By Kayode Falade
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has warned Nigerians especially residents of 11 states and the Federal Capital Territory of the prospects of heavy rain that may last for three days.
This is contained in the agency`s bulletin titled “Heavy Rainfall Forecast Bulletin No: 2023005”
The agency warned that the three-day heavy rain fall which would begin today (Wednesday 10 May, 2023) would especially affect Kaduna, Plateau, Nasarawa, Taraba, Cross River, Ebonyi, Imo, Abia, Bayelsa, Rivers, Delta states and the FCT and last till Friday 12th May.
It added that other states would also experience rainfall but hot as heavy as the aforementioned ones. The states in this category are Kebbi southern Sokoto, Oyo and Ogun.
The agency, however, warned that there might be the heavy rains might be accompanied by strong winds and thunder stressing that residents should take protective measures to avert casualty.
The bulletin which was issued on May 9 dealt exclusively with “Category of Forecast”.
According to the bulletin, the warning issued on 09th May 2023, is valid “From 0000UTC of 10th May, 2023 to 2359UTC 12th May, 2023.”
The statement which is accomplished by graphics on the agency`s website reads, “ There are good prospects of HEAVY RAINFALL within the next 3 days (day 3, Friday 12th May) over parts of Kaduna, Plateau, the FCT, Nasarawa, Taraba, Cross River, Ebonyi, Imo, Abia, Bayelsa, Rivers and Delta state.
Moderate rainfall is expected over Kebbi southern Sokoto, Oyo and Ogun states (see places in orange colour). Light rainfall is expected over places in yellow while little or no rain is expected over the rest of the country.
“CAUTION
Strong winds should herald the rains especially on day 3, Friday 12th, over Kaduna, Plateau, the FCT, Nasarawa, Taraba, Cross River, Ebonyi, Imo, Abia, Bayelsa, Rivers and Delta state. The rains will be characterized by thunder.
“Likely hazards include reduced visibility, slippery roads which can disrupt road traffic, prospects of flash flooding over roads and low lying areas, weak structures, trees and mast can also be pulled down by strong winds.
“Disconnect electrical appliances before and not during the rains. Elsewhere (See places in Green), no hydrometeorological hazards are anticipated. The public is however advised to watch out for updates.”
Find attached document for more details