The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has issued a weather forecast predicting heavy rainfall in 25 states, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), over the next 48 hours. NiMet has cautioned that this expected rainfall could potentially result in flash floods.
The affected states are Katsina, Kano, Jigawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Plateau, Borno, Adamawa, Taraba, Kaduna, Niger, Nasarawa, Kogi, Enugu, Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Abia, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Ebonyi, Kwara, Benue State, and the Federal Capital Territory, as outlined in the agency’s weekly heavy rainfall forecast bulletin.
According to the bulletin, it states: “Moderate to Heavy rainfall is expected within the forecast period (Thursday, 28th, and Friday, 29th September 2023) over parts of Katsina, Kano, Jigawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Plateau, Borno, Adamawa, Taraba, Kaduna, Niger, Nasarawa, Kogi, Enugu, Edo, Delta, and Bayelsa.”
The bulletin also includes the following states: “Abia, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Ebonyi, Kwara, Benue State, and the Federal Capital Territory.”
NiMet has warned that the anticipated moderate to heavy rainfall may result in flash flooding in the affected areas, with accompanying strong winds. The strongest winds are expected over parts of Adamawa, Borno, Gombe, Bauchi, Yobe, Jigawa, Kano, Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto, and Kebbi State.
The agency has advised residents in the states that may be affected to avoid driving through surface runoff waters due to strong undercurrents. Other potential hazards include slippery road surfaces and reduced visibility during the rain, which can disrupt road traffic.
NiMet has also cautioned that strong winds pose a threat to weak structures, trees, and masts, recommending the disconnection of electrical appliances before the rain begins, not during.
