No fewer than twenty-three states including Abia, Bayelsa and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) would experience 48 hours of heavy rainfall which will start on Thursday, with possibility of flooding in those states, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET) has warned Nigerians.
NIMET gave the warning in its weekly heavy rainfall forecast report, on Wednesday.
It said, “The affected states are 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 further said, “Moderate to heavy rainfall is anticipated between Thursday, September 28th, and Friday, September 29th, 2023, in parts of Katsina, Kano, Jigawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Plateau, Borno, Adamawa, Taraba, Kaduna, Niger, Nasarawa, Kogi, Enugu, Edo, Delta, and Bayelsa.”
It added, “Abia, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Ebonyi, Kwara, Benue State, and the Federal Capital Territory.”
Speaking on the possibility of flooding, the agency said, “The anticipated moderate to heavy rainfall could lead to flash flooding in the affected areas.”
It noted that strong winds would accompany the rains, with the most powerful winds expected in parts of Adamawa, Borno, Gombe, Bauchi, Yobe, Jigawa, Kano, Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto, and Kebbi State.
Warning the residents ahead, NiMet emphasised the need for residents to exercise caution and avoid driving through surface runoff waters due to their strong undercurrents.
It also identified slippery road surfaces and reduced visibility as potential hazards that could result from the impending downpour.
“Strong winds are a threat to weak structures, trees, and masts. Disconnect electrical appliances before and not during the rains,” it advised.
