Turkey's defence ministry said the first parts of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/its-a-problem-trump-tells-erdogan-on-russia-s-400-missile-deal-231388">S-400 Russian missile defence</a> systems were delivered to Ankara on Friday.

Turkey's acquisition of the Russian system is a source of tension between Turkey and NATO ally United States.

"The delivery of parts belonging to the system will continue in the coming days," Turkey's defence industry directorate said separately. "Once the system is completely ready, it will begin to be used in a way determined by the relevant authorities," it added.

A Russian Air Force AN-124 cargo plane had flown to Turkey early on Friday morning and was last tracked approaching Ankara, data from Flightradar24 website showed. Turkish broadcasters showed footage of the plane at the Murted Air Base.

Turkey had earlier called on the United States to avoid steps harmful to bilateral relations after the US State Department spokeswoman reiterated Ankara would face "real and negative consequences" for acquiring<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russias-s-400-missile-delivery-to-turkey-will-have-consequences-us-230313"> Russian S-400 defence systems</a>.

Turkey's foreign ministry spokesman had said the comments by the State Department's Morgan Ortagus were not in line with the spirit and content of talks between presidents of the two countries at the G20 summit last month.

President Tayyip Erdogan said after meeting President Donald Trump in Osaka that the United States did not plan to impose sanctions on Ankara for buying the S-400s, which he said would arrive in the first half of July. Trump said Turkey had not been treated fairly but did not rule out sanctions.

The United States says the S-400s are not compatible with NATO's defence network and could compromise its Lockheed Martin F-35 stealth fighter jets, an aircraft Turkey is helping to build and planning to buy.

Turkey could face expulsion from the F-35 programme and other US&nbsp;sanctions if it goes ahead with the S-400 delivery. Washington has already halted training of Turkish pilots in the United States on the aircraft.

Turkey's defence ministry said the first parts of the S-400 Russian missile defence systems were delivered to Ankara on Friday. Turkey's acquisition of the Russian system is a source of tension between Turkey and NATO ally United States.

Turkey's defence ministry said the first parts of the S-400 Russian missile defence systems were delivered to Ankara on Friday. Turkey's acquisition of the Russian system is a source of tension between Turkey and NATO ally United States. "The delivery of parts belonging to the system will continue in the coming days," Turkey's defence industry directorate said separately. "Once the system is completely ready, it will begin to be used in a way determined by the relevant authorities," it added. A Russian Air Force AN-124 cargo plane had flown to Turkey early on Friday morning and was last tracked approaching Ankara, data from Flightradar24 website showed. Turkish broadcasters showed footage of the plane at the Murted Air Base. Turkey had earlier called on the United States to avoid steps harmful to bilateral relations after the US State Department spokeswoman reiterated Ankara would face "real and negative consequences" for acquiring Russian S-400 defence systems. Turkey's foreign ministry spokesman had said the comments by the State Department's Morgan Ortagus were not in line with the spirit and content of talks between presidents of the two countries at the G20 summit last month. President Tayyip Erdogan said after meeting President Donald Trump in Osaka that the United States did not plan to impose sanctions on Ankara for buying the S-400s, which he said would arrive in the first half of July. Trump said Turkey had not been treated fairly but did not rule out sanctions. The United States says the S-400s are not compatible with NATO's defence network and could compromise its Lockheed Martin F-35 stealth fighter jets, an aircraft Turkey is helping to build and planning to buy. Turkey could face expulsion from the F-35 programme and other US sanctions if it goes ahead with the S-400 delivery. Washington has already halted training of Turkish pilots in the United States on the aircraft.

First part of Russian S-400 missile defence system delivered: Turkey

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/neymar-wants-barcelona-return-says-clubs-vice-president-230937&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj7-duegq_jAhUIWCsKHWA4AUkQFjABegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw15e2GHqJESvRzv616C0QdF">Barcelona </a>have agreed a deal to sign emerging Japanese talent Hiroki Abe from Kashima Antlers, the J-League club said on Friday.

The 20-year-old attacker, named the league's best young player of 2018, was set to undergo a medical with the Spanish side and would join up with their 'B' side.

Financial details were not released but earlier reports said Barca would pay around $2.25 million&nbsp;for Abe, who made his senior international debut at the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/copa-america-koji-miyoshi-shines-japan-plays-2-2-draw-against-uruguay-229170&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjVg4qpgq_jAhXbad4KHelTCxYQFjAAegQIAxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0lMGxWeUqY2tZIy176eb0w">Copa America</a> and appeared in all three of their matches.

"It was a difficult decision to leave (Kashima) mid-season, but I chose to make the move because I absolutely want to take on this new challenge at Barcelona," Kyodo news agency quoted Abe as saying in a statement.

Barcelona have agreed a deal to sign emerging Japanese talent Hiroki Abe from Kashima Antlers, the J-League club said on Friday. The 20-year-old attacker, named the league's best young player of 2018, was set to undergo a medical with the Spanish side and would join up with their 'B' side.

