By Ignatius Ushie
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 Release made available Transport Day in Abuja, 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 groundspeed of 30Km/h. These are expected to propagate Westward to give sequally thunderstorm to some cities.”
The statement further revealed that another thunderstorm cell was observed developing over Jos high ground 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 thunderstorm with moderate to heavy rains within the
next six hours.
The statement therefore advise 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, so the public is advised to be cautious. Stay in-door especially during heavy rainfall to avoid being struck by lightning.
All Airline operators are advised to avail themselves of weather reports periodically from NiMet for effective planning in their operations.
Disaster risk managers, agencies and individuals should be proactive, to avert loss of lives and property during the rainy season. The Central Forecast Office (CFO) in NiMet will continue to monitor the weather and provide updates when necessary.
