Friday Risk Watch: June 30, 2023

Stay ahead of potential risks and ensure the safety of your employees with?Friday Risk Watch, a weekly newsletter curated by our?Global Intelligence team.

In each issue of Friday Risk Watch, you can expect?curated updates on emerging risks, geopolitical developments, weather forecasts, and much more. We'll keep you informed about the latest trends and incidents that could impact your organization's operations, allowing you to make informed decisions and mitigate potential risks.

What We're Watching:

Violent Unrest in France Over Fatal Police Shooting of Teenager: Widespread, violent protest activity is expected to continue across France this weekend following the fatal police shooting of a teenager during a traffic stop in the Paris suburb of Nanterre.?

• Nanterre and the wider ?le-de-France area remain the epicenter of activity; however, protests involving clashes have been widespread. Police have arrested over 800 people, and hundreds have reportedly been injured. Demonstrations have resulted in significant property damage, and looting of commercial property has been reported in some areas.?
• Marseille, Toulouse, and Lyon restricted gatherings and several cities have enacted curfews. In an address to the nation, President Macron urged parents to keep teens at home. Officials also said that "large-scale events" that "may present risks to public order" would be canceled, with many organizers calling off shows and festivities.??
• Widespread transportation disruptions are occurring due to protest activity, and officials are attempting to limit movement by canceling public transport services. On Friday, Minister of the Interior Gérald Darmanin requested that local governments nationwide halt bus and tram services at 9:00 pm.?

U.S. and Canada Prepare for Major National Holidays: Revelers across North America are preparing for events commemorating Independence Day in the U.S. (July 4) and Canada Day (July 1).

• The U.S. remains in a heightened threat environment, and large outdoor gatherings present a target for threat actors. Last year, a gunman attacked a Fourth of July parade in Highland Park, Illinois, killing seven. No specific threats have been identified this year; however, significant gun violence during recent holiday weekends highlights the need to stay vigilant.
• To the north, officials in Ottawa will likely be distracted during holiday celebrations due to a strike by West Coast port workers set to start on Canada Day. Barring a last-minute agreement with operators, thousands are expected to walk out, including workers at The Port of Vancouver, the nation’s largest.??
• On the weather front, the U.S. continues to deal with a significant heatwave and unhealthy air quality, but this weekend will also feature scattered storms from the Midwest to the Northeast. Widespread power outages have already been observed in multiple midwestern states, and similar disruptions are likely to hit the Ohio Valley, Mid-Atlantic, and lower Northeast through the weekend. In addition, thunderstorm activity could result in ground stops at key airports in and around St. Louis, Indianapolis, and Washington D.C.??

Increasingly Disruptive Anti-Overhaul Demonstrators in Israel Threaten to Blockade Airport: Demonstrations against the government’s controversial judicial overhaul are escalating, with opponents of the reforms planning to hold a large rally at Ben-Gurion Airport on Monday at 5:30 pm, in addition to nationwide demonstrations on Saturday.??

• After largely confining their demonstrations to Saturdays for several weeks, protesters have begun staging more regular actions designed to disrupt everyday life in response to the restart of the judicial reform legislative process.??
• Earlier this week, hundreds of protesters burned tires outside of Justice Minister Yariv Levin’s home in Modiin, and on Thursday, demonstrators blocked northbound lanes of the Ayalon Highway in Tel Aviv. Further demonstrations outside of officials’ homes took place this morning.??
• Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a meeting this week with key officials under the heading “Restrictions in Public Space,” which reportedly addressed how to deal with the increasingly disruptive protests. The conference drew condemnation from the opposition, which accused the government of attempting to restrict citizens’ rights and stifle dissent.??

Eastern Pacific Tropical Activity Increasing: As Hurricane Adrian moves over open waters, Hurricane Beatriz continues to strengthen just off the southwestern Mexico Coast. There is a threat of widespread tropical storm or hurricane conditions, heavy rainfall, and flash flooding across southern Mexico heading into the weekend.?

• On Wednesday, Adrian strengthened into the first hurricane of the 2023 eastern Pacific hurricane season. Hurricane Adrian will continue on its westward journey and eventually dissipate over open waters early next week.?
• Hurricane Beatriz continues to strengthen gradually along the southwestern Mexico Coast. Various tropical storm and hurricane-related alerts have been issued by the National Hurricane Center between the coasts of Guerrero and Jalisco. Widespread tropical storm or hurricane conditions could lash key areas through Saturday, including Acapulco, Manzanillo, and Lázaro Cárdenas.
• Localized rainfall amounts in excess of 5-8 inches could spark flash flooding across southern Mexico, including Oaxaca westward to Jalisco. This system will be monitored through early next week as it weakens and tracks near southern Baja California Sur.?

Heavy Rain and Flooding Threatens Southern Japan: Thousands are facing evacuation alerts alongside an enhanced period of rainfall set to continue into the weekend.??

• A substantial rain episode began Friday morning (local time) along a well-established rainy season front (weather boundary) in southern Japan.??
• The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) issued landslide and evacuation notices for parts of Kyushu and surrounding regions that are set to continue well into Saturday. Frequent air and ground delays and/or cancellations are possible alongside flooding and localized evacuations.?
• Rain totals should easily surpass 100-150mm (4-6 inches) over interior Kyushu. More isolated extreme rain totals in excess of 260mm (10 inches) are possible between Kagoshima, Fukuoka, and Kumamoto and adjoining areas through Saturday evening.??

Stay in the Know

Don't miss out on crucial information that can make a difference! Stay tuned to our?Instagram?and?TikTok?for upcoming editions of Friday Risk Watch and subscribe for weekly reports that can help ensure the safety and security of your organization.