Barcelona have agreed a deal to sign emerging Japanese talent Hiroki Abe from Kashima Antlers, the J-League club said on Friday. The 20-year-old attacker, named the league's best young player of 2018, was set to undergo a medical with the Spanish side and would join up with their 'B' side. Financial details were not released but earlier reports said Barca would pay around $2.25 million for Abe, who made his senior international debut at the Copa America and appeared in all three of their matches. "It was a difficult decision to leave (Kashima) mid-season, but I chose to make the move because I absolutely want to take on this new challenge at Barcelona," Kyodo news agency quoted Abe as saying in a statement.

Barcelona agree deal to sign Japan's Abe

Tropical <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/oil-prices-rise-over-storm-barry-middle-east-tensions-235170">storm Barry</a> could strengthen into a hurricane by Friday night or early Saturday when the centre is near the coast of Louisiana, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-attorney-general-william-barr-recuses-himself-from-boeing-737-max-probe-justice-department-235216">US</a> National Hurricane Center (NHC) said.

The storm, about 140 miles (220 km) southeast of Morgan City, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/heavy-rains-flood-new-orleans-streets-forecasters-predict-hurricane-234833">Louisiana</a>, is packing maximum sustained winds of 50 miles per hour (85 km per hour), the NHC said.

"Dangerous storm surge, heavy rains, and wind conditions are expected across the north-central Gulf Coast," the Miami-based weather forecaster added.

Meteorologists predicted between 10 and 20 inches (25-50 cm) of rain along much of the Gulf Coast on Friday and Saturday.

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/storm-barry-bears-down-on-new-orleans-with-extreme-rainfall-flooding-risk-235208/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell warned that 48 hours of heavy rain could overwhelm pumps designed to purge streets and storm drains of excess water in the low-lying city.

A tropical storm warning was posted on Thursday afternoon for metropolitan New Orleans, and a hurricane warning for a stretch of the Louisiana coast south of the city. The weather service later reported winds increasing to 45 mph (72 kph), with higher gusts.

The storm swiftly disrupted oil and gas operations along the Gulf, as energy companies halted production on more than half of the region's petroleum output and evacuated nearly 200 offshore facilities and a coastal refinery.

With the brunt of the storm expected to skirt the western edge of New Orleans instead of making a direct hit, city officials ordered evacuations.

Tropical storm Barry could strengthen into a hurricane by Friday night or early Saturday when the centre is near the coast of Louisiana, the US National Hurricane Center (NHC) said.

Tropical storm Barry could strengthen into a hurricane by Friday night or early Saturday when the centre is near the coast of Louisiana, the US National Hurricane Center (NHC) said. The storm, about 140 miles (220 km) southeast of Morgan City, Louisiana, is packing maximum sustained winds of 50 miles per hour (85 km per hour), the NHC said. "Dangerous storm surge, heavy rains, and wind conditions are expected across the north-central Gulf Coast," the Miami-based weather forecaster added. Meteorologists predicted between 10 and 20 inches (25-50 cm) of rain along much of the Gulf Coast on Friday and Saturday. Watch Video: New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell warned that 48 hours of heavy rain could overwhelm pumps designed to purge streets and storm drains of excess water in the low-lying city. A tropical storm warning was posted on Thursday afternoon for metropolitan New Orleans, and a hurricane warning for a stretch of the Louisiana coast south of the city. The weather service later reported winds increasing to 45 mph (72 kph), with higher gusts. The storm swiftly disrupted oil and gas operations along the Gulf, as energy companies halted production on more than half of the region's petroleum output and evacuated nearly 200 offshore facilities and a coastal refinery. With the brunt of the storm expected to skirt the western edge of New Orleans instead of making a direct hit, city officials ordered evacuations.

Tropical Storm Barry to hit Louisiana may develop into hurricane: US weather forecaster

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-donald-trump-seeks-to-override-supreme-court-ruling-on-census-233448">US President Donald Trump</a> on Wednesday ordered an investigation into France's planned tax on technology companies, a probe that could lead to the United States imposing new tariffs or other trade restrictions.

"The United States is very concerned that the digital services tax which is expected to pass the French Senate tomorrow unfairly targets American companies," <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-china-trade-negotiators-hold-talks-ahead-of-xi-trump-meeting-report-230147">US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer</a> said in a statement announcing the investigation.

The move gives Lighthizer up to a year to investigate if France's digital-tax plan would hurt US technology companies.

The "Section 301" investigation will determine if the levy poses an unfair trade practice. Prior investigations have covered Chinese trade practices and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-union-strongly-urges-iran-to-stop-nuclear-enrichment-234076">European Union</a> subsidies on large commercial aircraft.

French finance minister Bruno Le Maire said in March that a 3 per cent tax on the French revenue of large internet companies could yield $563 million&nbsp;a year.

USTR said in a statement the "services covered are ones where US firms are global leaders. The structure of the proposed new tax, as well as statements by officials, suggest that France is unfairly targeting the tax at certain US-based technology companies."

Lighthizer said Trump "has directed that we investigate the effects of this legislation and determine whether it is discriminatory or unreasonable and burdens or restricts United States commerce."

