AMERICAS

Caribbean: As of 1200 UTC on 27 August 2019, Tropical Storm Dorian was located approximately 25 km (15 mi) west-northwest of St. Lucia and was moving west-northwest at about 20 kph (13 mph), according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center. At that time, Dorian was generating maximum sustained winds of 85 kph with higher gusts. Dorian is expected to strengthen as it moves across the eastern Caribbean Sea on 27-28 August and could reach near hurricane strength. Current forecasts predict that the storm will make landfall in the Dominican Republic on 29 August.

At present, Hurricane Watches are in effect for all of Puerto Rico and from Isla Saona to Samana in the Dominican Republic. Tropical Storm Warnings are in effect for Martinique, Puerto Rico and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Watches are in effect for Dominica, Grenada and its dependencies, Saba and St. Eustatius, as well as areas in the Dominican Republic from Isla Saona to Punta Palenque and Samana to Puerto Plata. The storm is expected to bring 8-15 cm (3-6 inches) of rain to portions of the Lesser Antilles from Martinique to St. Vincent through 27 August, with isolated maximums of up to 25 cm in the northern Windward Islands. This rainfall could cause flash floods. Tropical storm conditions are currently affecting parts of Martinique, Puerto Rico, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and these conditions are likely to continue for the next several hours. Hurricane conditions are possible near Puerto Rico and St. Croix on 28 August; such conditions could begin affecting areas from Isla Saona to Samana in the Dominican Republic by the late hours of 28 August Swells that Dorian has generated are currently affecting parts of the Lesser Antilles and are likely to continue affecting the area for the next several hours. Additionally, the storm-generated swells could cause hazardous surfs and riptide conditions along the southern coastal areas of the Dominican Republic, Haiti and Puerto Rico on 28 August.

Meanwhile, on 26 August Puerto Rico’s Governor Wanda Vásquez signed two executive orders to prepare for the anticipated effects of the storm on the island. The first order declared a territory-wide state of emergency and allowed authorities to set up 360 shelters capable of housing approximately 48,500 people. The second order froze all food and fuel prices to allow residents to stockpile supplies and prevent profiteering.

ASIA

Philippines (Security threat level – 4): According to the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC), as of 0900 UTC on 27 August 2019, Tropical Storm Podul was located approximately 430 km (270 mi) east of Manila, and was moving west-northwest at 30 kph (18 mph). At that time, the storm was generating maximum sustained winds of 56 kph with gusts of up to 74 kph. Podul is expected to make landfall on northern Luzon island in the Philippines — where it is locally known as "Jenny," — along the eastern coast of Aurora province between 2100 local time on 27 August and 0100 local time on 28 August (1300-1700 UTC on 27 August). Podul is forecast to move away from Luzon Island later on 28 August before crossing the South China Sea. Affected areas are expected to receive between 75-100 mm (3 – 6 inches) of rainfall, and there is a significant risk of mudslides. There are currently no reports of associated disruptions to air traffic in the region.. The storm’s currently projected track suggests that Podul will pass near China’s Hainan island before making a second landfall in northern Vietnam by 1 September.

EUROPE

Germany (Security threat level – 3): During the morning of 27 August 2019, officials at Munich Airport (EDDM/MUC) temporarily closed Terminal 2 and areas B and C of Terminal 1 due to a security breach. Authorities closed the areas after a passenger accessed the secure area of Terminal 2 through an emergency exit door without completing mandatory security checks. Police officers detained the passenger, and all passengers who had previously completed security screening were required to complete security checks a second time. Check-in procedures at both terminals resumed after a four-hour shutdown. At least 5,000 passengers were affected and 130 flights were canceled during the episode.

GOVERNMENT WARNINGS

Bolivia (Security threat level – 3): On 26 August 2019, the U.S. Embassy in La Paz issued a Demonstration Alert, which reads in part as follows:

“Location: La Paz

“Event: Transportation and drivers unions in La Paz have announced plans for protests on August 27, 2019, to include multiple road blockades around the city. The method, scope, and duration of the blockades is unknown, but any blockade can be expected to affect transit, and even protests that begin peacefully can become confrontational at a moment’s notice.”

Serbia (Security threat level – 3): On 26 August 2019, the U.S. Embassy in Belgrade issued a Security Alert, which reads in part as follows:

“Location: Belgrade, Serbia

“Event: Football club Red Star will play Young Boys (Switzerland) on Tuesday, August 27, 2019 at 9:00 PM at Red Star stadium. Police expect at least 50,000 people at the stadium. There may be animosity between these clubs. Expect increased police activity throughout the city and a large police presence around the stadium. Expect traffic delays in the vicinity of the stadium.”