United States (Security threat level – 2): During the evening of 24 November 2020, a tornado touched down briefly in the city of Arlington, Texas, located between the cities of Dallas and Fort Worth, as a front of severe storms passed over the area. The severe weather downed trees, damaged roofs and scattered debris across roadways, causing localized traffic congestion as passing vehicles slowed to avoid the obstacles. Tornado sirens could be heard for several minutes earlier in the evening as the storm system passed over the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) Metropolitan Area. The National Weather Service initially issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch until at least 0200 local time (0800 UTC) on 25 November for 12 counties in the DFW area, but annulled the advisory at approximately 2235 local time on 24 November as the storm continued moving east. Dallas, Tarrant and Denton counties were also under tornado warnings. Authorities reported a number of malfunctioning traffic signals and damage to several buildings — including reports of partial roof collapses — in central Arlington; three people reportedly suffered minor injuries.
India (Security threat level – 3): As of 1430 local time (0900 UTC) on 25 November 2020, Tropical Cyclone Nivar was located approximately 1,450 km (900 mi) southwest of Kolkata, and was moving west-northwest at 17 kph (10 mph), according to the U.S. Joint Typhoon Warning Center. At that time, Nivar was generating maximum sustained winds of 130 kph, with gusts of up to 157 kph. On its current forecast path, the storm is expected to make landfall in Tamil Nadu state near the union territory of Puducherry during the early hours of 26 November. Authorities at Chennai International Airport (VOMM/MAA) announced that all operations will be suspended from 1900 local time on 25 November through 0700 local time on 26 November. At least 30,000 people in Tamil Nadu and 7,000 more in Puducherry have been evacuated.
Japan (Security threat level – 1): On 25 November 2020, the Tokyo metropolitan government requested that bars, cafes, karaoke establishments, restaurants and similar venues restrict their hours of operation and close daily at 2200 local time (1300 UTC) from 28 November until at least 17 December amid a surge of COVID-19 infections in the city. Officials will provide financial reimbursement of up to 400,000 Japanese yen (3,830 U.S. dollars) to establishments that comply with the recommendations. In addition, authorities advised residents to restrict travel outside their homes as much as possible and took steps to temporarily suspend programs intended to stimulate restaurant dining and tourist travel.
France (Security threat level – 3): On 24 November 2020, President Emmanuel Macron announced that authorities will begin to gradually lift lockdown restrictions in response to a nationwide decline in new cases of COVID-19. Nonessential retail businesses will be allowed to reopen on 28 November, and residents may exercise outdoors for three hours per day instead of the current one hour. Furthermore, if cases fall to below 5,000 per day by 15 December, the nationwide lockdown will be replaced by a nightly curfew from 2100-0700 local time (2000-0600 UTC), and inter-regional travel will be permitted. Bars and restaurants will remain closed through at least 20 January.
Switzerland (Security threat level – 2): On 24 November 2020, an assailant assaulted and stabbed two women at a department store in the southern city of Lugano in what authorities called a suspected terrorist attack. One of the victims suffered serious, but not life-threatening, stab wounds. The attacker, who is a Swiss national, was subdued by a civilian before police officers arrived at the scene and arrested her. According to authorities, the attacker has a “jihadist background” and attempted to travel to Syria in 2017 before she was arrested in Turkey and deported back to Switzerland.
Central African Republic (Security threat level – 5): On 24 November 2020, the U.S. Embassy in Bangui issued a Security Alert, which reads in part as follows: “Event: Upcoming Elections [on 27 December 2020] in the Central African Republic
“The Embassy has received reports of increasing political tensions in Bangui. Although there have been no specific incidents of violence or threats targeting U.S. citizens, civil unrest, demonstrations, and violence have already occurred, and may recur in the period leading up to, during, and following the election. Out of an abundance of caution, Embassy Bangui has advised employees to conduct only mission critical movements and to consider teleworking on Friday, November 27.”
Greece (Security threat level – 3): On 24 November 2020, the U.S. Embassy in Athens issued a Demonstration Alert, which reads in part as follows: “Event: Public sector and private sector employees announced a 24-hourPanhellenic General Strike for November 26, 2020. Demonstrations related to the strike are also expected in Athens at Klafthmonos Square at 10:30 a.m., and at the Ministry of Health at 12:00 p.m., as well as other possible locations and times. The following strikes are scheduled for Thursday, November 26, 2020, unless otherwise noted:
Montenegro (Security threat level – 2): On 24 November 2020, the U.K. Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) issued updated travel advice for Montenegro, which reads in part as follows: “Leaving home between 7pm and 5am is banned. Travel between municipalities is banned on weekends from midnight on Friday to midnight on Sunday. There are exemptions for those required to leave home or travel for work, healthcare, or humanitarian reasons during these times. Only up to four persons are allowed to gather in public. All shops, cafes and restaurants will only be allowed to open until 6pm. Visiting people from different households at their homes is banned. These measures will be in place until 8 December, and may be extended if necessary.”
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