Le Maire said the tax would target some 30 companies, mostly American but also Chinese, German, Spanish and British, as well as one French firm and several firms with French origins that have been bought by foreign companies.

The tax would affect companies with at least $844 million&nbsp;in annual revenues and apply to revenue from digital business including online advertising. Companies such as Alphabet Inc's Google, Apple Inc, Facebook Inc, and Amazon.com Inc would likely be subject to the tax.

The technology industry lobby group ITI, which represents Apple, Amazon, Google, and other tech companies, urged the United States not to resort to tariffs in the dispute.

"We support the US government’s efforts to investigate these complex trade issues but urge it to pursue the 301 investigations in a spirit of international cooperation and without using tariffs as a remedy," Jennifer McCloskey, ITI’s vice president of policy, said in a statement.

Senate Finance Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley, a Republican, and Senator Ron Wyden, the top Democrat on the panel, praised the investigation.

"The digital services tax that France and other European countries are pursuing is clearly protectionist and unfairly targets American companies in a way that will cost US jobs and harm American workers," they said in a joint statement.

"The United States would not need to pursue this path if other countries would abandon these unilateral actions and focus their energies on the multilateral process that is underway," the statement added.

Lighthizer said the United States "will continue its efforts with other countries at the OECD to reach a multilateral agreement to address the challenges to the international tax system posed by an increasingly digitized global economy."

Bloomberg Tax reported the investigation earlier, citing two people familiar with the matter.

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday ordered an investigation into France's planned tax on technology companies, a probe that could lead to the United States imposing new tariffs or other trade restrictions.

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday ordered an investigation into France's planned tax on technology companies, a probe that could lead to the United States imposing new tariffs or other trade restrictions. "The United States is very concerned that the digital services tax which is expected to pass the French Senate tomorrow unfairly targets American companies," US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer said in a statement announcing the investigation. The move gives Lighthizer up to a year to investigate if France's digital-tax plan would hurt US technology companies. The "Section 301" investigation will determine if the levy poses an unfair trade practice. Prior investigations have covered Chinese trade practices and European Union subsidies on large commercial aircraft. French finance minister Bruno Le Maire said in March that a 3 per cent tax on the French revenue of large internet companies could yield $563 million a year. USTR said in a statement the "services covered are ones where US firms are global leaders. The structure of the proposed new tax, as well as statements by officials, suggest that France is unfairly targeting the tax at certain US-based technology companies." Lighthizer said Trump "has directed that we investigate the effects of this legislation and determine whether it is discriminatory or unreasonable and burdens or restricts United States commerce." Le Maire said the tax would target some 30 companies, mostly American but also Chinese, German, Spanish and British, as well as one French firm and several firms with French origins that have been bought by foreign companies. The tax would affect companies with at least $844 million in annual revenues and apply to revenue from digital business including online advertising. Companies such as Alphabet Inc's Google, Apple Inc, Facebook Inc, and Amazon.com Inc would likely be subject to the tax. The technology industry lobby group ITI, which represents Apple, Amazon, Google, and other tech companies, urged the United States not to resort to tariffs in the dispute. "We support the US government’s efforts to investigate these complex trade issues but urge it to pursue the 301 investigations in a spirit of international cooperation and without using tariffs as a remedy," Jennifer McCloskey, ITI’s vice president of policy, said in a statement. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley, a Republican, and Senator Ron Wyden, the top Democrat on the panel, praised the investigation. "The digital services tax that France and other European countries are pursuing is clearly protectionist and unfairly targets American companies in a way that will cost US jobs and harm American workers," they said in a joint statement. "The United States would not need to pursue this path if other countries would abandon these unilateral actions and focus their energies on the multilateral process that is underway," the statement added. Lighthizer said the United States "will continue its efforts with other countries at the OECD to reach a multilateral agreement to address the challenges to the international tax system posed by an increasingly digitized global economy." Bloomberg Tax reported the investigation earlier, citing two people familiar with the matter.

Trump administration 'very concerned' over French plan to tax US tech companies

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/switzerland-steps-up-process-to-share-banking-information-11-indians-get-notices-in-a-day-221821">Reinsurance group Swiss Re</a> has suspended plans for a &nbsp;4.1 billion dollar initial public offering (IPO) of British life insurer ReAssure, which was set to start trading in London on Thursday, citing weak demand from institutional investors.

The cancellation comes as global share listings hit their lowest level in three years in the first six months, with a prolonged slowdown in Europe.

Listings that did go ahead, such as Volkswagen's truckmaker Traton, were cut in volume and priced at the low end of expectations.

Reuters reported on Wednesday that Swiss Re was considering postponing or restructuring the London listing due to limited investor appetite.

A Swiss Re spokeswoman said the Zurich-based group was not at present considering re-starting the IPO process for ReAssure this year but long-term options remained open.

Chief Financial Officer John Dacey said the group still intended to reduce its ownership in ReAssure.

"There has been no pressing need for Swiss Re to divest shares at a price that we consider to be unrepresentative of ReAssure's value and prospects," he added.

