The Nigerian Meteorological Agency through it’s Central Forecasts Office (CFO) has warned of an approaching severe thunderstorm that is observed from the northeastern part of the country. In a release by Muntari Yusuf Ibrahim, GM/Public Relations of NiMet, the agency says “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 squally thunderstorm to some cities.”
The statement further reveals 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 thunderstorm with moderate to heavyrains within the next 6 hours.”
The statement therefore advises that where thunderstorms are expected,strongwinds 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.
NiMet further says, “Disaster risk managers, agencies and individuals should be proactive, to avert loss of lives and property during the rainy season,” noting that “the Central Forecast Office (CFO) in NiMet will continue to monitor the weather and provide updates when necessary.”
