A powerful weather advisory from the Kenya Meteorological Department has warned that strong southerly winds and large waves are expected to sweep through coastal and inland counties from Friday to Monday, posing moderate to high risks of structural damage and disruptions to marine activities.

According to the statement issued on Thursday, the affected areas include counties in the north and south-eastern regions such as Marsabit, Turkana, Samburu, Isiolo, Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, Kitui, Makueni, Taita Taveta, Tana River, Lamu, Kilifi, Mombasa, and Kwale.

Residents in these regions are urged to remain vigilant.

“Residents in all the mentioned areas are advised to be on the lookout for potential gale (very strong winds) and large waves over the Indian Ocean. Strong winds may blow off roofs and cause structural damage. Large waves may lower visibility and affect marine activities.”

The warning outlines that winds exceeding 30 knots (15.4 m/s) are forecast across the Coast, South-eastern lowlands, and parts of Northwestern Kenya beginning Friday.

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Speeds are expected to intensify above 35 knots (18.0 m/s) on Saturday and Sunday before easing to 25 knots (12.9 m/s) by Monday.

Wave conditions will mirror the wind trend.

The height of waves along the Kenyan coast is anticipated to exceed 2.0 metres between Friday and Sunday before calming to below 2.0 metres on Monday.

The department rates the probability of these events occurring as moderate — between 33 to 66 per cent — but with urgency marked as “Expected” and severity as “Moderate to High”.

Officials have pledged to provide updates promptly if there are any changes.

The statement was signed by the Director of the Kenya Meteorological Department and serves as the second update under the strong winds and large waves advisory for 2025.