The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has issued a flash flood warning for 27 states across Nigeria, saying persistent rainfall and intensifying thunderstorms during the country’s peak rainy season have significantly increased the risk of flooding between July 1 and July 10.
According to NiMet, widespread rainfall recorded throughout June has left soils heavily saturated, making low-lying communities, urban centres, coastal areas and locations with poor drainage particularly vulnerable to flash floods.
The states identified as facing the highest flood risk are Taraba, Sokoto, Borno, Zamfara, Kebbi, Katsina, Kaduna, Nasarawa, Plateau, Adamawa, Kwara, Kogi, Oyo, Ogun, Lagos, Osun, Ekiti, Delta, Edo, Abia, Imo, Anambra, Enugu, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Rivers and Bayelsa.
The agency warned that continued heavy rainfall could trigger localized flooding, disrupting transportation, damaging infrastructure and increasing health risks in affected communities.
Thunderstorms, Heavy Rain Expected Nationwide
Complementing the flood advisory, NiMet forecast widespread thunderstorms and moderate to heavy rainfall across much of the country from Monday through Wednesday.
In the northern states, thunderstorms are expected to affect Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi, Bauchi, Gombe, Borno, Yobe, Jigawa, Katsina, Kano, Kaduna, Adamawa and Taraba, with light morning showers developing into moderate rainfall later in the day.
Across the North Central region, thunderstorms are forecast over Plateau, Niger, Benue, Nasarawa, Kwara, Kogi and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), beginning with light morning rains before intensifying during the afternoon and evening.
Southern states are also expected to experience widespread rainfall. Morning showers are forecast over Lagos, Ogun, Cross River and Akwa Ibom, while moderate to heavy rainfall is expected to spread across the entire southern region later each day. By Wednesday, thunderstorms are also likely over Ondo, Osun, Ekiti, Rivers, Bayelsa, Edo, Delta, Imo, Abia, Enugu, Anambra and Ebonyi.
Possible Impacts
NiMet said the anticipated rainfall could lead to:
- Flash flooding in flood-prone communities and urban centres;
- Traffic congestion, road closures and transport disruptions;
- Temporary power and telecommunications outages;
- Reduced visibility affecting motorists and aviation operations;
- Waterlogging of farmlands, resulting in crop losses;
- Damage to roads, bridges, drainage systems and other public infrastructure; and
- Increased risk of waterborne diseases due to stagnant floodwaters if sanitation measures are not maintained.
The agency also cautioned that strong winds may precede thunderstorms in many locations, posing additional risks to property and public safety.
Safety Advisory
NiMet urged residents to remain vigilant by monitoring official weather updates and flood advisories throughout the period.
The agency advised members of the public to clear blocked drains and waterways, secure loose outdoor objects, avoid driving or walking through flooded roads, disconnect electrical appliances during severe storms, and stay away from tall trees to reduce the risk of injury from falling branches.
Airline operators were advised to obtain airport-specific weather reports from NiMet to support safe and efficient flight planning.
NiMet also called on the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs), local authorities and community leaders to strengthen preparedness, early warning dissemination and emergency response measures.
The agency emphasized that early preparedness, public awareness and timely response remain critical to minimizing
