Schools in rural parts of Tetouan have been ordered to suspend classes on Wednesday, with afternoon lessons also cancelled at urban schools, as northern Morocco braces for heavy rain and strong winds that have put several provinces on high alert.
The General Directorate of Meteorology (DGM) has forecast rainfall of 80 to 110 millimeters in Tetouan, Chefchaouen, Ouezzane and Al Hoceima, as well as Taza, Taounate and Sidi Kacem, during Wednesday and Thursday.
Wind gusts could reach 100 kilometers per hour in some areas, while thunderstorms, hail and rising water levels pose further risks.
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Wali Younes Tazi ordered a heightened state of alert on Tuesday evening across several northern provinces, including Tetouan, Chefchaouen, Ouezzane, Ksar El Kebir and areas around Tangier and Larache.
The move followed a weather warning issued earlier in the day and prompted emergency meetings to review preparations for possible flooding and disruption to road traffic.
In Tetouan, the provincial vigilance committee urged residents to stay away from riverbeds, streams and flooded crossings, warning that water levels could rise rapidly during heavy downpours.
People were also advised to avoid unnecessary journeys, keep clear of objects that could be dislodged by strong winds and comply with evacuation orders if issued by local authorities.
The provincial education directorate suspended classes at schools in rural municipalities and cancelled Wednesday afternoon sessions at urban schools following a meeting chaired by the provincial governor on Tuesday evening.
Officials said further meetings would determine when classes could resume, depending on weather conditions and subsequent DGM alerts.
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In Tangier-Assilah, school closures will be decided locally rather than imposed across the prefecture.
The provincial education directorate has authorized school heads to assess conditions in coordination with local authorities and parents’ associations, particularly in rural areas around Had Gharbia, Assilah and Sidi Lyamani.
The Ministry of Equipment and Water, meanwhile, warned motorists against travelling to or from affected provinces unless necessary, citing the risk of flooded roads and poor visibility.
Drivers were urged to avoid night journeys, when accumulated water may be difficult to spot.
The ministry said heavy rainfall and strong winds could disrupt traffic on national, regional and provincial roads, particularly near waterways and in flood-prone areas.
Larache is expected to receive between 50 and 80mm of rain, while Tangier-Assilah, Fahs-Anjra and M’diq-Fnideq could see between 30 and 50mm.
Tazi is overseeing the regional response in coordination with provincial governors, while emergency services and equipment have been mobilized to deal with possible flooding and other weather-related incidents.
The DGM warning remains in effect through Thursday, November 12.
