The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has issued an urgent weather alert over active severe thunderstorms currently affecting Southern Chad and Northern Cameroon.
According to a bulletin issued at 10:16 a.m. on Tuesday, the thunderstorm system is moving westward and is expected to affect several Nigerian states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) within the next one to six hours. The alert remains valid until 4:16 p.m.
The affected areas include Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Taraba, Gombe, Bauchi, Jigawa, Kano, Kaduna, Nasarawa and the FCT.
NiMet warned residents and motorists in the affected areas to prepare for potentially hazardous weather conditions.
The agency said the storm could bring strong winds ahead of rainfall, capable of displacing loose objects, as well as moderate to heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning.
It also warned of possible flash floods in low-lying and flood-prone areas, falling tree branches, damage to weak structures, power disruptions, electrical hazards, reduced visibility and slippery roads.
NiMet urged members of the public to adhere to safety guidelines during the storm.
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Residents were advised to secure loose objects outdoors to prevent them from being blown away by strong winds, drive cautiously during rainfall and avoid flooded roads.
The agency also advised people to disconnect electrical appliances during thunderstorms and stay away from tall trees and weak structures.
Airline operators were advised to obtain airport-specific weather reports from NiMet for effective flight planning.
The agency urged the public to continue monitoring official weather updates and advisories for further information.
