News & Reports

Heavy and persistent rain is forecast to impact several UK regions from this morning as a cold front moves in, bringing a significant drop in temperatures. There is a heightened risk of localised flooding and major travel disruption. Rainfall totals may reach 20-40 mm in south-west Scotland, 30-50 mm in southern Wales, and 20-30 mm in Northern Ireland. Devon and Cornwall are also expected to experience rain and gale-force winds until Wednesday evening. As colder air moves southward, overnight frosts are likely, with snow possible on higher ground in Scotland later in the week. Advice: - Avoid non-essential travel in flood-prone or coastal areas while warnings are in effect. - Expect road closures, train delays, and difficult driving conditions due to surface water and poor visibility. - Stay indoors during peak rainfall and wind periods, and avoid rivers, cliffs, and low-lying areas. - Prepare for possible freezing overnight conditions, carry warm clothing and emergency supplies when travelling.  

Resident doctors who are members of the British Medical Association have announced a 6-day strike from November 14 at 7AM until November 19 at 7AM. This is one of the most extensive and longest strikes in the UK health system. During the strike, widespread disruptions are expected in the public health service (NHS), including cancellations and postponements of operations, appointments, and tests, as well as a significant reduction in the availability of doctors in hospitals and clinics. Emergency services will continue to operate as usual, but are expected to experience overload, leading to long wait times. Advice: - In non-urgent cases, avoid visiting public clinics and hospitals during the strike days. - Check in advance the availability of private clinics and hospitals in your area - Stock up on medicines and printed prescriptions in advance. - In an emergency, call 999 or go directly to the emergency department at your nearest hospital.

Retired military veterans have blocked key roads and intersections across Guatemala as part of ongoing demonstrations near the national congress and other main routes. The blockades are causing severe traffic congestion, delays in public and cargo transport, and limited access to Guatemala City. Several highways, including those connecting to Chimaltenango, Escuintla, and Alta Verapaz, are partially or fully obstructed. The protests began early in the morning and are expected to continue through the day, with movement in affected areas remaining unpredictable.   Advice: - Avoid all non-essential travel along major highways and into central Guatemala City until the situation stabilises. - Expect heavy delays and plan additional travel time if movement is unavoidable. - Reconfirm public transport schedules before departure as routes may be diverted or suspended. - Keep fuel and essential supplies stocked in case of extended disruptions. - Monitor Guatemalan news outlets and local radio for verified traffic and protest updates. https://republica.com/  

Thousands of people are protesting in central Belgrade after the government approved a law fast-tracking a controversial redevelopment project at a historic army complex. The protests have led to significant traffic congestion and public transport diversions near Kneza Miloša Street, Nemanjina Street, and Slavija Square. Police have cordoned off parts of the city center, and movement around government buildings is restricted. Evening rallies are expected to continue over the coming days.   Advice: - Avoid all protest areas and nearby streets in central Belgrade due to large crowds and restricted access. - Expect major traffic delays, diversions, and possible disruption to tram and bus services. - Allow additional time when traveling to or from the city center and consider using alternative routes. - Reconfirm accommodation access if staying near the protest zone. - Monitor local media and transport updates for information on road closures and ongoing demonstrations. https://www.danas.rs/  

Storm Claudia is sweeping across the Canary Islands and the Iberian Peninsula with heavy rain, strong winds and high surf. The Canary Islands have reported flash flooding and wind gusts exceeding 90 km/h, while mainland Spain is experiencing intense rainfall and coastal flooding in Galicia and Andalusia. Portugal has issued multiple weather warnings for heavy rain, rough seas and strong winds across coastal and central districts. Power outages, fallen trees and road closures have been reported in affected regions.   Advice: - Avoid all non-essential travel to the Canary Islands, northern Portugal and western Spain until weather conditions improve. - Expect flight and ferry cancellations, as well as road and rail delays in storm-affected areas. - Stay indoors during peak wind and rain periods and keep clear of beaches, cliffs and flood-prone zones. - Reconfirm transport and accommodation arrangements before departure or onward travel. - Monitor updates from local meteorological agencies and news outlets for real-time safety information. https://www.aemet.es/en/portada https://www.ipma.pt/en/index.html  

