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Travelers are urged to use caution as well as prepare for travel delays in many parts of the world:

HURRICANE AND TYPHOON SEASON 2016 TRAVEL ALERT - The Department of State alerts U.S. citizens to the Hurricane and Typhoon Seasons in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, the Caribbean, and the Gulf of Mexico. Hurricane and Typhoon season lasts through November 2016, though most tropical cyclones typically develop between May and October. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) recommends that those in hurricane-and typhoon-prone regions begin preparations for the upcoming now. This travel alert expires on December 1, 2016.

The Atlantic Basin, including the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea: Hurricane Season in the Atlantic began June 1 and runs through November 30. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Climate Prediction Center expects the 2016 season to be near normal. There is a 45 percent chance of a near-normal season, a 30 percent chance of an above-normal season, and a 25 percent chance of a below-normal season. NOAA is forecasting a 70 percent chance that La Nina-which favors more hurricane activity-will be present during the peak months of the hurricane season, August through October, and a 70 percent likelihood of 10 to 16 named storms, which includes TS Alex which formed in January. Of those, four to eight storms are predicted to strengthen to a hurricane (with top winds of 74 mph or higher) and one to four are expected to become major hurricanes (with top winds of 111 mph or higher, ranking Category 3, 4, or 5 on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale). NOAA recommends that those in hurricane-prone regions begin preparations for the upcoming season now.

The Eastern Pacific: NOAA's outlook for the Eastern Pacific hurricane season calls for a 40 percent chance of a near-normal season, a 30 percent chance of an above-normal season, and 30 percent chance of a below-normal season. NOAA's outlook calls for a 70 percent probability of 13 to 20 named storms, of which six to 11 are expected to become hurricanes, including three to six major hurricanes.

Western and Central Pacific: NOAA's central Pacific hurricane outlook calls for an equal 40 percent chance of a near-normal or above-normal season, with four to seven tropical cyclones likely. For information on typhoon warnings, please consult the Joint Typhoon Warning Center in Honolulu, the National Weather Service's Central Pacific Hurricane Center, and the Regional Specialized Meteorological Center (RSMC) Tokyo - Typhoon Center. During and after some previous storms, U.S. citizens traveling abroad encountered dangerous and often uncomfortable conditions that lasted for several days while awaiting transportation back to the United States. You may be forced to delay travel (including return travel to the United States) due to infrastructure damage to airports and limited flight availability. Roads may be washed out or obstructed by debris, adversely affecting access to airports and land routes out of affected areas. Looting and sporadic violence in the aftermath of natural disasters is not uncommon, and security personnel may not always be readily available to assist. In the event of a hurricane, be aware that you may not be able to depart the area for 24-48 hours or longer. If you live in or travel to these areas during the hurricane or typhoon season, we recommend you obtain travel insurance to cover unexpected expenses during an emergency. If a situation requires an evacuation from an overseas location, the U.S. Department of State may work with commercial airlines to ensure that U.S. citizens can depart as safely and efficiently as possible. Commercial airlines are the Department's primary source of transportation in an evacuation; other means of transport are utilized only as a last resort, are often more expensive, and will provide you with fewer destination options. For those in financial need, the U.S. Department of State has the authority to provide crisis evacuation and repatriation loans. For more information, please visit the Emergencies Abroad page on our website. If you live in or are traveling to storm-prone regions, prepare for hurricanes and tropical storms by organizing a kit in a waterproof container that includes a supply of bottled water, non-perishable food items, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, any medications taken regularly, and vital documents (especially your passport and other identification). Emergency shelters often provide only very basic resources and may have limited medical and food supplies. NOAA and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) have additional tips on their websites located here and here. Monitor local radio, local media, and the National Weather Service to be aware of weather developments. Minor tropical storms can develop into hurricanes very quickly, limiting the time available for a safe evacuation. Inform family and friends of your whereabouts and remain in close contact with your tour operator, hotel staff, transportation providers (airlines, cruise lines, etc.), and local officials for evacuation instructions during a weather emergency. We strongly encourage U.S. citizens to enroll with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate through the U.S. Department of State's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). We also encourage you to check the Country Specific Information and the website of the U.S. embassy or consulate with consular responsibilities for the territory you will be visiting.

