Weatherman warns rains could bring businesses to standstill

The Meteorological Department has warned of storms and heavy rains that is expected to disrupt businesses today and tomorrow (Wednesday) at the Coast and west of the Rift Valley.

The heavy rains are expected to pound Kwale, Mombasa, Kilifi, Tana River, Lamu, Kericho, Narok, Kisii and Bomet Counties.

“Residents and all involved in economic activities in the mentioned areas are advised to be on the lookout for heavy downpours which are likely to cause storm surges at the coast, floods and flash floods,” said the weatherman.

“They are advised to exercise caution during this period. Continue listening to local media as updates will be provided if conditions change,” he added.

Heavy rains have been pounding parts of the country disrupting traffic flow and the supply of goods and services.

The weatherman expects rainfall of more than 40mm in 24hours at the off shore areas of the Kenyan Coast on Wednesday and increasing to more than 50mm in 24 hours on Thursday.

This rain is expected to affect inland areas near the Coastline. Heavier rainfall is anticipated in the South of Kenya (Msambweni, Wasini Island and Shimoni) and Southern Rift Valley and highlands west of the

Heavy rains slowed offloading of goods at the port of Mombasa early this month with the fertilizer line being hardest hit.

Mombasa handles imports such as fuel and other vital goods for Uganda, Burundi, Rwanda, South Sudan and eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, and interruption of goods offloading could affect regional business.

The operators at the port were reportedly making 28 to 30 moves per hour per ship crane down from the normal 35 to 40 moves.