News & Reports

On May 22, 2025, a severe weather warning for strong winds is in effect from 12:15 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. CEST for Poland’s western coastal zone, including Szczecin, Świnoujście, and Kołobrzeg. Winds from the northwest are expected to reach speeds of 55–70 km/h with gusts up to 90 km/h, posing risks of fallen trees, power outages, and coastal flooding. Ferry services and coastal roads may face disruptions, with authorities urging caution.   Advice: - Strong winds increase hazards in Zachodniopomorskie’s coastal areas. Refrain from traveling to Szczecin, Świnoujście, and Kołobrzeg until the warning lifts. - If in the western coastal zone, stay indoors away from windows and avoid coastal paths or beaches. Use inland routes like A6 or S3 and arrange accommodations in urban centers like Gdańsk. - Suggested alternatives include redirecting travel to Warsaw, accessible via trains from Szczecin Główny with PKP Intercity, pending station operations. - Travelers should secure loose objects, monitor weather alerts, and avoid high-risk areas like piers. Adhere to essential travel plans only. - Stay informed through government-affiliated sources such as the Institute of Meteorology and Water Management (www.imgw.pl) or Polish Government Safety Portal (www.gov.pl/web/rcb) for weather and safety updates. Conditions may escalate rapidly. - Contact 112 for immediate assistance if in danger.  

Local media report that protesters have blocked roads and set objects on fire in the Tierra Nueva neighborhood of Mexico City, during a demonstration over polluted water supplies. Video footage shows fires burning in the street as demonstrators demand urgent government action. The protest has caused significant traffic disruptions, and authorities are monitoring the situation closely. No injuries have been reported so far, but tensions remain elevated.   Advice: - Avoid the Area: Refrain from entering Tierra Nueva or nearby affected streets. - Plan for Delays: Expect detours and traffic congestion in the area. - Exercise Caution: Maintain distance from protest sites and avoid confrontations. - Stay Informed: Follow local news and official updates for developments. - MAGNUS is monitoring the situation and will provide updates as necessary.  

Brazil’s national meteorological agency has issued a red alert for parts of Recife and Paraíba, warning of potential landslides and river overflows due to sustained heavy rainfall. The alert remains in effect until 3:00 PM local time on Wednesday, May 21. Authorities report high soil saturation and rising water levels in vulnerable areas, significantly increasing the risk of flooding, especially in low-lying neighborhoods and hilly terrain.   Advice: - Avoid Affected Areas: Refrain from traveling through zones prone to flooding or landslides. - Follow Evacuation Guidance: Heed any official warnings or evacuation notices issued by local authorities. - Prepare for Power Outages: Have flashlights, batteries, and emergency supplies ready. - Stay Informed: Monitor updates from Brazil’s meteorological agency and civil defense authorities. - MAGNUS is monitoring the situation and will provide updates as necessary.  

The national meteorological service has issued a severe weather warning for Wednesday, May 21, due to expected heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and a low risk of tornadoes in parts of southern England and Wales. This comes after an extended period of unusually dry conditions. Forecasts indicate a strong contrast in weather between the south and north, with wet and unstable conditions more likely in southern areas. There is also potential for funnel clouds and brief tornado activity, particularly in eastern or southeastern regions. Unsettled weather is expected to persist throughout the week, possibly affecting transport, infrastructure, and outdoor activities.   Advice: - Stay Indoors During Storms: Limit outdoor exposure during periods of thunder and heavy rain. - Secure Loose Objects: Strong winds may displace unsecured items around homes or businesses. - Monitor Official Updates: Follow alerts from the national weather service for real-time information. - Prepare for Disruptions: Anticipate delays to travel and possible event cancellations. - MAGNUS is monitoring the situation and will provide updates as necessary.  

Since May 19, southeastern France has been experiencing severe weather, including heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, strong winds, and hailstorms. These conditions have resulted in catastrophic flooding and widespread damage in the Var department. Infrastructure damage has been reported, including the collapse of roads, bridges, and a parking structure. Power outages have occurred, and water and wastewater services have been disrupted. Rail services between Bordeaux and Toulouse have been canceled due to damaged tracks. The La Môle–Saint-Tropez airfield is closed, and local roads remain impassable in several areas. Météo-France has issued a yellow warning for potential flooding in the Var department until 12:00 AM CEST on May 23. Despite some improvement, further rainfall in the next 24 hours may worsen the situation.   Advice: - Refrain from traveling to or within the affected areas until conditions stabilize. - Avoid low-lying areas, rivers, and streams, as flash flooding can occur rapidly. - Do not drive through flooded areas; even shallow water can be hazardous. Seek alternative routes and adhere to road closure signs.​ - Monitor updates from Météo-France and local authorities throughout the day as conditions evolve. - Adhere to guidance from local authorities, including evacuation orders and safety advisories. - Charge electronic devices in advance and have flashlights and batteries ready.​ - For those with travel plans involving rail or air transport in southeastern France, verify the status of services with the respective providers before departure.  