YUCATAN PENINSULA (MEXICO), WESTERN CUBA & SOUTH EASTERN USA - Tropical Storm Colin is located north of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, as of 6 June. The storm is forecast to move in a north easterly direction over the next 48 hours towards the south eastern United States, specifically Florida. The US National Weather Service (NWS) has issued Tropical Storm Warning alerts for much of the US southern and eastern coastlines. The storm may also impact western parts of Cuba over the same period. The storm system is expected to bring heavy rains and strong winds, which may result in flooding and coastal storm surges respectively. Disruptions to sea and air transport services and power supply may also occur in the coming days in the affected areas. The storm system coincides with the start of the hurricane season (June to November). Further disruptive storms are anticipated in the coming months. Persons operating in the vicinity of the Gulf of Mexico are advised to monitor local media for updates and advisories from the authorities. Local weather advisories are accessible via Cuba's Instituto de Meteorologia de Cuba (http://www.met.inf.cu/), the US' NWS (http://www.weather.gov/) and Mexico's Servicio Meteorologico Nacional (http://smn.cna.gob.mx/es/). Travellers should reconfirm the status of their flight(s) or scheduled sea service with their travel provider or local authority prior to departure.

BELGIUM (HERMALLE-SOUS-HUY) - (Update) Three people were killed and nine others injured, some of them critically, when a late-night train crashed into the rear of a stationary freight train in eastern Belgium, authorities said. Twenty-seven other passengers were treated as a result of the accident, which authorities said happened at around 11pm on Sunday. RTL broadcasting said the passenger train was carrying about 40 people when it slammed into the freight train at a speed of 55mph (90kph) in Hermalle-sous-Huy on the banks of the River Meuse near Liege. Two cars from the passenger train derailed and overturned. It took rescuers up to three hours to free people from the wreckage. Its services have been seriously affected by a recent wave of strikes, especially in French-speaking parts of the country. The train crash halted rail services between Namur and Liege, two of Belgium's largest cities. The passenger train was travelling between Mouscron and Liers. Those injured were taken for treatment to Huy and Liege.

ZIMBABWE (CASH SHORTAGES) - Several banks in Zimbabwe have introduced cash withdrawal restrictions and closed some ATMs amid the country's ongoing cash shortage. Some banking institutions have imposed maximum withdrawal limits of between 500 and 1,000 US dollars a week. These measures will also impact of foreign travellers intending to withdraw cash using international visa or similar platforms. Travel agencies in Zimbabwe have advised foreign travellers to bring cash while travelling in the country. It should be noted that there are no restrictions on how much cash foreign travellers can take into the country; however, there are limitations for travellers exiting the country. Reports indicate that Zimbabwean banking institutions have experienced an influx of cash withdrawals amid the ongoing cash shortage and anticipated introduction of bond notes later in the year. In light of this, clients in Zimbabwe should prepare for shortfalls in cash availability over the near-term. Persons in or intending to travel to Zimbabwe should anticipate disruptions to formal banking services, including cash withdrawals at ATMs. Clients are advised to make use of alternative payment methods where possible and retain some cash reserves as a precautionary measure. Clients should not travel with significant amounts of cash. Extra cash should be secured in hotel safes.

JORDAN (BAQA'A REFUGEE CAMP) - Five employees of Jordan's General Intelligence Department (GID), including three officers, were killed on 6 June in an attack in the vicinity of the Baqa'a refugee camp, located 20km north of the capital, Amman. Further details regarding the identity of the perpetrator(s) and the method of attack are unavailable; however, local officials are treating the incident as an act of terrorism. If confirmed as a terrorist attack, the incident would be one of the most significant in recent years. An adequate counterterrorism capability has resulted in few incidents and the disruption of a number of plots. The risk stems largely from Islamist extremists, based in Jordan and the wider region. There have been persistent concerns that Jordanian militants who have travelled to conflict theatres abroad, including Syria, may return and instigate attacks in the country. In light of the recent incident, an increased security presence is anticipated in the vicinity of the Baqa'a refugee camp over the near-term. This could include patrols and checkpoints. Security operations in nearby communities may also occur as the authorities search for the perpetrator(s). Clients in Jordan should exercise heightened personal security awareness in the Baqa'a refugee camp area over the near-term and should generally maintain a a low public profile. Security force installations and personnel should be avoided as a precaution.

PHILIPPINES (RIZAL) - A Taiwanese national was killed and his wife wounded in a crime incident in the Nueva Ecija province of the Philippines on 4 June. The victim, a long-term resident and missionary, is said to have been stabbed to death after confronting a 15-year old assailant during a home invasion and robbery. The incident took place in the province's Rizal municipality. Further details are unavailable and a police investigation is currently ongoing. There is a medium crime risk in the Philippines. The majority of both petty and violent crimes generally occur in low-income neighbourhoods and major urban centres, where both opportunistic and organised criminal groups operate. The majority of violent crimes generally involve locals; however, foreign nationals, including those with a longer-term presence in the country, have been targeted in the past due to their perceived wealth and vulnerability. It should also be noted that confronting armed criminals sharply escalates the threats to one's safety and security. Persons in the Philippines should be aware of the medium-level, but increasing, risk of violent crime in the country and should remain vigilant at all times. Clients should also limit travel at night, particularly in low-income areas, and maintain a low public profile. In addition, clients should closely review places of accommodation for their security features and location. In the event of an incident, clients should comply with the demands of criminals in order to avoid increasing the threat of a violent attack.

