Unionized air traffic controllers in Italy will strike nationwide 1230-1630 on Sept. 6. Unless averted, the industrial action could cause widespread disruptions to flights operating to, from, and within Italy. Although the strike will probably disrupt air transport across Italy, it is unlikely to be crippling, as Italian law requires a minimum level of transportation services be maintained during labor actions. Domestic flights are the most likely to be disrupted; intercontinental flights will not be directly affected by the action, nor will flights passing through Italian airspace.

Iceland’s Bardarbunga volcano continues its dramatic lava eruption, however, the ash warning level has been reduced from red to orange since the eruption was not creating ash.

The union representing most of Air France’s pilots has warned it will strike from September 15th to 22nd from 5:00am to 11pm each day.

Hurricane Norbert continued to track north-northwestward in the eastern Pacific Ocean, close to and paralleling the Baja California Peninsula, early Sept. 5. The storm is expected to weaken through Sept. 6 as it continues to move along the same general path. No landfall is forecast, but Norbert will likely produce rainfall amounts of 3-6 inches over Baja California Sur with isolated amounts near 10 inches. Due to the dry and mountainous terrain of the region, this precipitation creates a significant risk of flash flooding, mudslides, and road washouts. Strong winds could damage buildings and electricity infrastructure. Expect weather-related transport and utility disruptions in Baja California Sur through at least Sept. 6.