As Storm Jana hits Western Europe with gusts exceeding 150 km/h, the strong winds observed in Morocco in recent days are not directly related. According to Houcine Youabed, communications manager at the General Directorate of Meteorology, these weather conditions are explained by an independent low-pressure system located near the Portuguese coast. «This is not an extension of Storm Jana, but rather a classic winter depression phenomenon, which brings strong winds and heavy rainfall to Morocco», he clarified in a statement to Assahra Al-Maghribia. This system influences a large area from Portugal to Morocco, generating winds blowing up to 85 km/h and heavy showers in several regions of the kingdom. Rainfall is expected to be particularly intense in the north, center, and east of the country, with accumulations ranging from 80 to 150 mm in cities like Tangier, Chefchaouen, Tetouan, Larache, and Al Hoceima. Snowfall is also forecast on elevations exceeding 1,500 meters, especially in the High and Middle Atlas, where up to 70 cm of snow is anticipated. While the strong wind poses a major danger, it remains well below the extreme gusts recorded in Northern Europe due to Storm Jana. In Morocco, gusts will reach 85 km/h, particularly in coastal areas, with waves of 4 to 5 meters expected between Tangier and Tan-Tan. Moroccan authorities are calling for vigilance, especially in high-risk areas. «Citizens should avoid riverbeds, limit their movements, and follow the recommendations of the competent services», insists Houcine Youabed. The red alert level remains in effect until Monday noon, confirming that these weather conditions, though severe, are not a direct consequence of the storm affecting Europe.