Swiss Re shares were indicated at 0.4 per cent lower in pre-market activity.

Under the flotation plans, Swiss Re would have cut its stake in ReAssure to below 50 per cent from 75 per cent now. Japan's MS&amp;AD Insurance Group Holdings intended to keep its holding at 25 per cent.

Swiss Re had set a price range of 2.80 to 3.30 pounds per share for ReAssure, Britain's sixth-largest life insurer, valuing it at up to 3.3 billion pounds ($4.14 billion).

Swiss Re wanted to spin off ReAssure to put the business under a more favourable regulatory regime and give it easier access to capital to fund its expansion.

It hired Credit Suisse, Morgan Stanley, and UBS to work as joint global coordinators, while BNP Paribas and HSBC acted as joint book runners.

($1 = 0.7980 pounds)

Reinsurance group Swiss Re has suspended plans for a 4.1 billion dollar initial public offering (IPO) of British life insurer ReAssure, which was set to start trading in London on Thursday, citing weak demand from institutional investors.

Reinsurance group Swiss Re has suspended plans for a 4.1 billion dollar initial public offering (IPO) of British life insurer ReAssure, which was set to start trading in London on Thursday, citing weak demand from institutional investors. The cancellation comes as global share listings hit their lowest level in three years in the first six months, with a prolonged slowdown in Europe. Listings that did go ahead, such as Volkswagen's truckmaker Traton, were cut in volume and priced at the low end of expectations. Reuters reported on Wednesday that Swiss Re was considering postponing or restructuring the London listing due to limited investor appetite. A Swiss Re spokeswoman said the Zurich-based group was not at present considering re-starting the IPO process for ReAssure this year but long-term options remained open. Chief Financial Officer John Dacey said the group still intended to reduce its ownership in ReAssure. "There has been no pressing need for Swiss Re to divest shares at a price that we consider to be unrepresentative of ReAssure's value and prospects," he added. Swiss Re shares were indicated at 0.4 per cent lower in pre-market activity. Under the flotation plans, Swiss Re would have cut its stake in ReAssure to below 50 per cent from 75 per cent now. Japan's MS&AD Insurance Group Holdings intended to keep its holding at 25 per cent. Swiss Re had set a price range of 2.80 to 3.30 pounds per share for ReAssure, Britain's sixth-largest life insurer, valuing it at up to 3.3 billion pounds ($4.14 billion). Swiss Re wanted to spin off ReAssure to put the business under a more favourable regulatory regime and give it easier access to capital to fund its expansion. It hired Credit Suisse, Morgan Stanley, and UBS to work as joint global coordinators, while BNP Paribas and HSBC acted as joint book runners. ($1 = 0.7980 pounds)

Swiss Re puts off $4 billion ReAssure IPO amid weak demand

The boss of Europe's Ryanair Holdings warned on Wednesday the impact of the prolonged grounding of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-regulator-cites-new-flaw-on-grounded-boeing-737-max-230998">Boeing Co's 737 MAX</a> on the airline's growth plans may start to spill over to next summer if the airplane is not flying again by November.

Europe's largest budget carrier needs up to eight months to take delivery of some 50 newly built planes left at the factory by the grounding crisis, so it may have to trim its capacity growth plans for summer 2020 if 737 MAX flights have not resumed by November, Chief Executive Michael O'Leary told Reuters.

"Boeing is telling us at the moment they expect to be back flying by the end of September," O'Leary said in an interview on the sidelines of a meeting of the European airlines lobby A4E, which he also chairs.

"I think it will fly before the end of this year. I am not sure they will meet the end of September date, but I take comfort from the fact that it seems that now the American, European, Brazilian and Canadian regulators are working together," he added.

In May, O'Leary predicted a return to service by July but the US Federal Aviation Administration has since reported a new potential safety risk that it says must be addressed first.

"We are continuing to engage with global regulators and providing information to them as we work towards the safe return to service for the MAX," a Boeing spokesman said by email.

Boeing's top-selling jet was grounded in March in the wake of crashes in Ethiopia and Indonesia which killed 346 people. The planemaker is working on a software fix that people familiar with the matter have said Boeing hopes to present to regulators in September.

"The challenge for us is that we need to see the plane back flying by the end of September, October, November at the latest, so as not to disrupt our growth for the summer of 2020," O'Leary said.

Ryanair can take delivery of no more than six to eight planes a month because of the complexity of the delivery process and the availability of trained MAX pilots.

''Pressure" on Boeing After IAG Deal

O'Leary also responded to a surprise move by British Airways owner IAG to buy 200 MAX jets at what analysts say must have been very attractive prices as the grounding drags on.

He described the preliminary order, which gave the 737 MAX a boost at last month's Paris Airshow, as a "great move" by IAG Chief Executive Willie Walsh, even though at this stage the deal is only a letter of intent (LOI).

"Let's see what happens with that. I suspect it certainly puts more pressure on Airbus. And we, as a result of IAG’s LOI, are putting much more pressure on Boeing."

