The Kenya Meteorological Department has issued an update on the coastal situation following the arrival of Tropical Storm IALY, which is expected to weaken on Wednesday, May 22, 2024.
In a statement, the department reported that the Tropical Storm IALY currently has maximum winds of 65 km/h, maximum gusts of 95 km/h, and an estimated pressure of 999 hPa as of 9 am.
The weatherman has said that on Wednesday the storm’s position was at 3.1°S and 42.4°E, moving north-northeast at 13 km/h.
“A low-pressure system exists in the South-West Indian Ocean. No other suspicious areas are present, and no formation of another low-pressure system is expected in the next five days.”
The department noted that IALY had weakened significantly overnight but remains a moderate tropical storm.
The storm’s centre is over 150 km from the East African coast and is significant due to its proximity to the equator.
It is expected to dissipate near the equator, with the residual vortex unlikely to cross.
Moderate rain, stormy, and windy conditions are expected along the coastal regions of Kenya, with waves reaching up to 4 meters along the Kenyan and southern Somali coasts.
🌀 Update on MODERATE TROPICAL STORM #IALY:
— Kenya Met Department 🇰🇪 (@MeteoKenya) May 22, 2024
🌍 May 22, 09:36 a.m. local time in Kenya:
•A low pressure system exists in the South-West Indian Ocean.
•No other suspicious areas are present, and no formation of another low pressure system is expected in the next five days. pic.twitter.com/TyGXlt8Hoh
Tropical Storm IALY to end on Wednesday
The Mombasa Sub County Administration has also issued a statement urging residents to stay vigilant.
“Tropical Storm IALY is expected to weaken by Wednesday while bringing rain, storms, and winds to coastal regions. Stay safe and informed! Moderate to rough sea conditions are forecasted, with waves of 1.5 to 3.6 meters expected,” the administration advised.
Residents are urged to take necessary precautions, including keeping updated with the latest weather reports via radio, television, and official online sources.
They should follow instructions and updates from local authorities and the meteorological department.
Other safety measures include securing loose outdoor items like garden furniture, tools, roofing, and decorations.
Residents whose homes are at risk of flooding are advised to move to higher ground and familiarize themselves with local evacuation routes and shelters.
Additionally, the public is advised to avoid downed power lines, floodwaters, and debris, as these can pose serious hazards.
Checking on neighbours, especially the elderly, disabled, and young children, is also encouraged.
On Tuesday, the weatherman confirmed that the storm would indeed weaken on May 22.
The weatherman announced that despite weakening and dissipating in the Indian Ocean, the storm will bring about rain, storms, and winds to coastal regions.
“IALY intensified to the Tropical Cyclone stage on Tuesday, 21 May 2024, marking a historic event in the South-West Indian Ocean basin. This intense system, unprecedented in the satellite era, is positioned notably northwest of 5°S/45°E and remarkably close to the coasts of Kenya. The centre of IALY is currently just 250 km from Pemba Island and less than 300 km from Mombasa,” the weatherman stated.
