The Kenya Meteorological Services has issued a heavy rainfall advisory from Friday through the weekend.

Dr. David Gikungu, Director of the Meteorological Department, said in a statement on Thursday that high intensity rainfall, possibly accompanied by floods, will be experienced in the Rift Valley, Nairobi, Lake Victoria Basin, off the coast, and other locations across 46 counties.

He stated that the rains, which have already resulted in fatalities and property damage, would continue for two days before subsiding on Sunday.

 “Heavy rainfall of more than 40mm in 24hrs pounding several parts of the Lake Victoria Basin, the Rift Valley, Highlands West and East of the Rift Valley including Nairobi area, Southeast Lowlands, Coast and Northern sector is expected to continue from 25th April 2024,” he said.

“The heavy rainfall is predicted to intensify to more than 50mm in 24hrs over the Rift Valley, Highlands West and East of the Rift Valley including Nairobi area, Southeast Lowlands, Lake Victoria Basin and off the coast on 26th to 27th April 2024. It is likely to reduce in intensity on 28th April 2024.”

Counties set to be affected by the heavy rains include; Nyandarua, Laikipia, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Kiambu, Meru, Embu, Tharaka-Nithi, Nairobi, Machakos, Kitui, Makueni, Kisumu, Homabay, Siaya, Migori, Busia, Kisii, Nyamira, Nandi, Kericho, Bomet, Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma and Narok.

Others are Baringo, Nakuru, Trans Nzoia, Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet, West- okot, Kajiado, Taita Taveta, Mombasa, Tana River, Kilifi, Lamu, Kwale, Turkana, Samburu, Marsabit, Mandera, Wajir, Garissa and Isiolo counties.

Dr. Gikungu advised residents in the aforementioned locations to be prepared for potential flooding, poor visibility, gusty winds, high ocean waves, and strong southerly winds in the South Eastern region.

“The water levels in rivers, lakes and dams are expected to remain high. People leaving downstream rivers and along seasonal rivers should be careful since water may appear suddenly even though it may not be raining within the area,” he stated.

“Strong winds may blow off roofs, uproot trees and cause structural damages. Large waves may affect marine activities.”

To reduce exposure to lightning strikes, the weatherman recommended the public to avoid driving or strolling through moving water or open fields, as well as not sheltering behind trees or near grilled windows.

People living on the slopes of the Aberdare ranges, Mt. Kenya, Western, and other hilly places have been advised to be aware of landslides.