The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET) has issued a weather advisory to residents of multiple states, including the Federal Capital Territory, Edo, Kwara, and 22 others, indicating the onset of a 48-hour period of heavy rainfall commencing on Thursday. The agency has also cautioned that flash floods are anticipated as a result of this weather event.
The affected states encompass Katsina, Kano, Jigawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Plateau, Borno, Adamawa, Taraba, Kaduna, Niger, Nasarawa, Kogi, Enugu, Delta, Bayelsa, Abia, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Ebonyi, Kwara, and Benue.
The agency’s bulletin states, “Moderate to heavy rainfall is expected within the forecast period (Thursday, September 28th, and Friday, September 29th, 2023) over parts of Katsina, Kano, Jigawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Plateau, Borno, Adamawa, Taraba, Kaduna, Niger, Nasarawa, Kogi, Enugu, Edo, Delta, and Bayelsa.” Other affected states listed include Abia, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Ebonyi, Kwara, Benue State, and the Federal Capital Territory.
NiMet, in its advisory, has also warned that the expected moderate to heavy rainfall may result in flash flooding in the affected areas. Furthermore, strong winds are expected to accompany the rains, particularly over parts of Adamawa, Borno, Gombe, Bauchi, Yobe, Jigawa, Kano, Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto, and Kebbi State.
Residents are advised to exercise caution and refrain from driving through surface runoff waters, as they can have strong undercurrents. Additionally, the agency has highlighted the risks of slippery road surfaces and reduced visibility, which may be triggered by the downpour.
