By Vanessa Akoth
Kenya continues to experience strong winds with the Kenya Meteorological Department issuing a new advisory on the likelihood of strong south-easterly winds with speeds exceeding 30 knots over the Coast, northeast, and some parts of the South-eastern lowlands.
Strong south-easterly winds with speeds exceeding 30 knots (15.4 m/s) are expected over the Coast, northeast and some parts of the South-eastern Lowlands pic.twitter.com/gHF6Bt9rR8
— Kenya Met Department 🇰🇪 (@MeteoKenya) July 26, 2021
This advisory comes in a few hours after the Department warned 13 counties to be on the lookout for strong south-easterly winds that were expected to intensify to more than 40 knots from the initial 20 knots accompanied by wave heights of over 3.5m over the Kenyan Indian Ocean coastal waters from Saturday 24th July to Sunday 25th July 2021.
“The south-easterly winds may be disastrous as they may blow rooftops, uproot trees and cause structural damage. On the other hand, the very high waves may lower visibility, cause boats to capsize, and pose threat to those engaging in maritime activities,” KMD cautioned in a statement.
The counties included Lamu, Mandera, Marsabit, Isiolo, Wajir, Taita Taveta, Kitui, Makueni, Kwale, Mombasa, Garissa, Tana River, and Kilifi.
The earlier advisory urged residents of these counties to be aware of potential risks that could be caused by the situation. People are also urged to continue listening to local media as updates will be provided on significant changes in the condition.
In the new advisory, small crafts, boats and canoes are cautioned against venturing into the sea, because of the large wave of up to 2.7m in Kwale, Mombasa, Kilifi and Lamu.
⚠️Advisory
Moderate to rough sea conditions are expected due to winds (15-29Knots), high significant waves height of (1.8-2.7m) expected in Kwale,Mombasa, Kilifi and Lamu. Small crafts,boat and canoes should not venture into the sea, because of large wave of upto 2.7m pic.twitter.com/tUqj9vwiVl— Kenya Met Department 🇰🇪 (@MeteoKenya) July 26, 2021