The government has announced that the Tropical Cyclone Hidaya Storm which was expected to hit Kenya’s coast has weakened but may result in large waves.
In an update on May 5, the Ministry of Interior stated that the Cyclone Hidaya storm “is over” in Kenya and has also “completely lost” its strength in Tanzania.
According to the Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD), the storm has faded away, but heavy rainfall and strong winds are still expected in the Coast region.
“The Tropical Cyclone Hidaya storm is over and forecasted to have weakened however, heavy rainfall is still expected offshore along the Coast region with strong winds and large waves already experienced in Kwale,” read the statement in part.
Occasional moderate (5-20mm) to heavy (20-50mm) rainfall is also likely to continue over the Western region (Kakamega, Vihiga, Busia, Bungoma, and Trans Nzoia counties); Lake Victoria Basin (Kisumu, Kisii, Nyamira, Migori, Siaya, Homabay counties).
“Residents, particularly in coastal regions and individuals involved in marine activities in the Indian Ocean, are encouraged to take maximum precautions,” Kenya Met said.
KMD said moderate rainfalls will continue in the following regions: Rift Valley, Central, Eastern region and Nairobi County.
KMD Weekly Forecast
Most parts of the Northeastern region (Isiolo, Garissa, Wajir, Mandera counties), Northwestern (Turkana, Samburu, Marsabit counties), and parts of Southeastern (Taita Taveta, Tana River counties) are forecast to be generally dry.
However, KMD stated that the regions might experience occasional light to moderate rainfall.
“The continuing rainfall in the Central region and the overflow of the Seven Forks Dams are likely to exacerbate flooding in the Tana Delta, impacting Garissa, Tana River, and Lamu Counties,” KMD said.
Besides, continued rainfall in the catchment areas of the Lake Victoria Basin, as well as the backflow from Lake Victoria, may continue causing backflow and flooding of the Lake Basin counties.
Also Read: Kenya Met Clarifies Magnitude of Cyclone Hidaya Expected to Hit Mombasa
Tanzania Announces End of Cyclone Hidaya
In a statement on May 4, the Tanzania Meteorological Authority (TMA) announced that the cyclone completely lost its strength after its landfall at Mafia Island.
Tanzania government explained that the information marked the conclusion of a series of information on the late Tropical Cyclone Hidaya that has been issued since May 1, 2024.
“The trend and patterns of weather systems indicate that in the past 6 hours, Tropical Cyclone “HIDAYA” has completely lost its strength following its landfall at Mafia Island earlier today,” the statement read in part.
“In addition, the remnants of the rain clouds that accompanied the Tropical Cyclone have been observed to weaken and spread out in various areas of the southern region of our country, particularly in Lindi, Mtwara, Morogoro and neighboring areas. Therefore, there is no further threat of Tropical Cyclone “HIDAYA” in our country.”
However, TMA said periods of normal Masika rains are expected to continue in some areas, especially over the Lake Victoria basin, North-eastern highlands, and Northern coast.
However, the public was advised to continue making close follow-up, consider and effectively utilize forecast and early warning information from the TMA as well as advice and guidance issued by the relevant authorities as appropriate.
Also Read: Weatherman Issues Guidelines on Cyclone Hidaya
Kindiki’s Storm Notice
In a statement on May 4, the Ministry warned that the Cyclone had acquired full status with the capability of remaining so until it hits the Coasts of Kenya and Tanzania.
CS Kithure Kindiki said the Cyclone could generate massive precipitation with strong winds and powerful waves capable of disrupting normal activities and settlement within Kenyan coastal line.
“The Government cautions members of the public engaged in fishing, swimming and leisure activities within Kenya’s territorial waters and the beaches of Kwale, Mombasa, Kilifi and Lamu Counties that available scientific information points to the possibility of risk to life and property within these areas,” the statement read in parts.
The CS directed the County Security and Intelligence Committees (CSICs) of the four Counties in collaboration with the Kenya Coast Guard Service (KCGS) to issue notices and strictly enforce a ban on beach activities, fishing, swimming, non-essential transport within Kenya’s territorial waters.
He also ordered the CSICs to evacuate settlements deemed too close to the shoreline effective May 4, 2024, at 5.00pm up to May 6, 2024 (midnight) when Cyclone Hidaya was expected to expire.
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