AMERICAS

Bermuda (Security threat level – 1): As of 0800 local time (1200 UTC) on 17 August 2021, Tropical Storm Henri was located approximately 210 km (130 mi) south-southeast of Bermuda and was moving west-southwest at 7 kph (5 mph), according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center. At that time, Henri was generating maximum sustained winds of 85 kph, with higher gusts. On its current forecast path, Henri is expected to shift west and accelerate in a westward direction through early 19 August. The storm is likely to pass near the northern coast of Jamaica on 17 August and is forecast to move near the Cayman Islands later the same night. The center of Henri is expected to pass south of Bermuda late on 17 August or early on 18 August, and generate strong winds and heavy rainfall, as well as swells across the island, particularly in southern areas. A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Bermuda.

Lesser Antilles / Haiti / Jamaica / Cayman Islands / Mexico / Cuba (Security threat levels – 1 / 4 / 3 / 1 / 4 / 2): As of 0800 local time (1200 UTC) on 17 August 2021, Tropical Storm Grace was located approximately 195 km (120 mi) east of the city of Montego Bay, Jamaica, and about 550 km east-southeast of Grand Cayman, the largest island of the Cayman Islands, and was moving west at 26 kph (16 mph), according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center. At that time, Grace was generating maximum sustained winds of 75 kph, with higher gusts.

On its current forecast path, Grace is expected to move near or over the northern coast of Jamaica on 17 August and near the Cayman Islands later the same night. The storm is also expected to strengthen gradually during the next several days, and could return to hurricane strength as it approaches the Yucatán coast of Mexico on 18 or 19 August. Grace is expected to produce 124-254 mm (5-10 in) of rainfall over Haiti, with isolated maximums of 380 mm, as well as 75-150 mm over southern Cuba, Jamaica, the Cayman Islands and areas of the Yucatán Peninsula through 19 August, with isolated maximums of 230 mm. Flash flooding and mudslides are possible in the affected locations. Swells producing life-threatening surf and rip current conditions are possible along portions of the coast of Hispaniola island, Jamaica, the Cayman Islands, the southern coast of Cuba and the Yucatán Peninsula.

A Hurricane Watch is in effect for the Yucatán Peninsula from Cabo Catoche point, located in the municipality of Isla Mujeres, to the village of Punta Allen. A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the southern coast of the Cuban provinces of Santiago de Cuba, Granma, Las Tunas and Camagüey, the Cayman Islands and Jamaica. A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for the entire coast of Haiti, and the southern coast of the Cuban provinces of Ciego de Avila, Sancti Spiritus, Cienfuegos, Matanzas, and Pinar del Río, as well as Isla de la Juventud.

Mexico (Security threat level – 4): On the morning of 16 August 2021, an explosion occurred in a residential building in Benito Juárez borough, a centrally located neighborhood in the capital Mexico City. Police officers evacuated more than 300 people from the building – which is located at the intersection of the streets of Avenida Coyoacán and Universidad – and established a cordon around the affected area. The explosion left one person dead and at least 29 others injured; 10 victims sustained serious injuries. A government official stated that a natural gas leak caused the explosion.

United States (Security threat level – 2): On 17 August 2021, a citywide vaccine mandate began for indoor entertainment venues, gyms and restaurants in New York City. The new rule requires anyone seeking to enter such indoor venues to show proof of receiving at least one dose of vaccine against COVID-19. Enforcement measures — including 1,000 U.S. dollar fines — will begin on 13 September. Currently, the acceptable forms of proof of vaccination are the Center for Disease Control (CDC)-issued vaccination cards, the New York State Excelsior Pass and the NYC COVID Safe app. On 15 August, protesters gathered outside of Gracie Mansion — the official residence of the mayor of New York City — to oppose the mayor’s executive mandate.

United States (Security threat level – 2): On the afternoon of 16 August 2021, Tropical Storm Fred, with maximum sustained winds of nearly 65 mph (100 kph), made landfall near Cape San Blas, Florida, situated nearly 100 mi (160 km) south of the city of Tallahassee. Following landfall, Fred weakened to become a tropical depression early on 17 August. As of 0500 local time (0900 UTC), Tropical Depression Fred was located approximately 15 mi south-southwest of Columbus, Georgia, and was moving north-northeast at 35 mph, according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center. At that time, Fred was generating maximum sustained winds of 35 mph, with higher gusts. On its current forecast path, Fred will track across western and northern Georgia on 17 August and across the southern Appalachian Mountains later the same night. Fred is expected to dissipate on 18 August.

Portions of Georgia and the southern Appalachians are expected to receive an estimated 4-8 inches (100-200 mm) of rain, with isolated maximums of up to 6 inches, through 17 August. Additionally, the central Appalachians — including parts of the mid-Atlantic states — are anticipated to receive 2-4 inches of rain, with isolated maximums of up to 6 inches, through 19 August. All coastal watches and warnings have been discontinued.

AUSTRALASIA

New Zealand (Security threat level – 1): On 17 August 2021, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced that beginning at 2359 local time (1159 UTC) on 17 August, the country will enter a coronavirus Alert Level 4 status – the highest level on a four-tier scale – for three days due to a new locally transmitted COVID-19 case in Auckland. The cities of Auckland and Coromandel will be under Alert Level 4 restrictions for seven days. Under the orders, residents may only leave their homes to procure essential goods, to exercise with others from the same household, and for essential work. Additionally, face masks will be mandatory aboard all public transportation, and businesses such as bars, restaurants, cafes and gyms must close. Additional details regarding Level 4 restrictions are available here, while information regarding locations of interest for contact tracing purposes is available here. The recently detected coronavirus case is the country’s first locally transmitted case in almost six months.

GOVERNMENT WARNINGS

Pakistan (Security threat level – 5): On 16 August 2021, the U.S. Consulate General in Lahore issued a Security Alert, which reads in part as follows: “During Ashura, the 9th and 10th days of Muharram, numerous processions of varying sizes will occur throughout Lahore on Wednesday, August 18, through Friday, August 20, 2021. Previous years have seen various security incidents associated with both the month of Muharram and specifically Ashura. U.S. citizens are encouraged to avoid unnecessary travel and large crowds in the vicinity of the Civil Secretariat, Anar Kali, Old Anar Kali, Shadman, Islampura, Shahdara, Badshahi Mosque, Mughalpura, Lal Pull, Bahar Shah Rd., Sanda, Chburchi and the Walled City (Motchi gate, Kashmiri bazar, Kotwali, Rang Mahal, Urdu bazar, Data Darbar and the Lower Mall area) during this time. Vehicular traffic will be heavier than usual with additional police checkpoints throughout the city.

“Due to the high potential for violence, in addition to warnings from Punjab Police to avoid unnecessary travel, American staff at the U.S. Consulate in Lahore are prohibited from traveling into the city during this time. The U. S. Consulate in Lahore strongly encourages U.S. citizens to avoid large gatherings, unnecessary travel, and remain vigilant of their surroundings.”

The full text of the alert is available here.