AMERICAS

Bermuda (Security threat level – 1): As of 0800 local time (1200 UTC) on 1 October 2021, Hurricane Sam was located approximately 610 km (380 mi) south-southeast of Bermuda, according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center. At that time, Sam was moving northwest at 28 kph (17 mph) and had maximum sustained winds of 240 kilometers per hour, with higher gusts. On its current forecast path, Sam will remain a major hurricane and continue moving north-northwest before turning northeast and passing to the east of Bermuda during the late hours of 1 October. Tropical storm conditions are expected in Bermuda beginning on the evening of 1 October. Sam is projected to produce swells that can cause life-threatening surf and riptide conditions along the coastal areas of the northern Leeward Islands and the Greater Antilles — including Puerto Rico — through 2 October. Swells are expected to affect Bermuda and the Bahamas on 1 October and the eastern coast of the U.S. and Atlantic Canada during 2-3 October. A Tropical Storm Warning is currently in effect for Bermuda.

MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA

Oman (Security threat level – 2): As of 0900 UTC on 1 October 2021, Tropical Cyclone Shaheen – formerly Gulab – was located approximately 340 km (210 mi) southwest of Karachi, Pakistan, and was moving west at 17 kph (10 mph), according to the U.S. Joint Typhoon Warning Center. At that time, Shaheen was generating maximum sustained winds of 93 kilometers per hour, with gusts of up to 120 kilometers per hour. On its current forecast path, the storm is expected to continue moving west through 3 October before shifting southwest and making landfall in northern Oman by 4 October. Authorities have warned of heavy rainfall and rough seas beginning on 3 October. The storm previously made landfall along the border of India’s eastern Odisha and Andhra Pradesh states on 26 September before crossing the country and re-emerging in the Arabian Sea. Weather officials stated that the storm was able to maintain its strength due to monsoon rains across central India.

GOVERNMENT WARNINGS

Greece (Security threat level – 3): On 1 October 2021, the U.K. Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) issued updated travel advice regarding coronavirus-related restrictions in Greece, which reads in part as follows: “A partial lockdown is in force in most of Northern Greece, including Thessaloniki, Chalkidiki, Larissa, Kilkis, Kavala, Imathia, Pieria, Pella, Kastoria, Xanthi and Drama until at least 8 October. Restrictions include a curfew between 1am and 6am, and a ban on playing music at entertainment venues. Check the latest local guidance and follow the advice of local authorities.”

Iraq (Security threat level – 5): On 30 September 2021, the U.K. Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) issued updated travel advice for Iraq, which reads in part as follows:

“Federal elections take place in Iraq on 10 October and restrictions on movement between governorates and at Baghdad International Airport are planned for the period of 9 to11 October. As a result, flights may be disrupted or subject to change. Contact your airline or travel company for the latest information before travelling.”