Algeria, Morocco: Adverse winter weather forecast across much of northern Algeria and central and eastern Morocco through at least Jan. 28 /update 2

Event

Heavy rainfall, snowfall, and cold temperatures are forecast across much of northern Algeria and central and eastern Morocco through at least Jan. 28. Hazardous travel conditions are likely across the affected region due to slippery roads and reduced visibility caused by blowing snow.

As of Jan. 27, the Algerian National Office of Meteorology had issued orange snow and ice warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale) across much of northern Algeria, except for some northeastern and northwestern coastal areas. Orange and yellow rainfall warnings have been issued for most coastal areas and some inland areas of northern Algeria. Orange and yellow extreme cold warnings have been issued for inland areas of the affected region. Snowfall accumulations of 10-15 cm (4-6 inches) are possible across areas under orange snow warnings, and rainfall totals of 2-4 cm (0.8-1.6 inches) in areas under orange rain warnings. Maximum daytime temperatures of 4 to 6 C (39 to 43 F) and minimum nighttime temperatures of -6 to -3 (21 to 27 F) are forecast in areas under orange cold temperature warnings.

The Moroccan Directorate General of Meteorology has issued orange heavy snowfall warnings across the central and eastern spine of the country, roughly corresponding with the area covered by the Atlas mountains. Rainfall is also forecast at lower elevations across much of the country; however, no warnings have been issued. Orange cold snap warnings have been issued across most inland areas of central and eastern Morocco, with yellow warnings in place along the coast.

Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming days.

Hazardous Conditions
Precipitation is forecast to fall as snow across parts of the affected regions over the coming days, especially in areas of higher elevation. Wind gusts could cause blowing and drifting snow; decreased visibility is likely in mountainous areas. There is also the possibility of avalanches in mountainous areas where the snowpack has become unstable due to heavy snowfall. Power outages could occur throughout the affected areas.

Flash and areal flooding are possible where precipitation falls as rain. Such flooding is particularly 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.

Transport
The adverse weather will likely cause ground and air transport disruptions in affected regions over the coming days. Traffic and commercial trucking delays are possible along regional highways. Difficult and potentially dangerous driving conditions are also likely on secondary and rural roadways in the affected regions as maintenance crews prioritize clearing major routes. Authorities could close stretches of highways if driving conditions become too hazardous. Gusty winds may threaten to topple high-profile vehicles. Flight delays and cancellations are likely due to ground stops and deicing operations at airports in affected regions.

Advice

Monitor local media for updated weather information. Verify road conditions before driving in areas where heavy snowfall or other severe weather phenomena are forecast. Allow extra time to reach destinations in these areas and carry an emergency kit and warm clothes if driving is necessary, especially on secondary or rural routes that could become impassable. Plan accordingly for delivery delays if routing shipments by truck through the affected areas. Confirm flights. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.

Resources

Algerian National Office of Meteorology
Morocco Directorate General of Meteorology