Morocco: Adverse weather forecast in some western and northern regions through Oct. 16

Severe weather is forecast to affect some western and northern regions of Morocco through at least Oct. 16. As of Oct. 15, officials had issued orange warnings (second-highest level on a four-tier scale) for heavy rain and strong winds in the following regions:

• Agadir-Ida Ou Tanane Prefecture

• Al Haouz Province

• Azilal Province

• Chichaoua Province

• El Kelaa des Sraghna Province

• Essaouira Province

• Marrakesh Prefecture

• Rehamna Province

• Safi Province

• Tangier-Assilah Prefecture

• Taroudant Province

• Youssoufia Province

Rainfall totaling 2-4 cm (0.8-1.6 inches) is forecast in the abovementioned regions through at least 18:00 Oct. 16. 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 heavy rain has saturated the soil.

Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks. 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 the affected areas. Flooding could block regional rail lines, and freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are likely to affect areas that experience heavy rainfall and 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.