The Kenya Meteorological Department has issued a statement notifying Kenyans of heavy rains expected to pound various parts of the country.
The rains have for the last few weeks been experienced in various parts of the country in the process causing flooding on roads and estates in Nairobi and other towns.
According to the weatherman, the rains are expected in Nairobi and parts of Eastern.
“These counties include Nyeri, Muranga, Kirinyaga, Embu, Meru, Kiambu, Tharaka Nithi, Laikipia, Nyandarua and Nairobi,” stated the Meteorological Department in a statement issued on May 8, 2021.
In the statement, the weather department stated that the rains are also expected in Western, Nyanza, Central and South Rift Valley regions.
“The counties include Kakamega, Vihiga, Busia, Bungoma, Kisumu, Kisii, Siaya, Kericho, Nandi, Bomet, Nakuru, Elgeyo Marakwet, Baringo, Uasin Gishu, Trans Nzoia and Narok,” read the statement.
The rains are also expected in Machakos, West Pokot, Turkana, Samburu, Garissa, Wajir, Mandera, Kitui, Taita Taveta, Kajiado, Mombasa, Kilifi, Lamu Tana River among others.
Showers and thunderstorms are expected in the areas with the rains expected to continue.
How to drive in the rain
Motorists have been advised to drive carefully on the wet road conditions to avoid accidents.
Drivers are advised to avoid speeding in the rains as visibility is greatly reduced – and the roads are slippery.
Motorists are also advised to clean the outsides and insides of windshields and windows, and check the wiper blades for wear regularly.
If you’re new to an area, you are advised to use extra caution during or after a downpour. Also, avoid roads that drive through low-lying bridges, ditches prone to flooding.
Turn on the actual headlights when using windshield wipers so your tail lights come on as well. “The idea behind having headlights is so other people can see you.
If water is covering the markings on the road, that means it’s too deep to drive on. Remember that you can lose control in as little as three inches of water on the road. If a larger vehicle pushes some of that water underneath your car, your engine could to stall.
Also be aware of hydroplaning which technically occurs when your tires lose traction with the road due to excess water on top of the road. This will make your vehicle to slide uncontrollably. All you need is one-twelfth of an inch of rain and a speed of more than 30 kilometers per hours and you will be hydroplaning. It worse if your tires have extensive wear and tear. Those driving four-wheel drive cars, SUV, or trucks are also vulnerable.