MAYOTTE - Anti-foreigner sentiments are ongoing in France's overseas territory, Mayotte, on 6 June. Hundreds of foreigners have been forcibly removed from their homes by anti-foreigner groups, and are reportedly camped at the central square in the capital, Mamoudzou. Those impacted are almost exclusively economic migrants who come from Mayotte's neighbouring island, Comoros, in search of work. Western travellers, such as tourists and businesspersons, as well as their operations, have remained unaffected. Nearly 700 people were forced to leave their homes in Ouangani. The islands' authorities held an emergency meeting on 5 June to discuss possible solutions to this issue. The Comoros nationals are being blamed for rising crime levels and for a number of socio-economic issues. On 4 June, persons in the southern commune of Kani-Keli called for a protest to expel illegal immigrants from the area; however, police were mobilised to prevent the event from occurring. Further anti-foreigner actions are possible in the coming days. Given past precedent, violent clashes during protest action, especially between protesters and security forces, are possible. Clashes between stone-throwing youth and police were reported on 5 June at an annual tyre race event in Mamoudzou; however, it remains unclear whether the unrest was sparked by xenophobic sentiments. Persons in Mayotte in the short-term are advised to keep a low profile and maintain a heightened level of security awareness. Furthermore, local media should be monitored for information regarding related protests. All demonstrations should be avoided as a standard precaution.

NIGERIA (RIVERS & IMO STATES) - Gunmen attacked several communities in the Emohua area of Nigeria's southern Rivers state on 5 June leaving at least 11 people dead. The gunmen, described in the media as 'cultists', targeted the Rumuji, Ovogo and Rumuewhuo areas. During the assault, the group attacked the Rumuji Divisional Police Headquarters. The attack led to the release of some prisoners. The gunmen also looted the armoury. The motive for the attack is unclear. The incident follows 3 and 4 June attacks in the Aluu and Obite areas of Rivers and Imo states respectively, which left 19 people dead. Again, the identity of the attackers and the motive for the attack is unclear. The incidents underscore the elevated levels of insecurity in the Niger Delta. Non-state armed groups operate in multiple areas and are frequently implicated in attacks against civilian, state and foreign interests. Attacks are typically criminally or politically motivated. Clients are advised against all travel to the states of Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta and Rivers and against all non-essential travel to the Imo, Edo and Abia states due to the risk of conflict, terrorism, kidnapping, civil unrest and crime. Persons operating in these areas should travel with a security escort and avoid all travel at night. Clients should reside in secure compounds or hotels.

AFGHANISTAN / PAKISTAN - There is a heightened threat of attacks across Afghanistan and Pakistan for the duration of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which began in Afghanistan on 6 June, and will begin in Pakistan on 7 June. The threat is also elevated for the commemoration of Eid al-Fitr, the end of Ramadan, on or around 6 July. In some parts of north western Pakistan, Ramadan may start a day earlier than the rest of the country. Although local officials have not released any information pertaining to actual threats of terrorist attacks in Pakistan or Afghanistan, there remains an extreme threat of such activity in the two countries, where both actual and attempted bomb attacks are regularly reported. The threat is posed by Islamist extremist groups who have carried out targeted attacks against symbols of the Pakistani and Afghan states, as well as against religious minorities, particularly Shiite Muslims in Pakistan. This threat is further heightened during religiously significant periods, such as Ramadan. Possible targets include foreign diplomatic representations, markets, Shiite mosques or events, major hotels, restaurants and transport hubs; there is likely to be a visibly heightened security presence at such locations. Due to a number of ongoing concerns, clients are advised against all travel to Afghanistan, all non-essential travel to parts of Pakistan, and against all travel to other parts of the country. Persons currently in either country should remain vigilant, avoid all religiously motivated gatherings and report any suspicious persons, packages or activities to the authorities immediately.

SOUTH AFRICA (DURBAN) - Disruptive protests are underway in KwaMashu and Newlands areas of Durban, in South Africa, on 6 June. The agitation involves local elections, particularly nomination lists. Motorists were warned by the eThekwini Municipality that Dumisani Makhaye Drive and North Coast Road from the N2 highway, to Connaught Bridge and Nandi Drive, are not accessible. A car and truck were reportedly set alight along North Coast road, in the Briardene suburb, and one man was shot by a protester. Security forces have been deployed to the effected areas. Given the presence of protesters and of security forces, disruptions in the impacted areas are expected in the near-term. Clients in the affected areas are advised to avoid all protests as a standard precaution. Persons are further advised to use alternate routes and to keep itineraries flexible due to travel disruptions.

