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Battering Winds and Downpours: Morocco Prepares for Extreme Weather

Friday 09 February 2024 - 11:17

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Morocco is gearing up for a relentless assault of thunderstorms, heavy snowfall, and dangerously strong winds across multiple provinces in the next 48 hours.

Today, the country's weather agency raised the alert level to red, its highest designation, warning that gusts could reach speeds of up to 120 km/h in several northern coastal cities. These tumultuous conditions are expected to persist from Friday evening through Saturday morning.

"We strongly advise citizens across Morocco to exercise extreme caution over the next two days," urged Fatima Ahmed, a spokesperson for the National Motorway Company. "Keep a close eye on weather updates and avoid unnecessary outings if possible."

The hardest-hit areas are anticipated to be the northwestern provinces of M'diq-Fnideq, Al Hoceima, and Chefchaouen. Meteorologists are predicting severe wind speeds exceeding 100 km/h in coastal cities like Tangier and Larache, with localized dust storms potentially reducing visibility.

Inland regions won't be spared either, as the country's interior braces for up to 110mm of torrential rain, equivalent to more than a month's worth of precipitation in just 48 hours. Additionally, mountain towns such as Ifrane and Azilal are expected to experience heavier snowfall than usual.

Given the likelihood of hazardous road conditions during the peak of the storms, Morocco's highway authority has advised drivers to stay updated on traffic reports before embarking on any journeys. Citizens are urged to exercise extreme caution until the red alert is lifted on Saturday evening.

For now, Moroccans are urged to prepare for the elements and hope that the storms pass without causing significant damage in their aftermath.