strong Winds, Rough Seas Along Coast

The Kenya Meteorological Service Authority (KMSA) has warned of strong winds and rough sea conditions along the Kenyan coast and offshore waters. 

In an advisory on Friday, October 23, KMSA said east-south-easterly to south-south-westerly winds are expected along the coast with speeds ranging from 4 to 24 knots (2–12 metres per second).

“East-south-easterly to south-south-westerly winds are expected over the Kenya coastal and offshore waters, with speeds ranging from 4 to 24 knots (2–12 m/s),” read the advisory in part. 

The authority also said sea conditions are expected to range from light to rough, with locally very rough seas possible in areas experiencing stronger winds and higher waves.

KMSA advised mariners, fishers and other sea users to exercise extreme caution, particularly in areas experiencing rough to very rough seas and strong winds.

Further, the authority urged small-boat operators and vessels operating in exposed waters to take appropriate safety precautions. 

“Small boats and other vessels operating in exposed waters should take appropriate safety precautions and closely monitor official marine weather updates,” the authority added. 

This comes hours after the authority announced that several parts of the country are expected to receive rainfall over the next seven days, with isolated storms forecast in some coastal and northeastern areas, raising the risk of flash floods.

In its weekly weather forecast covering October 22 to 29, the Kenya Meteorological Department (Kenya Met) said rainfall was expected in Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, Tana River, Lamu, Kilifi, Mombasa, Kwale, Meru, Embu, Baringo, Bomet, Bungoma, Busia, Elgeyo Marakwet, Homa Bay, Kajiado, Kakamega, Kericho, Kiambu, Kirinyaga and Kisii counties.

Other counties expected to receive rainfall during the forecast period include Kisumu, Kitui, Laikipia, Machakos, Makueni, Migori, Murang’a, Nakuru, Nandi, Narok, Nyamira, Nyandarua, Nyeri, Siaya, Taita Taveta, Tharaka-Nithi, Trans Nzoia, Turkana, Uasin Gishu, Vihiga and West Pokot. Rainfall is also expected in some parts of Nairobi and Marsabit counties.

However, Kenya Met warned that isolated storms could occur in parts of Mandera, Wajir, Lamu, Kilifi, Mombasa and Kwale counties, potentially triggering flash floods in vulnerable areas.

Residents have been urged to exercise caution throughout the rainy period, particularly when travelling through areas prone to flooding.

The department advised the public against walking or driving through flooded roads, rivers, bridges and other waterways, warning that fast-moving water poses a serious safety risk.

Motorists have also been advised to reduce their speed, maintain a safe following distance and use headlights when visibility is poor.