The tiny island nation of the Maldives in the Indian Ocean ran out of drinking water after a fire at its only desalination plant. Repair is expected within a few days. In the meantime, neighboring countries have sent bottled water to the 120,000 residents. Visitors should be aware of the shortage and plan accordingly.

A powerful Pacific storm system is expected to cause significant transport disruptions, power outages, and property damage along the US West Coast and southwestern British Columbia, Canada through Dec. 12. Strong winds and very heavy rainfall are forecast from British Columbia’s Central Coast to Southern California; blizzard conditions are likely in the High Sierras and at higher elevations in the Pacific Ranges in British Columbia. Rain and snow will persist in the Sierra Nevada Range into the afternoon of Dec. 12. The National Weather Service has issued numerous watches, warnings, and advisories for high winds, flooding, and winter weather in the affected states. Blizzard warnings are in effect for the High Sierras above 4,500 feet (1,372 meters). Snowfall of up to 48 inches (122 cm) is possible along the Sierra Crest through 1600 PST Dec. 12. Serious concern exists about landslides and mudslides, particularly in locations where recent forest fires have occurred. Flash and areal flooding are highly likely. Flight delays and cancellations can be expected at high-volume airports along the Pacific Coast.

Leaders of several major Italian labor organizations have called for an eight-hour general strike across Italy on Dec. 12. Aviation, rail, and maritime transportation workers are expected to participate. Transportation workers will strike at various times on Dec. 12, causing rolling delays and disruptions during the following time frames:

• Air traffic controllers: 1300-1700
• Alitalia workers: 1200-1600
• Aviation (all others): 1000-1800
• Rail: 0900-1700

Work stoppages will almost certainly cause commercial, transit, and public service disruptions; however, they are unlikely to have a crippling effect in any sector because Italian law requires that a minimum level of service be maintained during weekday strikes.

The hacktivist collective Anonymous is calling for a mass rally in New York City on Dec. 13, and civil rights organizations are planning a march in Washington, DC the same day. In NYC, demonstrators will rally at Washington Square Park starting at 1400 EST; a social media site indicates that at least 37,000 people plan to attend the event. For the Washington, DC action, participants will gather at Freedom Plaza at 1030 EST before marching to an unannounced location at 1200 EST. Several prominent civil rights activists will address participants in Washington, DC, increasing the profile of the demonstration. Organizers plan to bus in out-of-area demonstrators to facilitate participation at the event, which could also draw a large crowd of potentially tens of thousands of people. A heavy police presence, which has also been a regular feature at previous similar rallies, is likely. Potentially large crowds, coupled with heightened security, will likely lead to transportation disruptions that could disrupt traffic and public bus routes. The New York City Subway and Washington, DC Metro could become overcrowded, as participants will likely use the public transit systems to travel to rallies.

Pilots union APLA has announced a 24-hour walkout on December 12. If not averted, the strike will affect SOL Airlines. Aerolíneas Argentinas, and LAN airlines. It is recommended to reconfirm flight status with these airlines.