News & Reports

Officials have issued warnings for heavy rainfall, wind gusts ranging from 64 to 113 kph (40 to 70 mph), and snowfall across coastal Oregon and parts of northern California. This includes the San Francisco Bay Area, Sacramento Valley, and Sierra Nevada, with the conditions expected to last until March 13 due to atmospheric river conditions. Additionally, residents in southern California should be aware of the potential for torrential rainfall and flash flooding on March 12 and 13.   Advice: - Exercise caution if traveling in affected regions and consider postponing non-essential travel due to potential road closures and hazards such as flooding. - Check road conditions before traveling, do not attempt to cross flooded streets, and refrain from driving through flooded roads. - Ensure mobile phones and other essential battery-powered devices remain fully charged to stay prepared for extended power outages. - Stay informed by following local news and official advisories for real-time updates.  

A meningitis outbreak in Kebbi State has killed 26 people since late January, authorities confirmed Tuesday. Over 200 suspected cases are reported, with medical supplies and isolation centers now active. Sokoto State, 150 km away, is on alert for suspected cases too. It’s a big risk in Nigeria’s hot season.   Advice: - Meningitis spreads fast in hot, dry conditions, fever, neck stiffness, or headaches mean danger.- If in Kebbi or Sokoto, avoid crowded places; the disease is active and contagious. - Do not travel near affected zones like Birnin Kebbi, roads may be busy with response efforts; check local updates. - Stay in well-ventilated areas, skip cramped, hot spaces where risks rise. - Keep a charged phone handy and call a health facility or 112 if symptoms hit. - Watch the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, things can change quickly in the northwest.  

Severe weather hits Morocco starting Tuesday with heavy rain, thunderstorms, and snow in the High and Middle Atlas. The General Directorate of Meteorology warns of strong winds and cold, icy conditions in the highlands. Rain and snow spread north and center Wednesday and Thursday, with worse storms and winds Friday across most of the country. Temperatures will drop sharply by Friday, making it dangerous everywhere.   Advice: - Rain, snow, and winds mean trouble, floods, ice, and low visibility are risks. - Avoid mountain roads in the Atlas and rural areas; they’re not safe now. - Do not travel unless you must, stick to main roads and check weather updates. - Stay inside strong buildings, away from open areas or flooded spots. - Keep a charged phone and call authorities if stuck, fog and storms are worsening.  

Storms with flooding are expected Wednesday in parts of North West, Free State, Gauteng, and Limpopo, says the South African Weather Service. These could damage homes, roads, and livestock in central and northern areas. Strong winds will hit the coast from Saldanha Bay to Cape Agulhas in the Western Cape. It’s a risky day with Yellow Level 2 and 4 warnings active.   Advice: - Storms and winds mean danger, floods and damage are coming fast. - Avoid rivers and low spots in North West, Free State, Gauteng, Limpopo; it’s not safe. - Stay off coastal roads like R27 in the Western Cape, use inland paths or check SAWS. - Hide in strong buildings, not open areas or beaches. - Keep a charged phone and call 10177 or 112 if in trouble.  

A big storm starts Friday, bringing thunder, hail, strong winds, and maybe tornadoes to the middle and eastern parts of the country through Sunday. Weather experts say a cold front and wet air from the Gulf will make dangerous storms from Texas up to Illinois. The worst hits Friday near cities like St. Louis, Memphis, and Little Rock, then spreads Saturday from the Gulf Coast to the Great Lakes. These storms could grow fast and cause damage with wind, hail, or twisters.   Advice: - Storms might bring tornadoes, hail, and wind,travel and power could get messy. - Stay off main roads near cities like Memphis if you’re in the storm area Friday or Saturday. - Do not go near rivers or low spots that might flood, check weather updates for safe paths. - Hide in a strong building, away from trees or open places, where the wind could hit. - Find a safe spot with a phone; call for help if needed. - Watch news or online posts, danger could grow fast through Sunday.  

