Morocco: Adverse weather forecast across much of the country through at least Oct. 20 /update 1

Event

Heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and strong winds are forecast across much of Morocco through at least Oct. 20. Rainfall totals of up to 7.5 cm (3 inches) are possible in northern regions Oct. 19-20. Strong winds gusting up to 100 kph (62 mph) are also expected across much of the country. Heavy downpours could trigger flooding in low-lying areas and landslides on unstable slopes. Strong winds may cause property damage and power outages.

Morocco's General Directorate of Meteorology has issued the following weather warnings across the affected area Oct. 19-20:

• Orange heavy rainfall warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale): Across Tanger-Tetouan-Al Hoceima and parts of central and eastern Beni Mellal-Khenifra, central and northern Fez-Meknes, southern Marrakech-Safi, and coastal areas of Rabat-Sale-Kenitra regions.

• Orange strong wind warnings: Across much of central and northern Morocco.

• Yellow heavy rainfall warnings: Across much of the rest of Beni Mellal-Khenifra, Fez-Meknes, Marrakech-Safi, and Rabat-Sale-Kenitra regions not under orange warnings and parts of northern Draa-Tafilalet and northern Oriental regions.

• Yellow thunderstorm warnings: Across the western Tanger-Tetouan-Al Hoceima Region.

• Yellow strong wind warnings: Across most of the rest of the country not under orange wind warnings, with the exception of some southern regions.

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

Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where the soil has become saturated by heavy rainfall.

Authorities could issue mandatory evacuation orders for flood-prone communities over the coming days. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks.

Due to the arid nature of the region and poor stormwater management in some urban areas, even minor rainfall accumulations could quickly result in episodes of flash flooding. Flooding is possible in streams and wadis (dry riverbeds). Significant rainfall may be preceded by moderate winds and dust storms, though some areas - particularly desert areas - may experience high levels of dust without rain.

Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters. Severe weather could also trigger flight delays and cancellations at airports in affected regions. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are likely in areas with heavy rainfall and potential track inundation.

Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.

Advice

Monitor local media for weather updates and related advisories. Confirm all transport reservations and business appointments before travel. Make allowances for localized travel delays and potential supply chain disruptions where flooding has been forecast. Do not drive on flooded roads. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.