Rainy season in Nairobi/FILE

The Kenya Meteorological Service Authority has warned of moderate to heavy rainfall in several parts of the country, cautioning residents to prepare for possible flash floods, poor visibility and strong winds.

In its latest weather update, the agency said rainfall exceeding 20 millimetres within 24 hours was expected across the Coast, Northeastern region, the Highlands West and East of the Rift Valley, Central Highlands, including parts of Nairobi, and sections of the Southeastern Lowlands.

The rainfall is likely to be accompanied by gusty winds, with strong southerly to southeasterly winds exceeding 25 knots, equivalent to 12.5 metres per second, expected in coastal, eastern and northern regions.

The counties identified as areas of concern include Kwale, Mombasa, Kilifi, Tana River, Lamu, Garissa, Wajir, Mandera, Marsabit and Isiolo.

Other affected areas include Migori, Nyamira, Bungoma, Busia, Kakamega, Vihiga, West Pokot, Baringo, Elgeyo Marakwet, Trans Nzoia, Nandi, Uasin Gishu, Nakuru, Siaya, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Kisii, Kericho and Bomet.

The warning also covers Kiambu, Embu, Murang’a, Kirinyaga, Nyandarua, Nyeri, Laikipia, Tharaka-Nithi, Meru, Narok and Kajiado, as well as parts of Nairobi, Taita Taveta, Kitui, Machakos and Makueni counties.

The agency urged residents in the affected areas to remain vigilant, warning that heavy rainfall could trigger flash floods and reduce visibility, creating hazardous conditions for motorists and pedestrians.

It cautioned that flooding could also occur in areas that have not experienced heavy rainfall, particularly downstream, as water flows from areas receiving intense precipitation.

“Note that flood waters may occur in areas where it has not rained heavily, particularly downstream,” the agency warned.

Residents were advised to exercise caution during thunderstorms and avoid taking shelter under trees or near grilled windows to minimise exposure to lightning strikes.

The warning comes as the forecast raises concerns about the potential effects of heavy rainfall on transport, settlements and communities in flood-prone areas.

Motorists in affected counties are expected to exercise extra caution because poor visibility and sudden flooding could make roads dangerous, particularly in low-lying areas and locations near rivers.

Residents living near rivers and other waterways were also urged to remain alert to rising water levels and avoid crossing flooded roads or rivers.