NiMet Issues Fresh Flood Alert as Heavy Rain, Thunderstorms Set to Hit Several States, Details

• NiMet has warned Nigerians to prepare for widespread rainfall, thunderstorms and possible flooding across several states on Thursday, urging residents in flood-prone areas to take precautionary measures.

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has issued a fresh weather alert, forecasting widespread rainfall and thunderstorms across many parts of Nigeria on Thursday, with some areas at risk of localized flooding.

According to the agency, northern, central and southern states are expected to experience varying degrees of rainfall, thunderstorms, strong winds and reduced visibility throughout the day.

NiMet said northern states including Kaduna, Bauchi, Gombe, Adamawa and Taraba could experience morning thunderstorms, while heavier rainfall is expected later in the day across Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, Zamfara, Yobe, Borno and other northern states.

In the North Central region, states such as Niger, Kwara, Benue, Kogi, Plateau, Nasarawa and the Federal Capital Territory are expected to experience moderate rainfall and thunderstorms, with possible localized flooding.

Southern states, including Lagos, Ogun, Ondo and Ekiti, are also expected to witness morning showers before heavier rainfall spreads across the region later in the day.

NiMet warned that strong winds could accompany the thunderstorms and advised motorists to drive carefully due to poor visibility. Residents were also urged to avoid walking or driving through floodwaters and not to seek shelter under tall trees during thunderstorms because of the risk of lightning strikes.

The warning comes as several parts of Nigeria, particularly Lagos, continue to experience flooding following weeks of persistent rainfall. Environmental experts have repeatedly blamed blocked drainage channels, rapid urbanisation and poor flood management for worsening the situation.