Severe windstorm hits parts of Kenya, signals start of rainy season
A severe windstorm hit parts of Kenya on October 1, 2019, causing damage and power outages in the capital Nairobi, Murang'a, Thika, and Machakos. The event also caused traffic chaos on major roads in Nairobi.
David Koros, a principal at Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD) said they were expecting change of weather in parts of Eastern, Rift Valley, Central Kenya, and Nairobi.
KMD also said the windstorm is emanating from the Indian Ocean and it could cause some hitches in target areas.
What we are experiencing is a deep convective system in the southern section of Kenya. This system is moving from the Coastal Kenya as it propagates inland toward South East low lands, Nairobi and Central parts of Kenya. pic.twitter.com/i2YnRnTGph
— Kenya Met Department (@MeteoKenya) October 1, 2019
"What some parts of the country experienced was what we call a downburst which is a strong ground-level wind system that emanates from a point source above and blows radially, that is, in straight lines in all directions from the point of contact at ground level and that is what we have seen," Koros explained.
Several billboards and trees were knocked down in Lavington, Syokimau, Githurai, Jogoo Road, the Central Business District, and Parklands area.
A dust storm also pummelled the towns of Kitengenga, Kajiado, and Mlolongo, forcing residents to hide in their homes. "I heard it coming, it was everything, wind dust and then the rain. Everyone was running to the houses," Embakasi resident Sherry Akinyi said.
Strong winds were also felt in Thika, Murang'a, Kirinyaga, and Machakos.
The windstorm marks the beginning of the short rainy season in the country.
Featured image credit: The East African
If you value what we do here, create your ad-free account and support our journalism.
Your support makes a difference
Dear valued reader,
We hope that our website has been a valuable resource for you.
The reality is that it takes a lot of time, effort, and resources to maintain and grow this website. We rely on the support of readers like you to keep providing high-quality content.
If you have found our website to be helpful, please consider making a contribution to help us continue to bring you the information you need. Your support means the world to us and helps us to keep doing what we love.
Support us by choosing your support level – Silver, Gold or Platinum. Other support options include Patreon pledges and sending us a one-off payment using PayPal.
Thank you for your consideration. Your support is greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
Teo Blašković
Commenting rules and guidelines
We value the thoughts and opinions of our readers and welcome healthy discussions on our website. In order to maintain a respectful and positive community, we ask that all commenters follow these rules:
We reserve the right to remove any comments that violate these rules. By commenting on our website, you agree to abide by these guidelines. Thank you for helping to create a positive and welcoming environment for all.