KENYA - Long-distance truck drivers in Kenya have indicated they will strike and blockade major roads on 6 June. Reports indicated the most impacted road will be the A109 highway between the capital, Nairobi, and the coastal city of Mombasa. In addition, according to a statement from the Kenyan Truck Drivers' Group, drivers will also block the Naivasha-Nakuru highway at Kikopey, in Nakuru County; the Eldoret-Malaba highway at Jua Kali in Uasin Gishu County; and the Busia-Kisumu highway at the town of Sega. The drivers are taking this action to draw attention to perceived insecurity on the highways, and to protest against harassment by security forces amid other issues. The action is expected to cause road travel disruptions on the day on the impacted highways. In addition, although no protest action has been called for nor reported thus far on 6 June, they cannot be ruled out entirely; it should be noted that any possible protest action carries a heightened threat of violence, as Kenyan security forces are known to use violence, often as a first resort, in quelling dissent. In addition, should the strike action persist, a shortage of goods and fuel is possible. Clients in Kenya are advised to anticipate delays in inter-city travel on 6 June, and adjust their plans accordingly. All possible protest action should be avoided as a precaution.

KENYA (KISUMU, MIGORI & IN THE KIBERA, CBD & MATHARE AREAS IN NAIROBI) - (Update) Disruptive countrywide demonstrations by opposition supporters have been reported in multiple areas of Kenya on 6 June. In Kisumu, in the west of the country, police fired at and killed two protesters during a march towards the local Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) office. Disruptive protests were also reported in the town of Migori and in the Kibera, CBD and Mathare areas of the capital, Nairobi. The agitation is part of a countrywide protest campaign, called by the Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD) opposition party, against the IEBC. CORD-related protests are expected to persist through the course of the day in areas already affected and elsewhere. Further road travel disruptions and localised acts of violence, including clashes between police and protesters, should be anticipated. Protest locations include IEBC offices, prominent state buildings, city centres and major roads countrywide. Clients in Kenya are advised to avoid all protests and demonstrations as a standard procedure. Heightened caution is advised in areas that have already reported violence/protests.

BANGLADESH - There is a heightened threat of small-scale attacks across Bangladesh for the duration of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which will begin on 7 June. The threat is also elevated for the commemoration of Eid al-Fitr, the end of Ramadan, on or around 7 July. The threat of terrorism is rated as medium in Bangladesh; however, the country has been subject to a number of religiously motivated attacks, which in the past three years have left approximately 40 people dead. These attacks have been relatively unsophisticated, and generally have involved low-level knife or machete attacks on Shiite, Christian or Hindu individuals, or against LGBT or secular activists. They are believed to be carried out by self-radicalised individuals with loose ties to or inspired by Sunni extremist organisations such as the Islamic State (IS). The vast majority of such incidents have targeted local nationals, although there have been isolated cases of foreign nationals falling victim to such attacks. It should be noted that of the foreign nationals who have fallen victim to such attacks, none of them were assessed to have adequate personal or travel security protocols in place. Clients in Bangladesh over the aforementioned period should remain vigilant, avoid all religiously motivated gatherings and report any suspicious persons, packages or activities to the authorities immediately.

HAITI (PORT-AU-PRINCE & GRAND'ARNSE, ARTIBONITE & NORD DEPARTMENTS) - Opposition groups in Haiti have called demonstrations demanding the resignation of interim President Jocelerme Privert, by 14 June when his mandate is set to expire. The protests are expected to take place at the Lalue intersection and on Christ-Roi street in the capital, Port-au-Prince, on 7, 10 and 13 June. Protests are also anticipated in Haiti's Grand'Arnse, Artibonite and Nord departments. Political tensions in Haiti remain elevated following the repeated postponement of the country's presidential run-off election. The Provisional Electoral Council (CEP)is set to announce the new election timetable on 6 June, following proposals for the elections to be held on 9 October. The authorities have stated that the election will not be reopened to new candidates; this is a particular concern in some quarters, including opposition groups who have rejected the October 2015 ballot, on the grounds of electoral fraud and corruption. In light of the ongoing tensions, the protests are expected to persist in the near-term and may escalate should Privert not resign when his mandate ends. It should be noted that there is an elevated risk of violence at all protests in Haiti. Due to a number of ongoing security concerns, all non-essential travel to Haiti is advised against. Persons in Haiti in the near-term are advised to avoid all protest gatherings and concentrations of security forces as a standard precaution. Local media should be monitored closely for updates on political developments and for any potential protests.

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