•Isiolo Among 15 Counties to Face Strong Winds, High Waves and Possible Structural Damage – KMD Warns
The Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD) has issued a strong wind and marine alert warning that could affect 15 counties across the country from Friday through Sunday, with Isiolo County among those expected to bear the brunt of the hazardous weather.
In a detailed advisory released under “Update No. 2 | Advisory No. 02/2025,” the KMD cautioned that strong southerly winds, exceeding 30 knots (15.4 meters per second), are expected to sweep through the northern, eastern, and coastal regions of Kenya starting Friday, May 23 at 3:00 AM and continuing through to Sunday, May 25 at 11:00 AM.
According to the department, wind speeds are forecasted to intensify further over the weekend, potentially reaching over 35 knots (18.0 meters per second) on Saturday and Sunday.
These extreme wind conditions could result in widespread structural damage, including the blowing off of roofs, destruction of weak buildings, and heightened risks for both residents and infrastructure in vulnerable areas.
The affected counties include:
- Northern and Eastern Kenya: Isiolo, Marsabit, Turkana, Samburu, Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, Kitui, and Makueni.
- Coastal region: Taita Taveta, Tana River, Lamu, Kilifi, Mombasa, and Kwale.
In addition to the inland wind threats, coastal areas are expected to experience large ocean waves exceeding 2.0 meters in height over the Indian Ocean, posing a significant threat to marine activities, including small fishing operations, water transport, and tourism-related ventures.
KMD’s Advisory Highlights the Following Key Impacts and Precautions:
What to Expect:
- Southerly winds exceeding 30 knots (15.4 m/s) from Friday.
- Intensification of winds to over 35 knots (18.0 m/s) on Saturday and Sunday.
- Ocean wave heights exceeding 2.0 meters in affected coastal areas.
- Potential structural damage to buildings, especially temporary and weak structures.
- Increased risk of disruption to marine and coastal activities.
Safety Precautions Recommended:
- Secure all loose outdoor objects and reinforce vulnerable structures.
- Avoid non-essential movement in open spaces during strong wind hours.
- Refrain from venturing into the ocean or participating in marine activities.
- Stay informed through KMD’s official communication channels including their website, WhatsApp alerts, and storm-tracking platforms.
The meteorological agency emphasized the importance of proactive preparedness and community awareness to minimize the risk of injury, property loss, and disruption.
Citizens residing in the affected areas are urged to remain vigilant and follow real-time updates issued by the Kenya Meteorological Department.
“Help us spread the word,” the statement urged, encouraging the public to share the alert widely within their communities, especially among those living in remote or rural areas where access to immediate weather updates may be limited.
Public Urged to Remain Vigilant as Weather Patterns Intensify
This latest warning comes amid ongoing concerns about the intensifying effects of climate change, which experts say are contributing to more frequent and severe weather anomalies across Kenya and the wider East African region.
As the nation heads into the weekend, the Kenya Meteorological Department has reassured the public that it will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide timely updates should conditions escalate or change.
For more information, updates, and alerts, members of the public are encouraged to visit the Kenya Meteorological Department’s official website, join its WhatsApp channel, and use the FASTA app to track storms and rainfall patterns in real-time.
Share This Post