This archive report was first published on 1 October 2019.
On Tuesday evening, a powerful windstorm hit parts of Nairobi, leaving thousands without power. The storm, which originated from the Indian Ocean, brought strong winds and heavy rain to the affected areas.
According to the Kenya Meteorological Department, the windstorm was a deep convective system that moved from Coastal Kenya inland towards South East low lands, Nairobi, and Central parts of Kenya. The department warned that the storm could cause a few hitches in the affected areas.
Residents of Embakasi, Kajiado, and Mlolongo towns were forced to hide in their houses as a massive dust storm blanketed their areas. The dust storm was a result of strong winds that also affected parts of Embakasi and Mombasa Road.
Sherry Akinyi, a resident of Embakasi, described the experience as 'everything, wind dust, and then the rain.' Nelson Babu, who works along Mombasa Road, said he was forced to run and board a vehicle as the huge wind approached from Kajiado sides with a lot of dust.
The strong wind was also experienced in Thika, Murang'a, Kirinyaga, and Machakos. The meteorological department warned members of the public to brace themselves for rain to last for Tuesday and even Wednesday, marking the start of the short rain season in the country.
As the country prepares for the rains, the Kenya Meteorological Department urged Kenyans to prepare for the possibility of more rain in the coming days.
