Tropical Storm Ana continues to move northwestward in the Pacific Ocean toward the Big Island of Hawaii. The storm will likely briefly strengthen to a hurricane as it skirts the southwestern coast of Hawaii Island late Oct.17 to early Oct. 18, bringing tropical-storm force winds to the affected areas. Meteorologists currently predict that the storm will not directly hit any of the islands, but will continue along their southwestern shores. The current track of the storm does not have it passing close enough to the Big Island to significantly weaken, indicating further severe conditions are likely on Oahu and Kauai Oct. 18-20. Torrential rainfall will produce flash flooding with the threat of mudslides. Flight delays and cancellations are likely at most airports serving Hawaii, including those at Hilo, Kamuela, Keahole, and Honolulu. Ground transportation disruptions may also occur. Inter-island ferry service will be disrupted, and Ana could prompt officials to suspend operations at seaports, particularly Hilo and Honolulu. The storm will also probably bring swells to the Hawaiian islands’ eastern shores, which might prompt officials to close beaches as it approaches. Sporadic utility and communication outages may occur.

Meteorologists predict that severe pollution and dense fog will affect Beijing, Tianjin, and parts of Hebei Province in northern China Oct. 17-20. Though the China Meteorological Administration has yet to issue any alerts for the forecast, the amount of PM 2.5 in the air could surpass 500 in several areas, especially southeastern Beijing, central and southern Hebei Province, and Tianjin. Depending on wind patterns, air quality warnings could be issued for other areas of northern and eastern China, as cold air sweeps air pollution out to sea Oct. 19-20.

German train drivers plan to stage a nationwide strike 1500 Oct. 17-0400 Oct. 20. While the first 11 hours of the work stoppage will only affect freight traffic, the strike will apply to both freight and passenger services beginning 0200 Oct. 18. Expect rail delays and cancellations to continue through the morning of Oct. 20, as timetables return to normal.

Metro workers plan to stage a full-day strike in Lisbon on Oct. 21. Service suspension could begin as early as 2130 Oct. 20, and subway routes will likely be largely unavailable for the duration of the action. Heavy congestion is probable on all other modes of mass transit as people seek alternate transport. Expect increased road traffic as many commuters will be forced to use private vehicles.