A 23-hour national rail strike is scheduled across Italy on Friday, May 23, organized by unionised workers from Trenitalia, Italo, Trenord, and other companies. Minimum services will be guaranteed between 06:00-09:00 and 18:00-21:00. Rail links to and from major airports, including Rome's Fiumicino and Milan's Malpensa, may experience disruptions.   Advice: - Check Train Status: Before traveling, verify the status of your train through official channels. Monitor official railway websites for real-time updates on the strike and train services. - Plan Accordingly: If possible, avoid traveling by train on May 23. Consider rescheduling your journey or exploring alternative transportation options. - Alternative Transportation: Explore other modes of travel such as buses (e.g., FlixBus, Itabus), car rentals, or domestic flights.  

The Republic Hydrometeorological Service of Serbia (RHMZ) has issued an orange-level weather warning for severe thunderstorms across the country, including Belgrade. This alert indicates a high probability of severe weather events, including potential local thunderstorms with hail, an increased risk of lightning, strong winds, and heavy rainfall that may cause flash flooding.   Advice: - Give yourself the best chance of avoiding delays by checking road conditions if driving, or bus and train timetables, and amending your travel plans if necessary. - Do not attempt to drive through flooded roads or underpasses; water depth can be deceptive and dangerous. - If you are outdoors and hear thunder, seek shelter immediately in a safe, enclosed space; avoid sheltering under trees or near tall structures. - Prepare for potential power outages by charging electronic devices and having flashlights and batteries readily available. - For the latest information, monitor official weather updates at the attached link.  

On May 22, workers from Belgium's non-profit sector—including healthcare, social assistance, education, and NGOs—will hold a large-scale demonstration in Brussels. Organizers anticipate a turnout similar to the November 2024 protest, which saw approximately 30,000 participants. Significant disruptions are expected along the protest route and adjacent areas between 09:30 and 14:00.   Protest Route: - Start: Boulevard Roi Albert II (near Brussels-North Station) - Route: Boulevard du Jardin Botanique → Boulevard Bischoffsheim → Place Madou → Place du Congrès → Rue de Ligne → Boulevard de l’Impératrice → Cantersteen - End: Place de l'Albertine (near Brussels-Central Station)   Advice: - If you're in Brussels on May 22, consider avoiding the protest route and surrounding areas during the demonstration hours to prevent potential delays or disruptions. - Anticipate possible traffic congestion and public transport delays in central Brussels. Use real-time navigation apps to adjust your travel plans accordingly. - While the protest is expected to be peaceful, large gatherings can sometimes lead to unexpected situations. Remain vigilant and follow guidance from local authorities.  

Peruvian authorities have issued an orange-level weather alert for heavy rainfall and thunderstorms across multiple departments, including Amazonas, Cajamarca, Cusco, Huánuco, Junín, Loreto, Madre de Dios, Pasco, San Martín, and Ucayali. The alert is in effect through May 21. These conditions may lead to flash floods, landslides, and disruptions to transportation and infrastructure. In response to ongoing intense rainfall, the Peruvian government has declared a state of emergency in 157 districts across 20 provinces to facilitate immediate response and rehabilitation measures.   Advice: - Avoid non-essential travel in affected areas, stay indoors during thunderstorms, and avoid sheltering under trees or near metal structures. - Stay alert for flash floods, landslides, and road closures, particularly in low-lying and mountainous areas. - Do not attempt to cross flooded streets or landslide-prone zones. If in the vicinity of a flooded area, move to higher ground and follow evacuation orders. - Check road conditions and travel arrangements to prevent disruptions and delays. - Keep mobile devices charged and have backup power sources ready in case of outages.  

The FAA has imposed temporary limits on flight arrivals and departures at Newark Liberty International Airport due to ongoing runway construction and staffing challenges. Travelers should expect potential delays and schedule changes through June 15, 2025, when daily construction is scheduled to end. Additional work will continue on weekends beyond that date, possibly causing continued disruptions.   Advice: - Check Flight Statuses: Monitor flight information via Newark Airport or your airline, especially for flights around peak hours or Saturdays. - Expect Schedule Adjustments: Prepare for longer layovers, rebookings, or changes in flight times as airlines adjust to reduced capacity. - Consider Alternate Airports: Travelers may benefit from considering JFK or LaGuardia as alternatives, particularly for domestic routes. - Stay Informed: Follow FAA and airline communications for potential updates to flight caps or further disruption. - Plan Ground Transport Accordingly: Delays at Newark may lead to increased congestion at the terminal; allow additional time for airport access.