Ryanair benefits from a clause in its contract guaranteeing it lower prices than its competitors, echoing a similar arrangement for Southwest in the United States, analysts say.

Asked whether Ryanair could take advantage of the IAG deal to expand its order for 135 MAX on even better terms, O'Leary said any new deal would be unlikely during the grounding but could be up for discussion once the jet was back in service.

"You could do that in September or October this year when the aircraft is back flying. We will stick close to Boeing on it and we are also talking to Airbus about the possibility of aircraft for Laudamotion."

O'Leary told Reuters in March, shortly before the second crash that triggered a worldwide grounding of the 737 MAX 8 and 9 models, that Ryanair was interested in Boeing's larger 737 MAX 10 "at the right price" as well as at least 100 Airbus A321 for recently acquired Austrian unit Laudamotion.

O'Leary said in May Ryanair was also talking to Boeing about compensation for the grounding, but that it had to be determined whether this would be paid in cash or as lower aircraft prices.

The boss of Europe's Ryanair Holdings warned on Wednesday the impact of the prolonged grounding of Boeing Co's 737 MAX on the airline's growth plans may start to spill over to next summer if the airplane is not flying again by November.

The boss of Europe's Ryanair Holdings warned on Wednesday the impact of the prolonged grounding of Boeing Co's 737 MAX on the airline's growth plans may start to spill over to next summer if the airplane is not flying again by November. Europe's largest budget carrier needs up to eight months to take delivery of some 50 newly built planes left at the factory by the grounding crisis, so it may have to trim its capacity growth plans for summer 2020 if 737 MAX flights have not resumed by November, Chief Executive Michael O'Leary told Reuters. "Boeing is telling us at the moment they expect to be back flying by the end of September," O'Leary said in an interview on the sidelines of a meeting of the European airlines lobby A4E, which he also chairs. "I think it will fly before the end of this year. I am not sure they will meet the end of September date, but I take comfort from the fact that it seems that now the American, European, Brazilian and Canadian regulators are working together," he added. In May, O'Leary predicted a return to service by July but the US Federal Aviation Administration has since reported a new potential safety risk that it says must be addressed first. "We are continuing to engage with global regulators and providing information to them as we work towards the safe return to service for the MAX," a Boeing spokesman said by email. Boeing's top-selling jet was grounded in March in the wake of crashes in Ethiopia and Indonesia which killed 346 people. The planemaker is working on a software fix that people familiar with the matter have said Boeing hopes to present to regulators in September. "The challenge for us is that we need to see the plane back flying by the end of September, October, November at the latest, so as not to disrupt our growth for the summer of 2020," O'Leary said. Ryanair can take delivery of no more than six to eight planes a month because of the complexity of the delivery process and the availability of trained MAX pilots. ''Pressure" on Boeing After IAG Deal O'Leary also responded to a surprise move by British Airways owner IAG to buy 200 MAX jets at what analysts say must have been very attractive prices as the grounding drags on. He described the preliminary order, which gave the 737 MAX a boost at last month's Paris Airshow, as a "great move" by IAG Chief Executive Willie Walsh, even though at this stage the deal is only a letter of intent (LOI). "Let's see what happens with that. I suspect it certainly puts more pressure on Airbus. And we, as a result of IAG’s LOI, are putting much more pressure on Boeing." Ryanair benefits from a clause in its contract guaranteeing it lower prices than its competitors, echoing a similar arrangement for Southwest in the United States, analysts say. Asked whether Ryanair could take advantage of the IAG deal to expand its order for 135 MAX on even better terms, O'Leary said any new deal would be unlikely during the grounding but could be up for discussion once the jet was back in service. "You could do that in September or October this year when the aircraft is back flying. We will stick close to Boeing on it and we are also talking to Airbus about the possibility of aircraft for Laudamotion." O'Leary told Reuters in March, shortly before the second crash that triggered a worldwide grounding of the 737 MAX 8 and 9 models, that Ryanair was interested in Boeing's larger 737 MAX 10 "at the right price" as well as at least 100 Airbus A321 for recently acquired Austrian unit Laudamotion. O'Leary said in May Ryanair was also talking to Boeing about compensation for the grounding, but that it had to be determined whether this would be paid in cash or as lower aircraft prices.

Ryanair Holdings sees risk to 2020 growth if 737 MAX grounded beyond November

At the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-blow-to-mexican-president-finance-minister-quits-over-economic-extremism-234645"> heart of former finance minister</a>, Carlos Urzua's abrupt exit from the Mexican government was a dispute with President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/mexico-is-bleeding-can-its-new-president-stop-the-violence-193818">Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador's</a> chief of staff, a millionaire who has placed business associates in influential government posts.

The friction with biotech businessman Alfonso Romo was among the differences that led to Urzua's departure, Lopez Obrador said on Wednesday.

Respected economist Urzua wrote a blistering resignation letter on Tuesday, accusing unnamed influential figures in government with conflicts of interest of straying into the finance ministry's territory.

