News & Reports

Severe storms are expected to impact the Barkly, Simpson and Tanami districts in central Australia. Heavy rain, strong winds and possible flash flooding are anticipated. Travelers should exercise caution and monitor local weather reports.

Severe storms are expected to impact the Barkly, Simpson and Tanami districts in central Australia. Heavy rain, strong winds and possible flash flooding are anticipated. Travelers should exercise caution and monitor local weather reports.

A mud volcano erupted near a water treatment facility in the town of San Juan de Urabá, sending up flames and mud and triggering safety measures around the site. The eruption has damaged nearby infrastructure and created ground cracking around roads close to the area, raising the likelihood of temporary access restrictions and localized disruption to services. Travelers in the Urabá region should expect possible road closures, detours, and interruptions affecting local water supply or municipal services near the affected zone.

 

Advice:
– Avoid non essential travel to the immediate area around the eruption site and the nearby water facility, access may be restricted at short notice.
– Expect localized road closures and detours, confirm routes with your driver or accommodation before moving.
– If you smell smoke or see drifting fumes, stay upwind, limit outdoor exposure, and keep windows closed in nearby lodging.
– Keep extra bottled water on hand in case local supply is disrupted, especially if staying outside major towns.
– Do not approach cracked ground, damaged roads, or the eruption site for photos, conditions can change quickly.

 

Devastating flooding after days of heavy rainfall is impacting parts of Minas Gerais, with severe street flooding, homes swept away, and a high ongoing landslide risk in hilly areas. Juiz de Fora and Ubá are among the worst affected, with emergency shelters in use and school closures in place. Travel is likely to be disrupted by flooded roads, debris, unstable slopes, and interruptions to local services as further rainfall continues.

 

Advice:
– Avoid non essential travel to Juiz de Fora, Ubá, and surrounding hillside neighbourhoods until conditions stabilise.
– Expect road closures, slow traffic, and detours, confirm route conditions locally before departing.
– Stay away from hillsides, riverbanks, and areas with saturated ground, landslides can occur with little warning.
– If you are in the affected area, follow shelter guidance and relocate early if your accommodation is near a slope or flood prone street.
– Keep essentials ready for disruption: cash, bottled water, power bank, medications, and offline maps in case of outages.
– If your plans include onward transfers, build extra buffer time and confirm flights or long distance buses in case access roads are affected.

 

Heavy rainfall and severe thunderstorms are disrupting air travel across Australia, with large scale delays and cancellations affecting major hubs. Sydney and Melbourne are among the most impacted, and flow on disruption is affecting other airports as aircraft and crew rotations are delayed. Travelers should expect last minute schedule changes, long queues for rebooking, missed connections, and slower baggage handling. Ground transfers can also take longer during storms, especially in Adelaide and surrounding areas where intense rainfall is expected.

 

Advice:
– Check flight status directly with your airline before leaving for the airport and expect last minute cancellations or revised departure times.
– If rebooking is needed, act quickly and consider flexible departure times or alternate airports where practical.
– Allow extra time for airport transfers and plan for slow roads and localized flooding during heavy downpours.
– Pack essentials in your carry on for long waits: medications, chargers, snacks, water, and a warm layer.
– If you have onward hotel check ins, tours, or connecting flights, notify providers early and plan for missed connections.

 

Federal agents detained a Columbia University student inside a university residential building after gaining entry by claiming they were looking for a missing person, according to the university. The student was later released the same day, and a federal judge ordered that she not be removed from the US without a court order. Protests gathered on campus after the detention, and further demonstrations or increased security measures may continue around campus housing and nearby streets.

 

Advice:
– Avoid the immediate Columbia campus housing area if protests or police activity build, and do not approach crowds or enforcement activity.
– If staying near Morningside Heights, confirm hotel access routes and allow extra time for pickups, rideshares, and deliveries.
– Expect temporary street restrictions and slower traffic on local routes near campus, especially during peak hours or demonstration periods.
– If visiting Columbia as a tourist, stick to main entrances and public areas, and leave if asked to move along.
– Keep your phone charged and use live navigation, detours can change quickly if streets are cordoned.

 

Severe weather, including strong winds and sandstorms, is expected to affect large areas of southern and central Morocco from the morning of February 26 to February 27. Wind gusts are expected to reach speeds of 80-100 km/h. As a result, a significant decrease in visibility, dangerous driving conditions, and a risk of transportation disruption are expected, especially at night and early in the morning.

The US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has inspected Maiquetia Airport in Venezuela, indicating expectations of a potential reopening of air travel between the two countries.

The US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has inspected Maiquetia Airport in Venezuela, indicating expectations of a potential reopening of air travel between the two countries.

A pro-Palestinian protest organized by Friends of Palestine WA is scheduled for February 26 outside the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre during an event featuring Israeli Minister Ron Dermer. Around 800-900 participants are expected. Heightened security, possible counter-protests, and localized traffic disruptions are likely.