The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has issued a 48-hour heavy rainfall and flash flood warning for multiple states, including the Federal Capital Territory, Edo, Kwara, and 22 others. The forecast, contained in NiMet’s weekly heavy rainfall forecast bulletin, indicates that the downpour is expected to begin on Thursday and last for 48 hours.
States listed in the warning include Katsina, Kano, Jigawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Plateau, Borno, Adamawa, Taraba, Kaduna, Niger, Nasarawa, Kogi, Enugu, Delta, Bayelsa, Abia, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Ebonyi, Kwara, and Benue.
The bulletin emphasizes the potential impact of the heavy rainfall, warning of flash flooding in the affected areas. Strong winds are also expected to accompany the rains, with particular emphasis on areas such as Adamawa, Borno, Gombe, Bauchi, Yobe, Jigawa, Kano, Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto, and Kebbi State.
NiMet advises residents to exercise caution during the downpour and avoid driving through surface runoff waters, which can have strong undercurrents. Additionally, slippery road surfaces and reduced visibility are cited as potential hazards associated with the heavy rainfall.
As weather forecasts play a crucial role in disaster preparedness, residents in the affected regions are urged to stay updated with the latest information and follow safety precautions during the expected rainfall and potential flooding.