Lopez Obrador said the disagreements between Urzua and Romo were "notorious" inside the cabinet after he gave Romo responsibilities over the merger of two state-run development banks usually overseen by the finance ministry. A close associate of Romo was named to run the banks.

"I asked Alfonso Romo to help in the coordination of the development banks, and there was disagreement over that," Lopez Obrador said at a regular news conference.

Urzua did not discuss the issue of the banks or mention Romo in his resignation letter. Romo, who has yet to comment publicly, has not been accused of wrongdoing.

Urzua's resignation brings into the public eye deep differences over what constitutes conflicts of interest in the government, which Lopez Obrador says is ending the country's infamous levels of high-level corruption and cronyism in politics.

The Mexican government should investigate the allegations in Urzua's letter, said Rodrigo Montes de Oca, a research scholar at the Houston-based Baker Institute Mexico Center.

"The simple appointment (of a friend) does not generate a conflict of interest," Montes de Oca said. "The conflict of interest would arise if the appointment is made to obtain a benefit in the future."

In Charge of Banks

The administration of Lopez Obrador put Eugenio Najera in charge of the two state banks in December.&nbsp;

Najera was a board member or special adviser in several of Romo's businesses from the 1990s onwards, according to his biography on the government website and SEC filings, including in Vector Casa de Bolsa, a brokerage that is part of a company Romo founded.&nbsp;

Romo used Vector's offices as a base during the 2018 election campaign.

Najera then worked with Romo after the July election that swept Lopez Obrador to power, focusing on an industrial and technological development plan for the administration, according to a government statement in December announcing his appointment to run the banks.

Najera's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Urzua did not respond to requests for more details about the contents of his resignation letter.

Lopez Obrador said at the news conference that Urzua had opposed the appointment of Najera.

He said such ties did not represent a conflict of interest, however. The state banks had not given loans to relatives of government officials or their businesses, he said.

"I don't see any conflict of interest, but if that was one of his disagreements, I respect his point of view. I don't share it," Lopez Obrador said, adding that he personally "kept an eye" on everyone, including his family, to avoid abuse of power.

Amid its push to curb corruption, Mexico has stepped up rules around conflicts of interest. Mexican law requires public servants to speak up when they have a conflict and recuse themselves if necessary, legal experts say.

Romo resigned from the boards of several companies before the government took office on Dec. 1, including Vector. His brother is still listed on the Vector website as a board member. Vector did not immediately respond to a question about whether he retains a financial interest.

In an interview with Reuters last year, Romo said he would step down from his government post before he would sell any ventures.

An equestrian who competed in the 1996 and 2000 Olympic Games, Romo looks to have emerged strengthened from the contest with Urzua, with the backing of the president and less obstruction in the finance ministry to carry out his plans.

Lopez Obrador said it was normal for there to be differences within a government that was pushing big changes in the economy. In a video message on Tuesday, he said Urzua was not comfortable with decisions being taken to up end what the president frequently calls the neoliberal era in Mexico, starting in the 1980s.

Following Urzua's resignation, Lopez Obrador quickly names the&nbsp;well-regarded deputy finance minister Arturo Herrera to replace him.

At the heart of former finance minister, Carlos Urzua's abrupt exit from the Mexican government was a dispute with President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador's chief of staff, a millionaire who has placed business associates in influential government posts.

At the heart of former finance minister, Carlos Urzua's abrupt exit from the Mexican government was a dispute with President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador's chief of staff, a millionaire who has placed business associates in influential government posts. The friction with biotech businessman Alfonso Romo was among the differences that led to Urzua's departure, Lopez Obrador said on Wednesday. Respected economist Urzua wrote a blistering resignation letter on Tuesday, accusing unnamed influential figures in government with conflicts of interest of straying into the finance ministry's territory. Lopez Obrador said the disagreements between Urzua and Romo were "notorious" inside the cabinet after he gave Romo responsibilities over the merger of two state-run development banks usually overseen by the finance ministry. A close associate of Romo was named to run the banks. "I asked Alfonso Romo to help in the coordination of the development banks, and there was disagreement over that," Lopez Obrador said at a regular news conference. Urzua did not discuss the issue of the banks or mention Romo in his resignation letter. Romo, who has yet to comment publicly, has not been accused of wrongdoing. Urzua's resignation brings into the public eye deep differences over what constitutes conflicts of interest in the government, which Lopez Obrador says is ending the country's infamous levels of high-level corruption and cronyism in politics. The Mexican government should investigate the allegations in Urzua's letter, said Rodrigo Montes de Oca, a research scholar at the Houston-based Baker Institute Mexico Center. "The simple appointment (of a friend) does not generate a conflict of interest," Montes de Oca said. "The conflict of interest would arise if the appointment is made to obtain a benefit in the future." In Charge of Banks The administration of Lopez Obrador put Eugenio Najera in charge of the two state banks in December. Najera was a board member or special adviser in several of Romo's businesses from the 1990s onwards, according to his biography on the government website and SEC filings, including in Vector Casa de Bolsa, a brokerage that is part of a company Romo founded. Romo used Vector's offices as a base during the 2018 election campaign. Najera then worked with Romo after the July election that swept Lopez Obrador to power, focusing on an industrial and technological development plan for the administration, according to a government statement in December announcing his appointment to run the banks. Najera's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Urzua did not respond to requests for more details about the contents of his resignation letter. Lopez Obrador said at the news conference that Urzua had opposed the appointment of Najera. He said such ties did not represent a conflict of interest, however. The state banks had not given loans to relatives of government officials or their businesses, he said. "I don't see any conflict of interest, but if that was one of his disagreements, I respect his point of view. I don't share it," Lopez Obrador said, adding that he personally "kept an eye" on everyone, including his family, to avoid abuse of power. Amid its push to curb corruption, Mexico has stepped up rules around conflicts of interest. Mexican law requires public servants to speak up when they have a conflict and recuse themselves if necessary, legal experts say. Romo resigned from the boards of several companies before the government took office on Dec. 1, including Vector. His brother is still listed on the Vector website as a board member. Vector did not immediately respond to a question about whether he retains a financial interest. In an interview with Reuters last year, Romo said he would step down from his government post before he would sell any ventures. An equestrian who competed in the 1996 and 2000 Olympic Games, Romo looks to have emerged strengthened from the contest with Urzua, with the backing of the president and less obstruction in the finance ministry to carry out his plans. Lopez Obrador said it was normal for there to be differences within a government that was pushing big changes in the economy. In a video message on Tuesday, he said Urzua was not comfortable with decisions being taken to up end what the president frequently calls the neoliberal era in Mexico, starting in the 1980s. Following Urzua's resignation, Lopez Obrador quickly names the well-regarded deputy finance minister Arturo Herrera to replace him.

