Authorities are boosting security in major cities throughout India ahead of the Independence Day on Aug. 15. Expect extremely tight security around venues hosting official functions, major government buildings, and critical infrastructure throughout the country. Terrorism and militancy are important concerns given the symbolic significance of the holiday. Terrorism warnings, bomb threats, and multiple security scares are likely in the run-up to Independence Day. Expect serious traffic disruptions around Independence Day venues throughout the country. Maoists and various separatist groups typically call for boycotts of ceremonies, stage protests, and/or observe shutdown strikes to draw attention to their grievances on Independence Day.

Typhoon Halong is predicted to begin tracking northeastward early Aug. 9 and ultimately will pass near Hiroshima and Osaka. Meteorologists forecast that the system will gain strength, eventually bringing maximum sustained winds of 85 knots (157 kph, 97 mph). Heavy rainfall, flash floods, and coastal surges are likely to impact the island chain. Strong coastal surge is likely, especially on the islands’ southern and eastern coasts. Halong is likely to cause significant disruptions on Shikoku, Kyushu, and southern Honshu islands. Halong is forecast to pass near the Hiroshima and Osaka metropolitan areas, and urban flooding is possible in both cities. Flight cancellations and delays may occur.

Unionized pilots of Portuguese flagship carrier TAP Portugal plan to stage a full-day strike beginning Aug. 9. Unless averted, the action will likely cause significant flight delays and cancellations across the network.

Hurricane Julio remains a Category 1 storm as it tracks westward in the Pacific Ocean toward Hawaii. The system is forecast to lose strength Aug. 8-9, and might make landfall near Hilo as a tropical storm on Aug. 11. Despite weakening, major flooding, wind damage, transport disruptions, and utility outages are highly likely because the storm will affect the Hawaiian islands roughly 72 hours after Tropical Storm Iselle (currently a hurricane) makes landfall on the Big Island. Julio’s effects will probably be worst on the Big Island, Maui, Lanai, and Kahoolawe, which are expected to be the islands most heavily affected by Iselle. These areas will be at risk for prolonged transport and utility disruptions. Grounds will probably be heavily saturated, increasing the likelihood for flash flooding and landslides. Strong winds could also cause additional damage to buildings, down trees and power lines, and spread debris. Recovery efforts following Iselle will be significantly disrupted, and emergency response resources will likely be strained. Widespread disruptions are also possible on islands where the effects of Iselle are not forecast to be strongest. Molokai and Oahu, which will still probably experience some strong winds and heavy rainfall due to Iselle, could face more severe conditions Aug. 11. Kauai could also be heavily affected, particularly the eastern side of the island, where flooding is possible Aug. 8-9.