26 Jan 2022 | 05:59 PM UTC
Algeria, Morocco: Adverse weather forecast across parts of western Algeria and eastern and central Morocco through at least Jan. 27
Severe weather forecast in parts of western Algeria and eastern and central Morocco through at least Jan. 27. Disruptions possible.
Event
Heavy rainfall, snowfall, cold temperatures, strong winds, and thunderstorms are forecast across parts of western Algeria and eastern and central Morocco through at least Jan. 27.
As of Jan. 26, Meteo Algerie has issued the following warnings across western Algeria:
Orange warnings (second-highest level on a four-tier scale) for heavy rain: Bechar, Beni Abbes, and eastern Tindouf provinces
Orange warnings for snow and ice: Naama and southern Tlemcen provinces
Yellow warnings (third-highest level on a four-tier scale) for heavy rain: Naama Province
Yellow warnings for thunderstorms: Tindouf Province
Yellow warnings for extremely cold temperatures: El Bayadh, northern Bechar, and Naama provinces
As of Jan. 26, the General Directorate of Meteorology (Maroc Meteo) has issued the following warnings across Morocco:
Orange warnings (second-highest level on a four-tier scale) for heavy rainfall, snowfall, strong winds, and cold temperatures: Figuig Province in Oriental Region; Errachidia, Midelt, Ouarzazate, Tinghir, and Zagora provinces in Draa-Tafilalet Region; Azilal Province in Beni Mellal-Khenifra Region; Al Haouz Province in Marrakesh-Safi Region; and Taroudant Province in Souss-Massa Region
Yellow warnings (third-highest level on a four-tier scale) for heavy rainfall, snowfall, strong winds, and cold temperatures: across the rest of the affected area
Officials could update and possibly extend the coverage of the weather warnings over the coming days.
Hazardous Conditions
The storms could produce rounds of heavy precipitation (including rain and snow), strong winds, and isolated thunderstorm activity in parts of western Algeria and eastern and central Morocco. Where precipitation falls as rain, flash and areal flooding is possible. Such flooding is especially possible in low-lying communities near watercourses and other large bodies of water, as well as in urban areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream of large reservoirs may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall.
Precipitation could fall as snow in the higher elevations over the coming days. Wind gusts could cause blowing and drifting snow; decreased visibility is likely in mountainous areas. Rain-induced landslides cannot be discounted in areas of elevated terrain; there is also the possibility of avalanches in mountainous areas where the snowpack has become unstable due to heavy snowfall. Power outages could occur in affected areas.
Transport
Floodwaters and related debris may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Flooding in urban areas could also result in significant traffic congestion. Heavy snow will likely make driving hazardous in some areas; authorities could implement temporary road closures or detours in such locations. Mountain passes and tunnels could be closed as a precautionary measure during periods of intense snowfall.
The disruptive weather may cause some delays and cancellations at regional airports. Authorities may temporarily suspend port operations if strong winds trigger hazardous sea conditions, impacting freight and passenger maritime traffic. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are possible in areas that see heavy rainfall and track blockages.
Disruptions triggered by inclement weather and resultant hazards, such as flooding or avalanches, could persist well after weather conditions have improved; it could take days before any floodwaters recede and/or officials clear debris. If there is severe damage to infrastructure, repair or reconstruction efforts may result in residual disruptions.
Advice
Monitor local sources for weather-related updates and advisories. Confirm all transport reservations and business arrangements prior to travel in affected areas. Seek updated information on road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where severe weather is forecast; plan for possible supply chain disruptions if routing shipments through affected areas. Stay away from streams, creeks, and other watercourses that are prone to flash flooding. Do not attempt to navigate flooded roadways. Exercise caution in elevated terrain due to the threat of landslides. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.
