NiMet alerts on thunderstorm activities in some Northern states

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has alerted the public on a possible heavy rainfall activities in the coming days in some states in the north following observed thundercloud activities in the North eastern part of the country.

In  a press release issued today and signed by General Manager Public Relations, Muntari Yusuf Ibrahim NiMet stated, “Thunderstorm cells are currently  observed over the northern parts of the country including Borno, Taraba, Gombe, Bauchi and Kano. These are expected to propagate westward to give squally thunderstorms to some cities.”

The statement further revealed that the current thunderstorm cells are expected to propagate easterly to give thunderstorms accompanied with squall to cities in Plateau, FCT, Nasarawa, Jigawa, Adamama, Yobe, Borno, Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano and Katsina States in the next 2-6 hours.

NiMet advised that for areas where thunderstorms are expected, strong winds are likely to precede the rains and as such, trees, electric poles, unsecured objects and weak buildings may be felled, so the public is advised to be cautious and stay in-door especially during heavy rainfall to avoid being struck by lightning.

The statement  advised all Airline operators to avail themselves of weather reports periodically from NiMet for effective planning in their operations. It also notes that moderate to heavy rainfall could lead to flash flood, hence the public is advised to take necessary caution.

Disaster risk managers, agencies and individuals should be proactive, to avert loss of lives and property during the rainy season.

The Central Forecast Office (CFO) in NiMet will continue to monitor the weather and provide updates when necessary.