The Kenya Meteorological Department has issued a strong winds and large waves advisory warning of adverse weather conditions in several parts of the country, effective June 13 to the morning of June 18.
According to the advisory signed by Director David Gikungu, strong southerly winds exceeding 25 knots (12.9 m/s) are expected to affect the North-eastern, North-western, South-eastern lowlands and coastal regions starting the afternoon of Friday, June 13.
The winds are projected to intensify to more than 30 knots (15.4 m/s) between Saturday, June 14 and Tuesday, June 17, before easing back to 25 knots on Wednesday, June 18.
The warning also highlights the likelihood of high wave activity along the Kenyan Coast.
“Wave heights are likely to be more than 2.5 metres over the Kenya coastal waters on Friday,” Gikungu noted.
The waves could rise to 2.8 metres over the weekend before subsiding to below 2.4 metres by Wednesday, he added.
Counties expected to be affected include Lamu, Kilifi, Mombasa, Kwale, Tana River, Taita Taveta, Marsabit, Turkana, Samburu, Isiolo, Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, Kitui and Makueni.
Residents in the affected areas have been urged to exercise caution due to the potential impact of the strong winds and large waves.
The weatherman warned that the conditions may result in uprooted trees, structural damage, reduced visibility, and disruptions to marine activities.
“People 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,” the advisory states.
It adds that very high waves may hamper marine operations and pose risks to lives and property.
The department advised continuous monitoring of weather updates, saying subsequent updates will be provided.
The Meteorological Department assured the public of timely updates as the situation evolves.
Citizens are encouraged to follow official Kenya Meteorological Department channels for accurate forecasts and safety guidance.
To underscore the seriousness of the weather warning, the advisory has been communicated to relevant state agencies and stakeholders including the Presidency, ministries, the National Disaster Operations Centre, Kenya Ports Authority, Kenya Red Cross, and coastal county governments .
The notification ensures preparedness across agencies to ensure that in the event things turn tragic, disaster response agencies will be able to prompty activate contingency measures and coordinate response efforts.
by EMMANUEL WANJALA
