NiMet warns of possible severe thunderstorms

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), through its Central Forecasts Office (CFO), has warned of an approaching severe thunderstorm that is observed from the northeastern part of the country. 

In a press statement signed by Muntari Yusuf, General Manager, Public Relations, NiMet, the agency said that “Severe thunderstorm cells are currently being observed over the north-eastern parts of the country including Borno, Adamawa, Gombe and Taraba; moving in a NE-SW direction with a ground speed of 30Km/h.

“These are expected to propagate westward to give squally thunderstorms to some cities.”

The agency revealed further that another thunderstorm cell was observed developing over Jos highground which is  accompanied with squally wind and heavy rains and are expected to propagate westward to affect parts of Gombe, Bauchi, Benue, Plateau, Nasarawa, Enugu, Ebonyi, northern Cross River, within the next 3 to 6 hours. 

Also, parts of Kaduna, FCT and Niger State are expected to experience thunderstorms with moderate to heavy rains within the next 6 hours.

The agency has, therefore, advised that 

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, calling on the public to be cautious, stay in-doors; especially during heavy rainfall to avoid being struck by lightning.

The agency has, also, called on all airline operators to avail themselves of weather reports periodically from NiMet for effective planning in their operations.

Also, disaster risk managers, agencies and individuals are advised to be proactive with a view to averting loss of lives and property during the rainy season.

As part of its core responsibilities, the agency assured that its Central Forecast Office (CFO) will continue to monitor the weather and provide updates when necessary.