Several yellow weather warnings have been issued for rain and wind across large parts of the UK as bands of persistent precipitation move in. Cooler air following the rain is expected to bring below-freezing overnight temperatures in northern regions, increasing the risk of snow on higher ground. Travel conditions are already adversely affected with spray and surface water on roads, potential delays to bus and rail services, and possible interruptions to power supplies.   Advice: - Avoid all non-essential travel in the warning areas until conditions stabilise. - Expect road journey delays and slower rail or bus services; check schedules and plan extra time. - Stay alert for possible flight cancellations or diversions, especially in wind-exposed regions. - If driving, reduce speed, watch for spray and flooding, and keep a safe distance from other vehicles. - Ensure you have charged mobile devices and know alternative routes or transport in case of unexpected disruptions.  

Typhoon Fung-Wong is nearing Taiwan after passing over the northern Philippines, bringing strong winds, heavy rainfall and rough seas. More than 3,000 residents have been evacuated from coastal and mountain communities due to flood and landslide risks. All domestic flights and several international routes have been cancelled, while ferries and train services are disrupted across southern and eastern regions. Schools and public offices are closed in multiple counties as precautionary measures continue.   Advice: - Avoid all non-essential travel to southern and eastern Taiwan until conditions stabilize. - Expect flight, ferry and rail cancellations. Reconfirm transport schedules before departure. - Stay indoors and away from beaches, rivers and steep slopes. - Keep essential supplies and communication devices ready in case of power outages. - Monitor local weather bulletins and updates from Focus Taiwan and the Central Weather Administration. https://focustaiwan.tw/  

A significant outbreak of scattered to widespread thunderstorms is forecast to impact the interior of South Africa over the next 72 hours. Current meteorological models indicate a heightened risk of torrential downpours and damaging wind gusts, which could result in flash flooding, road wash-outs, and sporadic power outages, particularly in low-lying or remote regions. Travelers using long-haul buses, safari vehicles, or hiking trails should prepare for rapidly deteriorating on-ground conditions and potential route disruptions. Advice: - Do not travel through mountain passes or rural secondary roads during or after heavy rainfall. These routes are highly vulnerable to sudden wash-outs, landslides, and dangerously reduced visibility. - Immediately secure all outdoor equipment and verify that your accommodation offers a safe, elevated access point in case of flash flooding. - If you have safari or hiking plans, check weather conditions at the start of each day and be prepared to change your route or cancel activities at short notice if severe thunderstorms are expected in your area. - Treat all flood warnings as urgent; move to higher ground without delay if flooding threatens your location.  

A powerful cold front is barreling into the Midwest this week, signaling the first major cold blast of the season. Temperatures will plunge 15-25°F below average across much of the Plains and Midwest. Critical infrastructure, including power grids, heating systems, and transport networks, will face immediate, heightened stress, sharply increasing the risk of widespread disruptions or targeted attacks. This sudden cold will put severe strain on heating and energy systems, rapidly spike demand on already stretched infrastructure, and could cause cascading failures such as prolonged power outages and dangerous travel delays. Advice: - Prepare heating systems and ensure you have backup power or heating. - Avoid non‐essential travel if severe weather develops, especially in outlying or rural areas. - Secure communications and stay alert to local alerts from the national weather service or emergency management offices. - Check on vulnerable family members, especially those with medical or mobility needs, and ensure they have sufficient supplies.  

Heavy rain from the remnants of Tropical Depression Kalmaegi has caused extensive flooding across central Thailand. Bangkok and nearby provinces, including Ayutthaya, Suphan Buri, and Uthai Thani, are facing rising water levels as runoff from northern rivers flows into the Chao Phraya Basin. More than 700,000 people and 47,000 households have been affected nationwide, with some schools and hospitals flooded. The Chao Phraya River’s high discharge and coastal high tides are hindering drainage, keeping urban areas waterlogged. Alerts have been issued for 66 provinces, warning of possible mudslides in the northern and northeastern regions. Drainage teams are working around the clock in Bangkok to limit damage as heavy rain continues. Advice: - Avoid non-essential travel in flood-affected areas, especially near rivers and low-lying districts. - If already in the area, move valuables and electronics to higher ground. - Stay away from flooded roads and strong currents. - Wear waterproof footwear if outside, and avoid contact with standing water due to health risks. - Expect possible disruptions to hotel services and transport routes across Bangkok.