Casablanca, Morocco – A fierce Atlantic storm, known as “Bernard,” made landfall on Morocco’s shores last Sunday, resulting in three fatalities, widespread travel disruptions, and material damages across the nation.
Material losses in various areas of Morocco due to the storm-Source: X
This meteorological event unleashed gusty winds and swirling dust, leading to reduced visibility and vehicular collisions on the highway connecting Casablanca and Marrakech. Tragically, the storm claimed the lives of three individuals and left four others with severe injuries.
Social media users shared images and videos depicting road accidents caused by the powerful storm, along with incidents of toppled streetlights and fallen trees, which obstructed traffic flow.
العاصفة الأطلسية الهوجاء ”برنارد“ تصل إلى #المغرب بسرعة تصل إلى 110 كلم في الساعة مصحوبة بأمطار قوية و تطاير للغبار pic.twitter.com/ZPoPFb6dpo
— aswat أصوات 24 (@aswat24com) October 22, 2023
The storm is expected to persist until Monday evening, bringing heavy rainfall to various regions of the country. The General Directorate of Meteorology (official) issued a red alert warning, anticipating winds exceeding 100 kilometers per hour in multiple areas of the kingdom.
Storm Bernard:
The strong winds that swept through Morocco prompted alarm among many Moroccans, who opted to stay indoors, exercise caution, and only venture outside when necessary. According to Mohamed Ben Abou, an expert in environmental engineering and climate change, Morocco experienced a potent tropical storm with wind speeds reaching up to 106 kilometers per hour in some cities, resulting in road closures and material losses.
🌎عاصفة برنارد تضرب المغرب 🇲🇦
الأحد٢٢ أكتوبر ٢٠٢٣م#عاصفة #عاصفة_رملية #المغرب#اعصار_تيج #الحالةالمدارية #الحالة_المدارية #اعتذار_اسرائيل #كتائب_القسام #غزة_تستغيث #كرم_أبو_سالم #معتز #القدس_تفضح_الحوثي #وعدنا_الدرة_غدا #غزه_تقاوم #مستشفى_القدس pic.twitter.com/fwahsfAOPl— جغرافية الطقس والمناخ – مصر والعالم (@WGeographical) October 22, 2023
Ben Abou, speaking to Sky News Arabic, stated that this weather phenomenon is expected to persist in several regions of the kingdom on Monday, with intermittent thunderstorms bringing up to 50 millimeters of rain, particularly in the northern and Atlantic regions.
The spokesperson elaborated that the storm that struck Morocco is a meteorological phenomenon christened “Storm Bernard” by the Spanish National Weather Agency. It formed in the mid-Atlantic Ocean and is forecasted to reach southern France. He further indicated that the wind speed of this storm could reach up to 140 kilometers per hour on the Spanish coasts, accompanied by heavy rainfall.
The climate expert noted that strong storms often form due to the influence of climate change on surface waters of the seas and oceans, with warmer waters increasing the likelihood of encountering more storms that could evolve into powerful hurricanes.
Transportation Disruptions:
As images and videos of road accidents and halted vehicles circulated during the storm, the National Motorway Company in Morocco urged road users to avoid travel during the storm. In a statement, the company confirmed strong winds and dust swirling on the motorway network on Sunday, coinciding with the back-to-school period.
Regarding air travel, several flights headed for Mohammed V International Airport in Casablanca on Sunday had to alter their routes to Marrakech and Agadir airports. Furthermore, takeoffs were delayed for some flights, and others were canceled due to the inclement weather conditions.
In summary, Storm Bernard has left a trail of destruction and disruption in Morocco, with lives lost, transportation severely affected, and property damaged. The storm is expected to persist, and authorities are urging citizens to exercise caution and stay informed about the rapidly evolving weather conditions.
| Event | Impact |
|---|---|
| Tragic Road Incident | A powerful storm, identified as the Atlantic storm “Bernard,” struck Morocco on Sunday, leading to a horrific road accident on the highway between Casablanca and Marrakech. This accident resulted in the unfortunate loss of three lives and left four others seriously injured. The storm caused high winds and dust, significantly reducing visibility for drivers and resulting in vehicle collisions on the highway. |
| Public Disruption | Social media users have shared images and videos documenting car accidents caused by the strong storm. Additionally, street lighting poles collapsed, and trees fell in some areas, impeding traffic flow. |
| Weather Forecast | The storm, “Bernard,” is expected to continue until Monday evening, with heavy rainfall in various regions of the country. The General Directorate of Meteorology issued a red alert, warning of winds exceeding 100 kilometers per hour in multiple regions of the kingdom. |
| Expert Opinion | Mohamed Ben Abo, an expert in environmental engineering and climate change, explained that Morocco experienced a powerful tropical storm with wind speeds reaching up to 106 kilometers per hour in some cities, resulting in road closures and material losses. He further anticipates that this weather phenomenon will persist in several regions of the kingdom on Monday, with intermittent thundery rain showers, especially in the northern and Atlantic regions. |
| Origin of the Storm | “Bernard” is a meteorological phenomenon that originated in the Atlantic Ocean, and it is expected to reach the south of France. According to Ben Abo, the speed of this storm may reach up to 140 kilometers per hour on the Spanish coast, accompanied by heavy rainfall. |
| Climate Change Impact | Ben Abo emphasized that powerful storms like this are a consequence of climate change affecting surface waters of oceans and seas. The warmer these waters are, the higher the likelihood of encountering more storms that can develop into strong hurricanes. |
| Transportation Disruptions | Following the circulation of images and videos of the traffic incidents on the highway and the suspension of vehicles, Morocco’s National Road Company urged road users to avoid travel during the storm. In terms of air travel, several flights destined for Mohammed V International Airport in Casablanca on Sunday were forced to change their routes to Marrakech and Agadir airports. Additionally, several departures were delayed, and some flights were canceled due to the unstable weather conditions. |