A brief lull in rainfall is expected this afternoon and most of Wednesday, with Aemet forecasting only minor showers. On Thursday, March 13, a new Atlantic storm named Konrad will bring heavy rain, thunderstorms, and strong winds to Malaga Province. Aemet has activated yellow warnings (slight risk) due to potential rainfall of 15mm in one hour and 40mm over twelve hours, with a 40-70% probability. Coastal hazards are also expected, with winds of 50-60 km/h and waves up to 4 meters from a “combined sea” effect.   Advice: - Heavy rain and gusts signal a dynamic threat. Flooding, power outages, and coastal dangers are possible. - If in Malaga Province, avoid low-lying areas prone to flooding (e.g., Guadalhorce Valley) and coastal zones on Thursday; Konrad remains unpredictable. - Do not travel near exposed coastal roads or mountain passes (e.g., Ronda area), roads like the A-7 or AP-7 may see disruptions; detour via inland routes or check Aemet updates. - Pedestrians should stick to sheltered urban zones and avoid open fields or beaches where winds and waves peak. - If nearby, secure a safe spot (home, hotel) with supplies and a charged phone; call 112 for emergencies. - Stay updated via Aemet, local X posts, or news like SUR, conditions may escalate quickly as Konrad crosses Spain.  

Pro-Palestine activists will gather today at Washington Square Park in New York City today (March 11) at 2:00 PM local time (6:00 PM GMT) to protest against the crackdown on pro-Palestinian student activists at universities.   Advice: - Expect increased foot traffic and potential road closures around Washington Square Park during the rally; plan your travel routes accordingly. - Monitor local traffic and transit updates for reroutes or delays. - Avoid engaging in political discussions with protesters or bystanders. - If tensions escalate, leave the area immediately to ensure personal safety.  

Ugandan police fired tear gas and live bullets to disperse supporters of the National Unity Platform (NUP) during a rally for a by-election candidate in a suburb of Kampala. The rally had attracted numerous NUP supporters, leading to heightened tensions with law enforcement. Meanwhile, Thousands of National Resistance Movement (NRM) supporters are gathering at Mbogo Playground in Kawempe North, anticipating President Museveni's arrival to support the party's candidate, Faridah Nambi.   Advice: - Avoid rally sites and surrounding neighborhoods to minimize exposure to potential violence. - If you find yourself near a protest or police action, seek shelter immediately and avoid involvement. - Anticipate possible road closures or transportation disruptions in areas with heightened political activity. - Adhere to local authorities and law enforcement directives to ensure personal safety.  

A tragic bus accident occurred on the R21 highway near Johannesburg's OR Tambo International Airport on the morning of March 11. The incident resulted in at least 12 fatalities and 45 injuries. The bus was carrying passengers from Katlehong when the accident occurred. The R21 motorway was closed in both directions to facilitate rescue operations.   Advice: - Avoid the incident area, seek alternative routes to prevent delays, and allow emergency responders unimpeded access. - If driving, ensure vehicles are in proper condition and closely adhere to local traffic laws. - Verify the safety records of bus operators and avoid traveling at night or during adverse weather conditions. - Monitor local news outlets and traffic reports for updates on road closures.  

At least two people were killed and 18 others injured following suspected Ukrainian record-breaking drone wave attack in Moscow Oblast, including Vidnoye and Yam, as of the late morning hours on March 11. Emergency operations remain ongoing. Authorities reported downing 337 drones, including 91 over Moscow Oblast, just hours before scheduled U.S.-Ukraine talks in Saudi Arabia. Further aerial threats and security measures may lead to additional regional disruptions.   Advice: - Expect heightened security and potential travel restrictions. - Be prepared to shelter immediately if an air alert is announced, as further strikes are possible. - In case of further aerial threats, seek shelter, avoid open areas, and stay away from windows and walls during the rocket or drone fire. - Follow Russian authorities' instructions during emergencies and monitor local media for updates.