30 Jan 2023 | 05:28 PM UTC
Morocco: Adverse winter weather forecast across much of the country through at least Feb. 2
Snowfall, rainfall, strong winds, and cold temperatures forecast across Morocco through at least Feb. 2. Hazardous travel conditions likely.
Event
Cold temperatures, strong winds, snowfall over higher ground, and rainfall are forecast across Morocco through at least Feb. 2. Temperature lows could reach -8 C (18 F) in the Atlas mountains over the coming days, with snowfall likely over the higher peaks. Isolated rainfall is possible in coastal areas. Hazardous travel conditions are likely, especially in mountainous areas due to slippery roads and reduced visibility caused by blowing snow.
As of Jan. 30, the Moroccan Directorate General of Meteorology has issued the following weather warnings across the country:
Orange heavy snowfall warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale): Across elevated parts of central Morocco.
Orange strong wind warnings: Across parts of western Morocco.
Orange cold snap warnings: Across inland areas of central, eastern, and northern Morocco.
Yellow heavy snowfall warnings: Parts of Beni Mellal-Khenifra region in central Morocco.
Yellow heavy rainfall warnings: Parts of Tanger-Tetouan-Al Hoceima region in northern Morocco.
Yellow strong wind warnings: Across much of southern and parts of central, northeastern, and western Morocco.
Yellow cold snap warnings: Across most of the country not under orange warnings.
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 elevated areas of Morocco over the coming days. 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 is 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.