As Mexico finance minister departs, tycoon's role in government raises questions

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tornado-hits-northeast-china-as-more-extreme-weather-strikes-six-killed-190-injured-232916">Tornadoes </a>and violent hailstorms killed six tourists in northern <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-street-cricketers-bring-game-to-life-in-greece-233010">Greece</a> late Wednesday, police said.

Dozens more were injured when strong winds hit the region of Halkidiki, near the city of Thessaloniki, authorities added.

Television footage showed overturned cars, fallen trees, torn roofs, and mudslides.

"Six tourists were killed and at least 30 people were injured during this cyclone," Charalambos Steriadis, head of civil protection in northern Greece, said.

The freak storm only lasted about 20 minutes, according to witnesses interviewed by state television ERT.

A Czech couple died when strong winds blew their caravan away while a Russian man and his son were killed by a falling tree, police said.

Debris from a building killed a woman from Romania and her child.

According to the port police, a fisherman in his sixties was also missing.

"It was an unprecedented phenomenon," &nbsp;very strong winds, tornadoes, and violent hailstorms, Steriadis said, adding that Halkidiki had declared a state of emergency.

At least 140 rescue workers were involved in the operation, emergency chief Vassilis Varthakoyannis said.

The minister for citizen protection, Michalis Chryssohoidis, will visit the site on Thursday morning.

The storms came after temperatures in Greece soared to 37 degrees centigrade (98 degrees Fahrenheit) over the past two days.

 
&nbsp;

Tornadoes and violent hailstorms killed six tourists in northern Greece late Wednesday, police said. Dozens more were injured when strong winds hit the region of Halkidiki, near the city of Thessaloniki, authorities added.

Tornadoes and violent hailstorms killed six tourists in northern Greece late Wednesday, police said. Dozens more were injured when strong winds hit the region of Halkidiki, near the city of Thessaloniki, authorities added. Television footage showed overturned cars, fallen trees, torn roofs, and mudslides. "Six tourists were killed and at least 30 people were injured during this cyclone," Charalambos Steriadis, head of civil protection in northern Greece, said. The freak storm only lasted about 20 minutes, according to witnesses interviewed by state television ERT. A Czech couple died when strong winds blew their caravan away while a Russian man and his son were killed by a falling tree, police said. Debris from a building killed a woman from Romania and her child. According to the port police, a fisherman in his sixties was also missing. "It was an unprecedented phenomenon," very strong winds, tornadoes, and violent hailstorms, Steriadis said, adding that Halkidiki had declared a state of emergency. At least 140 rescue workers were involved in the operation, emergency chief Vassilis Varthakoyannis said. The minister for citizen protection, Michalis Chryssohoidis, will visit the site on Thursday morning. The storms came after temperatures in Greece soared to 37 degrees centigrade (98 degrees Fahrenheit) over the past two days.

Six tourists killed by tornadoes, hailstorms in Greece

The US Department of Justice opened an investigation into whether Deutsche Bank, Germany's embattled biggest lender, violated foreign financial laws in its work for 1MDB, American media reported Wednesday.

The department is looking into whether <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/deutsche-bank-to-cut-18000-jobs-in-74-billion-euro-overhaul-233820">Deutsche Bank</a> broke foreign corruption or anti-money laundering laws through its work for 1MDB, which included helping the Malaysian fundraise $1.2 billion in 2014 as concern's about its management and financials had begun to circulate, The Wall Street Journal reported.

