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10-November-2022

EUROPE

France (Security threat level – 3): On 10 November 2022, metro workers in Paris are observing a day-long strike in demand of higher wages amid rising cost of living and inflation rates. At least five of the total 16 metro rail lines have completely suspended service due to the strike; only lines 1 and 14, as well as limited rush-hour rail lines, remain operational. Buses throughout the city are also operating at a lower frequency due to the strike. Authorities have advised commuters to find alternate routes to their destinations or remain at home. The General Confederation of Labor (CGT) union called for the nationwide work stoppage, which is being accompanied by large-scale demonstrations in Paris and other major cities across the country.

United Kingdom (Security threat level – 3): On 10 November 2022, London Underground workers affiliated with the Rail, Maritime and Transport union are staging a 24-hour strike over wages, pensions and job cuts. Nearly all London Underground rail lines have suspended service due to the strike action, and the open lines are operating with limited service. Authorities have advised commuters to avoid traveling on Tube lines and to seek alternative modes of transport, such as city buses, during the strike.

NORTH AMERICA

Bahamas / United States (Security threat levels – 2 / 2): Early on 10 November 2022, Hurricane Nicole made landfall just south of Vero Beach on the eastern coast of Florida, with wind speeds of 75 mph (120 kph). Nicole weakened into a tropical storm following landfall and is expected to continue weakening as it moves inland. As of 0700 local time (1200 UTC), Tropical Storm Nicole was located approximately 30 mi (50 km) southwest of Orlando, and about 55 miles east of the city of Tampa, according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center. At that point, the storm was moving in a west-northwesterly direction at a speed of 14 mph, with maximum sustained winds of 60 mph and higher gusts. On its current track, Nicole is forecast to move across central Florida over the next few hours and possibly emerge over far-northeastern areas of the Gulf of Mexico in the afternoon hours. The storm is then anticipated to move across the Florida Panhandle and into the state of Georgia during 10-11 November.

The storm caused widespread power outages across central Florida, particularly in Brevard County. As of last report, more than 345,000 homes and businesses in the region were without electricity. More than 1,200 flights to, from, or within the U.S. have been canceled on 10 November due to the storm. An additional 990 flights were canceled the previous day. Orlando International Airport (KMCO/MCO) remains closed for commercial flights but is expected to resume operations once officials conduct damage assessments at the facility following the passage of the storm. Other airports in Florida, including Melbourne Orlando International Airport (KMLB/MLB), have also suspended flight operations. Tampa International Airport (KTPA/TPA) remains open and operational, although flight cancellations and delays at the facility are expected.

Prior to reaching Florida, Nicole made landfall on Great Abaco Island in northwestern Bahamas shortly before noon on 9 November and swept through Grand Bahama Island. Extensive flooding and power outages were reported across the Bahamas, including on the islands of Abacos, Andros, Eleuthera and Grand Bahama. According to local officials, 520 people in northwestern Bahamas evacuated their homes and sought refuge in more than two dozen government shelters ahead of the storm’s landfall. Emergency crews are conducting operations to determine the full extent of the damage. There were no reports of storm-related injuries or deaths.

Nicole is anticipated to produce 3-5 in (75-125 mm) of rain, with isolated maximums of up to 8 inches, in northwestern Bahamas and parts of the Florida Peninsula. Additionally, 2-4 inches of rain, with isolated maximums of 6 inches, is expected from southeast-to-central Appalachians and eastern areas of Tennessee, Kentucky and Ohio. The northern parts of Mid-Atlantic states and the New England region are forecast to receive 1-4 inches of rain. The heavy rainfall is likely to cause flash flooding in the affected areas. Tornadoes remain a possibility in east-central and northeastern Florida during the morning of 10 November and in parts of southeastern Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina from 10-11 November. Storm-generated swells are likely to cause hazardous surf and riptide conditions in northwestern Bahamas, and along Florida’s eastern coast and most other coastal areas of the southeastern U.S. during the next few days.

A Tropical Storm Warning is currently in effect from Florida’s Jupiter Inlet to South Carolina’s South Santee River; from the mouth of Florida’s St. Johns River to Georgetown; from north of Bonita Beach to Indian Pass; and for Lake Okeechobee. A Storm Surge Warning is in effect from Jupiter Inlet to Altamaha Sound, Georgia; from the mouth of the St. Johns River to Georgetown; and from the Anclote River to Ochlockonee River. Additionally, a Storm Surge Watch is in effect from Ochlockonee River to Indian Pass and from Altamaha Sound to the South Santee River.

GOVERNMENT WARNINGS

Bahrain (Security threat level – 3): On 10 November 2022, the U.S. Embassy in Manama issued a Security Alert, which reads in part as follows: “The Kingdom of Bahrain will hold parliamentary and municipal elections on Saturday, November 12, with runoff elections on November 19.

“Small scale demonstrations related to the election may occur during this period. Increased pedestrian and vehicular traffic, road closures, and an elevated security presence should be expected near polling centers.”