Early season cold wave, snowfall hit Morocco

Residents woke up to snow-covered surroundings in Morocco on November 16, 2019, as heavy snowfall came earlier than usual. The country's weather office issued an announcement regarding a cold wave in several cities, including Ifrane. 

Ifrane usually sees heavy snow in January, but temperatures hitting freezing points made it possible for citizens to celebrate Morocco's favorite winter wonderland as early as November.

However, along with the beauty of early snowfall are risks that inhabitants would have to face daily. Authorities warned people to take precautionary measures in dealing with freezing temperatures and snowy environments.

Ifrane's provincial director of equipment, transports, logistics, and water, Younes El Mesini discussed the region's plans to cope with the consequences of cold wave, particularly in mountainous areas.

El Mesini told Maghreb Arab Press (MAP) that the operations had just commenced, "with the maintenance of snow removal equipment and the reinforcement of telecommunication means, as well as the supply of tools for the treatment and acceleration of snowmelt."

60 icebreakers, 13 bulldozers, and 12 ambulances have been prepared by the region's authorities should any unforeseen snow-related circumstances occur.

Featured image credit: Bouchaib Falah/YouTube