02 Mar 2023 | 05:08 PM UTC
Algeria: Adverse winter weather forecast across northern regions through at least March 3
Snowfall, rainfall, and thunderstorms forecast across northern Algeria through March 3. Hazardous travel conditions likely.
Event
A mix of snowfall, rainfall, thunderstorms, and cold temperatures is forecast across much of northern Algeria through at least March 3. The heaviest snowfall is forecast to occur in elevated parts of the region, with snowfall accumulations of 10-20 cm (4-8 inches) possible in north-central and northeastern areas. Rainfall totals of 2-4 cm (0.8-1.6 inches) are expected in north-central and northeastern coastal regions, with localized heavier downpours. Hazardous travel conditions are likely due to slippery roads and reduced visibility caused by blowing snow in mountainous areas. Several mountain roads in Bejaia, Bouira, and Tizi Ouzou provinces are closed as of March 2 due to safety reasons.
As of March 2, the Algerian National Office of Meteorology has issued the following warnings:
Orange snow and ice warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale): Batna, Bejaia, Blida, Bordj Bou Arreridj, Bouira, Boumerdes, Constantine, Guelma, Jijel, Khenchela, Medea, Mila, Oum El Bouaghi, Setif, Skikda, Souk Ahras, Tebessa, and Tizi Ouzou provinces.
Orange rainfall warnings: Algiers, Annaba, Bejaia, Blida, Bouira, Boumerdes, El Tarf, Jijel, Medea, Mila, northern Setif, Skikda, Souk Ahras, Tipaza, and Tizi Ouzou provinces.
Yellow snowfall warnings: Sidi Bel Abbes, Tiaret, and Tissmesilt provinces.
Yellow rainfall warnings: Across the rest of north-central and northeastern Algeria not under orange rainfall warnings.
Yellow thunderstorm warnings: Across north-central and northeastern Algeria.
Yellow cold temperature warnings: Across much of the interior of northern Algeria.
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.
