Kenyans living along the coast have been placed on high alert after the Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD) warned of a weakening low-pressure system that could trigger heavy rainfall and strong winds in the coming days.
In a statement issued on Sunday, KMD said it was closely monitoring Tropical Storm Chenge, which is slowly moving across the Indian Ocean.
As of Sunday, October 26, the storm was positioned about 500 kilometres north of Madagascar and was advancing westward at approximately 11 kilometres per hour.
Kenya’s Coast on High Alert Following Low-Pressure System Warning. Photo: Courtesy.
The system is expected to affect the coastal regions of Kenya and Tanzania, bringing high waves, strong winds, and intense rainfall once it makes landfall.
Tropical Storm Chenge formed over the southwest Indian Ocean, with winds of about 55 kilometres per hour and gusts up to 75 kilometres per hour.
Although weakening as it nears the Kenya–Tanzania coast, the storm is still expected to bring heavy rains, strong winds, and rough seas.
KMD has warned residents in Mombasa, Kilifi, Lamu, and Malindi to brace for winds above 25 knots and possible flooding in low-lying areas.
Fishermen and small boat operators along the Coast are expected to be the most affected, with marine activities likely to be suspended due to rough sea conditions.
Inland areas such as Kwale, Taita Taveta, and Tana River may also experience heavy rainfall and localised flooding.
Although Chenge is projected to weaken by Tuesday, its remnants could still cause cloudy skies and scattered showers in parts of the country for several days.
