The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET) has forecast varying degrees of rainfall across the country in the next three days starting from Tuesday, August 17, 2021 through to Thursday, August 19, 2021
In a five-page document titled ‘Impact-based Weather Forecast’ issued on August 16, 2021 and valid for August 17, 18 and 19, 2021, the agency highlighted what the next three days might hold for certain states in the federation and advised people in the affected areas to be prepared for the impact.
“During the forecast period (the next three days), heavy rainfall is expected over southern Kebbi, western Niger, northern Katsina, eastern Kano, Jigawa, Bauchi, western Yobe, Gombe, Kaduna, Plateau, Nasarawa, eastern FCT and Kwara State,” it alerted.
NiMET also warned of “chances of moderate to heavy rainfall over parts of Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Benue, Ebonyi, Sokoto, Ekiti, Edo, Kogi, Ogun, Osun, Oyo, Enugu, Anambra, Imo, Abia, Ondo, Lagos, Delta and Bayelsa State, while it said light rains were expected over the rest of the country.
“Due to the heavy rainfall expected over southern Kebbi, western Niger, northern Katsina, eastern Kano, Jigawa, Bauchi, western Yobe, Gombe, Kaduna, Plateau, Nasarawa, eastern FCT and Kwara State there are increased chances of flash flood events on roads, settlements, farmlands and bridges which can disrupt vehicular traffic and reduce visibility.
“Hence, the public is advised to exercise restraint when going out, keep monitoring the situation, avoid low-lying areas and fast flowing runoff waters. Also, there are chances of moderate to heavy rainfall events especially during the first and the third days, which can reduce horizontal visibility, increasing the likelihood of cars skidding off the road and chances of car crashes, and likely delays in flight operations,” the agency further warned.
Advising the public to be prepared for these events to avoid damages from rain-related hazards, it added elsewhere, no hydrometeorological hazards were anticipated.
