So...we decided to head south to Agdz and then west.

Successful so far. The road from Ozt to Agdz is clear, a few bridges down but dry fords to cross. A section across to Taz has roadworks/gravel and they are clearing some large boulders, but all easily passable on 2 wheels or 4. Now chowing down on Tagine at Taz.

Must have only just missed passing Chris.

This probably a stupid question...but any news of the TiziTest?

If your looking to head north the best bet is probably the Agadir to Marrakech motorway rather than the Test pass imho

Ok....epic day of driving and knackered now, but we have just arrived at Marrakech! From Taz we took the route out to Agadir and back up the motorway.

We did stop into a town near the end of the Test. The first policeman reckoned it was clear but to go easy, another said it was closed. I suspect its open but messy, we didn't chance it either way.

Wow, that was some drive. Presumably the bridge at Taliouine has been temporarily mended?

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"For sheer delight there is nothing like altitude; it gives one the thrill of adventure
and enlarges the world in which you live," Irving Mather (1892-1966)

Dramatic pictures here:- Morocco floods death toll rises to 32 as torrents of water wash away buildings | Daily Mail Online

Be careful folks,

Peter

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Atlas Overland - Specialist adventure tour company providing off-road holidays for 4x4 enthusiasts in Europe and North Africa.
Tours to Morocco, Iceland, Arctic Circle, Portugal, Alps, Pyrenees, Eastern Europe, Corsica, and UK weekend tours.

Newsflash issued Tuesday 25 November

Heavy thundery showers could hit Thursday and Friday different parts of Morocco, particularly the central, north and east regions as well as the northern part of the southern provinces, the national weather service (DMN) announced Tuesday as floods killed over the weekend at least 36 people and left 6 others missing.

The severe weather and heavy showers which may reach 120 millimetres in 24 hours, is forecast in the regions of Abda, Doukala, Chiadma, Souss, Al Haouz, Tansift and the High Atlas, said DMN, noting that the heavy rains may continue throughout the weekend until next Monday.

Strong wind as rapid as 60 km/h to is also expected from the southwest on the Atlantic plains and south-east of Morocco.

Torrential rains that poured in some Moroccan southern regions have caused the death of at least 36 persons, including 24 in the province of Guelmim, who were washed away by floods, while 6 are still reported missing, according to the last toll.

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The regions "Abda, Doukala, Chiadma, Souss, Al Haouz, Tansift and the High Atlas" are basically one massive circle around Marrakech encompassing Casablanca, El Jadida, Safi, Essouira, Agadir, Tiznit, then east to Zagora, Ouarzazate and Tinerhir, then north to include Beni Mellal and Marrakech.

The 120mm forecast would be a major innundation and would create additional massive flooding. Looking at the Jetstream forecasts, the rain could last until Sunday.

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"For sheer delight there is nothing like altitude; it gives one the thrill of adventure
and enlarges the world in which you live," Irving Mather (1892-1966)

It was a fairly epic day, but at least the weather was good so we could enjoy the views! Yep the bridge there was fine in Taliouine. The route back was fairly clear other than a few fords and loads of roadworks.

Made it to Mar for 10pmish, found a hotel, booked a flight home and collapsed. Of course yesterday couldn't go to plan could it...Ryanair sent the plane to Adagir due to bad weather so we were 3-4 hours delayed and yesterday was a long one as well.

Props to Medloc on the Pajero rental. I actually found them via a recommendation on here. No probs with the Vehicle and no charge for the late return, actually I think they were fairly surprised we made it back as soon as we we did.

Sadly I'm back at work in London now. Safe travels and thanks for the updates guys, really appreciated. It really did help us decide which way to go

Just when you think things couldn't get much worse, the mountain weather forecast for Imlil area predicts Friday low temperatures of -3ºC at 2500m (chill factor of -8ºC) with 450mm (18 inches) of snow. At 1500m the precipitation is likely to be 75mm (3 inches) of rain.

Imlil is at 1750m so possibly a mix of rain and snow. Major passes such as the Test, the Tichka and the R307 between Demnate and Skoura all reach well over 2000m so I would advise against these routes until any snow is known to be cleared.

The Middle Atlas around Azrou and Ifrane (80km south of Fez) is often a problem with snow but the forecasts are clear with lows around 5ºC.

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"For sheer delight there is nothing like altitude; it gives one the thrill of adventure
and enlarges the world in which you live," Irving Mather (1892-1966)

merged with previous thread and re-titled

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"For sheer delight there is nothing like altitude; it gives one the thrill of adventure
and enlarges the world in which you live," Irving Mather (1892-1966)

Good idea renaming the thread Tim.

