Nineteen states across Nigeria face the risk of flash flooding, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has warned.

The agency said on Thursday that heavy early rains could trigger flash flooding and increased surface runoff because dry, hardened soils limit water absorption into the ground.

States at risk include Zamfara, Nasarawa, Kwara, Oyo, Lagos, Ogun, Ekiti, Delta, Imo, Anambra, Enugu, Ebonyi, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Rivers, Edo, Ondo, and Bayelsa.

NiMet warned that potential consequences include road flooding, traffic delays, damage to homes and farmlands, blocked drains, power and telecommunications outages, and heightened risks of injuries and water-borne diseases.

The agency urged residents to clear blocked drainage systems and monitor weather updates and flood warnings. Motorists and pedestrians were advised to avoid driving or walking through flooded areas.

NiMet also called on authorities and stakeholders to strengthen emergency preparedness and response coordination to minimize flood-related risks.

“An informed community is a prepared community. Know the risks and act early,” the advisory stated.

The warning follows an earlier federal government alert that 14,118 communities across 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory face severe flooding risks in 2026.

The affected states are Abia, Adamawa, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Enugu, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, Zamfara, and the FCT.