News & Reports

Washington State has declared a statewide emergency and activated the State Emergency Operations Center at its highest level due to a powerful atmospheric river, causing severe flooding, evacuations, road closures, and power outages in some areas. Rising river levels are threatening low-lying communities across the Puget Sound region, with emergency services conducting rescues from flooded homes and vehicles. Authorities have issued evacuation orders in parts of the affected region, including areas near major rivers. Several rivers are at major flood stage, and officials warn of possible levee overtopping and infrastructure damage. Further rainfall is forecast, and flooding risks are expected to persist into the coming days.   Advice: * Follow evacuation orders immediately. * Avoid flooded roads and riverbanks; do not drive through standing or moving water. * Prepare a go-kit in case of evacuation (water, food, medications, documents, chargers, pet supplies). * Expect significant travel disruptions, road closures, and power outages across the region. * Avoid basements and other low-lying or underground areas, which may flood rapidly and without warning. * Monitor updates from local emergency management authorities and official weather services.  

Morocco’s General Directorate of Meteorology has issued an Orange Vigilance Alert for today, forecasting locally heavy rain and thunderstorms of 20–30 mm in several western provinces from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM, while snowfall of 10–20 cm is expected above 1,900 meters across central and southern mountain regions from 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM; authorities warn of potential flash flooding, difficult mountain travel, reduced visibility and hazardous road conditions.   Advice: - Avoid travel in affected mountain areas due to snowfall, reduced visibility and slippery roads. - Exercise caution in regions expecting heavy rain as flash flooding is possible. - Check road conditions and weather updates before travelling, especially on national and mountainous routes.  

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In recent hours, there have been reports of renewed and worsening military clashes along the Thai-Cambodian border. Exchanges of fire and shelling have been reported on both sides. The renewed clashes are leading to a large-scale evacuation of the population from the border areas. Advice: - Avoid the border area between Thailand and Cambodia completely, especially rural areas and unofficial crossing points. Avoid non-essential travel in northeastern Thailand and northwestern Cambodia - In the media and while traveling in the area, be alert and prepare for rapid changes in the security situation. Follow the instructions of local authorities on the ground. - Stay updated on communication tools and embassies for ongoing updates.

A nationwide train strike is planned for December 11-12 and is expected to disrupt rail traffic. Expect significant delays, partial shutdowns, and heavy congestion on trains and subways. Local authorities are preparing with additional buses and taxis, but heavy congestion is also expected. Advice: - Avoid non-essential travel during peak hours on public transport, especially on trains or subways during the strike. - Check your route in advance. Check the updated train and subway timetables in advance and consider alternative modes of transport. - Due to the strike, road congestion is expected, so be prepared for extended travel times and allow extra time for your trip. - Stay tuned to local news for official updates.

A large fire on the top floor of a six story apartment building on West 107th Street near Amsterdam Avenue has led to a full vacate order for the building, a partial roof collapse and a collapse zone that keeps parts of the surrounding street closed to traffic and pedestrians, with dozens of residents displaced and icy conditions on nearby sidewalks and roadways from firefighting operations affecting local movement in the area.   Advice: - Avoid the blocks around West 107th Street and Amsterdam Avenue and use alternative routes for walking, taxis and ride shares. - Expect localized traffic delays, detours and emergency vehicle activity on nearby Upper West Side streets. - If your accommodation is close to the scene, follow building management instructions and be prepared for possible access restrictions or brief utility disruptions. - Do not gather near the fire scene to take photos or watch; keep clear of the collapse zone and icy pavements around active operations.  

Record breaking extreme rainfall has led to severe flooding in Jeddah, with streets and low lying areas inundated, traffic moving slowly or becoming blocked in places, and outdoor activities along the waterfront heavily affected, including disruptions to screenings and events around the Red Sea Film Festival as torrential rain and standing water make it difficult to reach some venues and move safely around the city.   Advice: - Avoid non essential travel within Jeddah during peak flooding and do not drive through water covered streets, tunnels or underpasses. - Stay away from seafront promenades, low lying coastal areas and flooded sidewalks where currents and hidden hazards can pose risks. - If you are attending the Red Sea Film Festival or other events, check for schedule changes, venue moves or cancellations and allow extra time to reach any screenings that go ahead. - Choose indoor activities, keep phones and power banks charged and carry water, snacks and essential medicines in case you are delayed while moving around the city.  

A major winter storm linked to a weakened polar vortex is driving Arctic air across large parts of the central and eastern United States, with heavy snow, ice and hazardous winds affecting cities from the Great Lakes to the Northeast, where snow squalls, freezing rain and gusts that can approach 70 mph are expected to create treacherous road conditions, significant airport delays and cancellations, and low visibility along busy routes such as the I 95 corridor just as pre holiday travel peaks.   Advice: - Avoid non-essential road travel in areas under winter storm or snow alerts, especially during periods of heavy snowfall and low visibility. - Reconfirm flights and trains before leaving for the airport or station, and expect delays or cancellations at hubs serving Chicago, Detroit, New York City, Philadelphia and Boston. - If you must drive, allow extra time, carry warm clothing, water and snacks, and be prepared for rapidly changing conditions on interstates and urban highways. - Build flexibility into pre-holiday itineraries, including backup travel days and alternative routes, and monitor reliable local weather and transport updates throughout your journey.  

Storm Byron is forecast to pound Israel with exceptional rainfall and strong winds, bringing a high risk of urban flooding in coastal cities like Tel Aviv and Haifa, flash floods in desert wadis near the Dead Sea and Negev highways, dangerous waves along Mediterranean beaches and potential road closures, traffic jams and localized power cuts that can disrupt access to Ben Gurion and Ramon airports as well as intercity travel plans.   Advice: - Avoid non essential travel during peak rainfall, especially on coastal routes and desert highways prone to flooding. - Stay away from wadis, low underpasses, the Dead Sea area and coastal breakwaters, and never drive through water covering the road. - Reconfirm flights, trains and buses on the day of travel and allow extra time to reach airports in case of closures or severe congestion. - If staying in affected cities, plan indoor activities, keep phones and power banks charged and have water, snacks and essential medicines accessible in your accommodation.  

Storm Bram is battering the UK with gusts approaching 90 mph, heavy rain and coastal waves, bringing rail and ferry cancellations across Scotland, significant disruption on lines between major cities, flooding and closures on key roads and motorways, speed restrictions for traffic and power cuts affecting thousands of properties, with attractions such as Christmas markets in Edinburgh and Glasgow forced to close rides and outdoor areas as high wind and rain warnings remain in place and further travel disruption is likely.   Advice: - Avoid non essential travel in the worst affected parts of Scotland and northern England while strong wind warnings are active. - Reconfirm rail, bus and ferry services on the day of travel, especially routes to and from Edinburgh, Glasgow and the Highlands, and be prepared for cancellations and delays. - If driving, check live traffic updates, avoid exposed bridges and coastal roads and allow extra time for slower speeds and possible diversions. - Stay away from seafronts, piers and harbour walls where large waves and spray are reaching roads and walkways. - If you are staying in an affected area, plan indoor activities, keep phones and power banks charged in case of outages and have water, snacks and a flashlight available in your accommodation.