Tichka opened this morning for all but artics. Lots of damage to the sides but no missing bits. Took no more time than normal - biggest problem was the outwash and mud on the road. See pic below.
We blazed past a queue of cars waiting to pass over repairs somewhere on the north side - the only blockage bar a still flowing ford north of Aguim - but I don't recognise that video as being that repairs place nor anywhere on the route. I don't think they could have rebuilt that so quickly. (Actually, maybe that was the place - see 3rd pic added. Fast work!).

We decided to come back 2 days early due to weather warnings passed on. Thanks for that.
It may all start again tomorrow if the forecast is correct.

Good to know in future: The bridge at the Nekob turn off south of Agdz on the N9 seems to be a foot lower than the second ford upriver. Ie: you can cross at the ford (with a bike or 4x4 to get onto the ford bed) even when Nekob bridge is underwater and closed by gendarmes. See red water pic below - Oued Draa near Nekob bridge.

Ch

Attached Thumbnails

 

 

 

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Adventure Motorcycling Handbook 8 • Morocco Overland 3 • Overlanders Handbook 2 • Twit

I have always been impressed with the Moroccan road builders who have to compete with the worst that nature can throw at them, but getting the N9 open so quickly is an incredible achievement. Could the UK have reacted so quickly?

This was the before shot just a couple of days ago...



They've bulldozed into the side slope to both create space for the new section and also to bring down enough material to create the roadbed. Really impressive. Let's hope it holds up to tomorrow's storms and they can then finish with concrete and tarmac.



In the meantime... weather warning from both the Moroccan government and British Embassy

Government: Expectation of up to 200 mm (8 inches) of rain tomorrow in the region of Agadir, Tarroudant, Imouzzer des ida Outanane, Essaouira and Chichaoua, and up to 90 mm for the region of Chefchaouen, Tetouan, Ouazzen, Tangier and Larache. Strong wind 90 Kmh. Snow over 1000 m altitude in the High Atlas and Middle Atlas mountains.

British Embassy, Rabat: As you may be aware the recent weather in some parts of Morocco has caused flooding with fatalities and the closure of roads in several areas. Further heavy rain is now forecast for much of Morocco from Thursday 27 November to Saturday 29 November. The worst affected area is forecast to be a triangular region of Safi, Taroudant and Guelmim, but a wider area may be affected. The Moroccan authorities are advising against activities near coastal areas or rivers around Safi, Essaouira, Agadir, Taroudant, Marrakech and the west High Atlas region. In coastal areas high winds of up to 90km/hour are expected, with strong storms and large waves anticipated. It is possible that rivers may flood and bridges and roads may be closed in mountainous areas.

Individuals living or planning to travel through the affected regions should remain in close contact with local officials, their tour operations, and monitor the local media to keep informed of weather developments and travel disruption. Individuals may want to consider the need to travel in the affected regions during this time. To check the condition of roads before travelling call the Moroccan government service on +212 (0) 537 71 17 17 (Note: There may only be Arabic and French speakers available).

Detailed forecasts: for tonight through to Saturday lunchtime predict around 100 mm of rain in Marrakech, Essaouira and Taroudannt, but a massive 190 mm dunking predicted for Agadir. If these predictions come true it's hard to envisage how the drainage systems will cope with 8 inches of rain.

.

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"For sheer delight there is nothing like altitude; it gives one the thrill of adventure
and enlarges the world in which you live," Irving Mather (1892-1966)

The heaviest rainfall today was towards the south. This is a video from today taken by the bridge near Hotel Salaam in the centre of Tafraoute (Anti Atlas)



And some more videos from a few days ago... A car almost goes over in the ford across the Olnnif River near Er Rachidia



This one I think is near Tinerhir

__________________
"For sheer delight there is nothing like altitude; it gives one the thrill of adventure
and enlarges the world in which you live," Irving Mather (1892-1966)

Been pouring down in Marra all night and lashing it down now.
Just heard Tichka closed today - no great surprise.
But also heard that the reservoir in Ozt - dry all summer - has overflowed and the Draa has reached the sea at Tan Tan for the first time in 32 years.
(usual pinch of salt required for that one).

Ch

Added:
The guy here (local from Guelmim) says hespress is a good Moroccan website for up to the minute news.
http://www.hespress.com
Look now and you'll see half a dozen flood videos from towns right across Morocco today.
It looks like last week all over again.

Here with Al Jesse on his 'return to Africa' after 30 years (we met in Dakar then) renting a Loc GS1200LC.
Looks like he may have to make it 31.

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Adventure Motorcycling Handbook 8 • Morocco Overland 3 • Overlanders Handbook 2 • Twit

Unbelievable footage from Tiznit. Can't believe what I am seeing.