THE country is expecting heavy rains between January 13 and 25 which are likely to bring floods in some parts of the country.

Meteorological Service Department's head of Public Weather Service, Mr Tich Zinyemba said in a statement yesterday that the peak for the rain- fall would be between January 19 and 25.

Heavy rains, which pounded the country soon after New Year's Day, had eased in the last week.

Mr Zinyemba said amounts exceeding 80 millilitres would be expected during the period.

He said there would be violent thunderstorms and flash flooding principally in susceptible places and poorly drained soils.

Mr Zinyemba encouraged people to take precaution measures to safeguard life and property.

"Electricity and telephone authorities are to ensure that trees in the vicinity of their lines are cleared as there is danger of lighting strikes or trees being brought down," he said.

Mr Zinyemba warned motorists to desist from parking vehicles under big and old trees which may fall on the cars.

"People should refrain from parking their vehicles under big trees as they may fall and agro-chemicals should be applied sparingly as there is an increased probability of water logging," he said.

Heavy rains usually result in floods in areas such as Muzarabani, Tsholotsho, Chikwarakwara and the Save river system.