Stay Indoors as much as Possible for Next Three Days, NIMET Warns

By Tunde Eso

Residents across some states of the federation have been warned to stay indoors as much as possible for next three days in your own interest.

The reason is envisaged hostile environment, according to the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) which lists states doting the northern region of the country, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the Middle Belt and some in the East as included.

Borno, Adamawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Taraba, Kano, Katsina, Zamfara and Kebbi are in the list, so are parts of Enugu, Imo, Abia, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Bayelsa and Cross River,

According to NiMET, in its weather forecasts released on Sunday, there are prospects of thunderstorms over parts of the mentioned states,

it envisages sunny atmosphere Tuesday morning, with patches of clouds over the northern region, where it says there would be thunderstorms over parts of Adamawa, Taraba and Kaduna State later in the day.

"Cloudy atmosphere with sunshine intervals is anticipated over the North central region with prospect of morning rains over parts of Niger, the Federal Capital Territory, Kogi, Benue and Kwara.

"Later in the day, thunderstorms with intermittent rains are expected over parts of Plateau, Benue, Kogi, Kwara and Niger States.

From the agency therefore to the states mentioned, it is stay indoors as much as possible.

"Cloudy skies are expected over the inland and coastal cities of the South with prospects of morning rains over parts of Enugu, Imo, Abia, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Bayelsa and Cross Rivers",  it added, while for Wednesday, sunny skies with patches of clouds over the northern region with prospects of morning thunderstorms over parts of Borno, Yobe, Taraba and Adamawa are to be expected.

"Thunderstorms are expected over parts of Bauchi, Adamawa, Taraba, Katsina, Kano and Kaduna States during the afternoon and evening hours.

"Cloudy atmosphere with sunshine intervals is anticipated over North central region in the morning hours with prospects of thunderstorms and intermittent rains over parts of Federal Capital Territory, Plateau, Kwara, Benue and Kogi state later in the day.

"Cloudy skies are also expected over the inland and coastal cities of the South with prospects of moderate rains over parts of Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Rivers and Lagos states."

Thunderstorms, strong winds are likely to precede the rains and as such, trees, electric poles, unsecured objects and weak buildings may collapse, it says.

"So the public is advised to be cautious. Stay indoors 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.

"Moderate to heavy rainfall could lead to flash flood. Public is advised to take necessary caution. Disaster risk managers, agencies and individuals should be proactive to avert loss of lives and property during rainy season, "NiMET said.