NiMet asks 12 northern states, FCT to expect thunderstorms, floods

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has warned residents of 12 northern states and the federal capital territory (FCT) of thunderstorms and heavy rainfalls in May.

The states are Borno, Taraba, Gombe, Bauchi, Adamawa, Yobe, Plateau, Nasarawa, Kaduna, Jigawa, Kano, and Katsina.

In a statement issued on Friday by Muntari Ibrahim, NiMet’s public relations general manager, the agency said it has observed thunderstorm cells in the north.

Ibrahim said moderate-to-heavy rainfall during the course of the month could lead to flash floods, adding that thunderstorms are expected to last for about two to six hours.

He warned that for areas where thunderstorms are expected, strong winds are likely to precede the rains, and as such, trees, electric poles, unsecured objects and weak buildings may be felled.

Ibrahim advised the public to be cautious and stay indoors, especially during heavy rainfall, to avoid being struck by lightning.

He urged airline operators to avail themselves of weather reports periodically for effective planning.

“Thunderstorm cells are currently observed over the northern parts of the country including Borno, Taraba, Gombe, Bauchi and Kano states,” he said.

“These are expected to propagate westward to give squally thunderstorms to some cities, including Maiduguri, Gashua, Katsina, Kaduna and Kano.”

NiMet also called on disaster risk managers, agencies and individuals to be proactive and take precautionary measures to avert loss of lives and property during the rainy season.