NiMet warns of possible flash floods across 13 States in August

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has issued a warning to residents in 13 states over the potential of flash floods between August 11 and 20, 2026.

The weather agency made the announcement in an advisory which was posted on its official X account on Tuesday.

The areas in question, according to NiMet, are in Northern Nigeria and people in the area need to be vigilant at that time.

In its statement, NiMet pointed out that the prediction was due to various reasons like rain intensity, moisture content of the soil, drainage capabilities of the soil, terrain, and dam structures in the affected regions.

NiMet called upon residents in the 13 states in question to prepare themselves for the predicted situation.

“It serves as an early warning and decision-support tool for proactive preparedness, emergency response planning, and disaster risk-reduction measures.

“States with High Flash Flood Risk: Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi, Niger, Kaduna, Nasarawa, Adamawa, Plateau, Benue, Kogi, Taraba, Cross River, Akwa Ibom,” the advisory read.

NiMet warned that the affected areas could experience localised flash flooding, particularly in flood-prone, low-lying, urban and riverside communities.

It said possible impacts included traffic congestion, road closures and transport disruptions, as well as temporary interruptions to electricity and telecommunications services.

The agency also warned that heavy rainfall could reduce visibility and affect motorists and aviation operations, while waterlogging could damage farmlands, crops and livestock.

According to NiMet, flash flooding could also damage roads, bridges, drainage systems and other critical infrastructure, while stagnant floodwaters could increase the risk of waterborne diseases.

The agency advised residents to follow weather forecasts and flood advisories issued by NiMet and relevant emergency management agencies.

It urged the public to avoid walking or driving through flooded roads, bridges or fast-flowing water, and advised residents in vulnerable areas to remain alert and prepare to move to safer locations where necessary.

NiMet also advised emergency management agencies to strengthen surveillance, pre-position response teams and maintain emergency preparedness.

It urged farmers to improve farm drainage and move livestock, machinery and harvested produce away from flood-prone areas.

The agency called on authorities to prioritise vulnerable communities for impact-based monitoring, public sensitisation and rapid dissemination of warnings.

“Preparedness should be maintained even in areas with lower flood probability, as flash flooding can develop rapidly during intense rainfall,” NiMet said.