More rain expected over Southern Ghana as slow-moving storm approaches – GMet warns

The Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMet) has issued a fresh weather warning, forecasting more rainfall and thunderstorms across several parts of southern Ghana just a day after devastating floods claimed lives, displaced hundreds of residents and caused widespread destruction across the Greater Accra Region.

In its latest impact-based weather update issued on Tuesday, June 30, GMet said a slow-moving rainstorm currently positioned off the coast of Benin is expected to drift westwards, generating extensive rain-bearing clouds capable of producing thunderstorms and moderate to heavy rainfall over large sections of the country.

The Agency warned residents, motorists and emergency responders to remain vigilant, stressing that the weather system could trigger localized flooding, poor visibility and other hazardous conditions.

According to GMet, the Volta, Greater Accra, Eastern and Central regions face the highest likelihood of experiencing thunderstorms and rain from Tuesday morning through the early afternoon.

The forecast indicates that these regions have a probability exceeding 60 percent of receiving rainfall between 8:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., raising concerns about renewed flooding in already affected communities.

The Agency further projected that the weather system would gradually spread inland later in the day, affecting parts of the Ashanti, Bono, Ahafo, Western North and Western regions.

"The storm will trigger rain-bearing clouds and produce thunderstorms or rain over Ashanti, Bono, Ahafo and Western North regions later in the day," GMet stated.

Rainfall in those regions is expected between 10:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., with a medium to high probability of occurrence ranging between 40 and 60 percent.

GMet has urged the public to take precautionary measures to reduce the risk of injuries and accidents during the anticipated storms.

The Agency warned that strong winds accompanying the thunderstorms could bring down trees, electricity poles and overhead power lines, while heavy rainfall may significantly reduce visibility for motorists.

Drivers have therefore been advised to reduce speed, switch on their headlights where necessary and avoid driving through flooded roads.

Pedestrians have also been cautioned against attempting to walk through flowing floodwaters, as even shallow floods can conceal open drains and other dangerous obstacles.

Residents living in flood-prone communities have been encouraged to monitor weather updates closely and follow instructions issued by emergency management agencies.

The latest weather advisory follows one of the most severe flooding incidents to hit Accra in recent years after hours of torrential rainfall inundated several communities across the capital on Monday.

Floodwaters submerged major roads, homes, schools, businesses and transport terminals, bringing economic activity to a standstill in many parts of the city.

Communities including Alajo, Circle, Kaneshie, Adabraka, Achimota, Weija, Madina, Adenta, Lapaz and Spintex experienced significant flooding that stranded thousands of commuters and residents.

At least three people were confirmed dead in Alajo after they were reportedly electrocuted when rising floodwaters came into contact with electrical installations inside their homes.

Emergency response teams from the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), the Ghana National Fire Service, the Ghana Police Service and the Ghana Armed Forces continue rescue operations, damage assessments and relief distribution across affected communities.

Following the flooding, the Greater Accra Regional Minister directed all Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) to deploy emergency response teams into affected communities to coordinate rescue operations and provide immediate assistance to displaced residents.

As part of precautionary measures, the Ghana Grid Company Limited (GRIDCo) and the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) temporarily shut down the Mallam and Achimota primary substations after floodwaters threatened critical electricity infrastructure.

Power has since been restored to several areas after engineers confirmed that water levels had receded and equipment could be safely re-energised.

Meanwhile, authorities continue to monitor weather conditions closely through the Flood Early Warning System for Accra (FEWS-Accra), which generates rainfall forecasts every 10 minutes to support emergency planning and disaster response.

Officials say the system provides real-time weather information that enables emergency agencies to identify areas at risk and coordinate rapid interventions before flooding becomes severe.

With more rainfall forecast over the coming hours, GMet has urged the public to remain alert, avoid unnecessary travel during heavy downpours and promptly report emergencies to the appropriate authorities.

The Agency reiterated that while weather conditions can change rapidly, timely precautionary measures and strict adherence to official safety advisories can significantly reduce the risk to lives and property during periods of severe weather.