Billions of dollars were looted from the investment vehicle between 2009 and 2014 and spent on everything from yachts to expensive artwork, in a fraud allegedly involving disgraced <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/what-najib-razaks-corruption-trial-means-for-malaysia-and-the-region-207838">Malaysian ex-premier Najib Razak</a> and his cronies.&nbsp;

The investigation into Deutsche Bank has been helped by former Goldman Sachs banker Tim Leissner, who pled guilty to his involvement in the 1MDB scandal, the Journal reported.

Prosecutors are looking into the role of Leissner's former colleague Tan Boon-Kee, who also worked as Deutsche Bank's Asia Pacific head of banking for financial institution clients, the newspaper said.

Tan left Deutsche Bank last year after it was discovered she had been in contact with Jho Low, the Malaysian financier who allegedly played a central role in the fraud, according to the Journal.

Deutsche Bank has "cooperated fully" with the investigation, it said in a statement and claims it was misled by 1MDB.

"1MDB made 'material misrepresentations and omissions to Deutsche Bank officials' in connection with 1MDB's transactions with the bank," the statement said, citing Justice Department documents.

Deutsche Bank is already in trouble in the US, after top Senate Democrats in June asked the Federal Reserve to scrutinize the lender over allegedly suspicious transactions tied to President Donald Trump and his son-in-law Jared Kushner.

Democratic lawmakers suspected the bank staff of deliberately suppressing warnings of suspicious activities.

The bank also announced Sunday it would make 18,000 job cuts by 2022 about one-fifth of its workforce as it seeks to escape years of turmoil and return to sustained profits.

The new round of job cuts comes on top of some 6,000 already carried out over the past year.&nbsp;

The restructuring could be the last chance for Deutsche Bank after much-hyped merger talks with Frankfurt rival Commerzbank fell through earlier this year. 
&nbsp;

The US Department of Justice opened an investigation into whether Deutsche Bank, Germany's embattled biggest lender, violated foreign financial laws in its work for 1MDB, American media reported Wednesday.

The US Department of Justice opened an investigation into whether Deutsche Bank, Germany's embattled biggest lender, violated foreign financial laws in its work for 1MDB, American media reported Wednesday. The department is looking into whether Deutsche Bank broke foreign corruption or anti-money laundering laws through its work for 1MDB, which included helping the Malaysian fundraise $1.2 billion in 2014 as concern's about its management and financials had begun to circulate, The Wall Street Journal reported. Billions of dollars were looted from the investment vehicle between 2009 and 2014 and spent on everything from yachts to expensive artwork, in a fraud allegedly involving disgraced Malaysian ex-premier Najib Razak and his cronies. The investigation into Deutsche Bank has been helped by former Goldman Sachs banker Tim Leissner, who pled guilty to his involvement in the 1MDB scandal, the Journal reported. Prosecutors are looking into the role of Leissner's former colleague Tan Boon-Kee, who also worked as Deutsche Bank's Asia Pacific head of banking for financial institution clients, the newspaper said. Tan left Deutsche Bank last year after it was discovered she had been in contact with Jho Low, the Malaysian financier who allegedly played a central role in the fraud, according to the Journal. Deutsche Bank has "cooperated fully" with the investigation, it said in a statement and claims it was misled by 1MDB. "1MDB made 'material misrepresentations and omissions to Deutsche Bank officials' in connection with 1MDB's transactions with the bank," the statement said, citing Justice Department documents. Deutsche Bank is already in trouble in the US, after top Senate Democrats in June asked the Federal Reserve to scrutinize the lender over allegedly suspicious transactions tied to President Donald Trump and his son-in-law Jared Kushner. Democratic lawmakers suspected the bank staff of deliberately suppressing warnings of suspicious activities. The bank also announced Sunday it would make 18,000 job cuts by 2022 about one-fifth of its workforce as it seeks to escape years of turmoil and return to sustained profits. The new round of job cuts comes on top of some 6,000 already carried out over the past year. The restructuring could be the last chance for Deutsche Bank after much-hyped merger talks with Frankfurt rival Commerzbank fell through earlier this year.

US Justice department investigating Deutsche Bank over 1MDB connection: Report

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-%26-economy/vistaras-big-expansion-plan-to-buy-19-boeing-airbus-aircraft-for-rs-21000-crore-150734">Indian full-service airline Vistara</a> said on Thursday it would launch its international flights in August, a year later than anticipated, with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/singapore-dj-withdraws-from-tedx-talk-over-gay-censorship-232983">Singapore</a> as its first destination.

The carrier, a joint venture between Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines Ltd, will launch one daily flight from Delhi and one from Mumbai to the city-state, a popular destination for Indian travelers.

The loss-making Vistara airline has said the launch of international flights, which will give it a greater scale to grow, is part of its path to profitability.

The new services could also ease pressure on international airfares from India, which rose by as much as 32 per cent after the collapse of Jet Airways Ltd in April.

Vistara met the requirement of having more than 20 jets needed for international flights in June 2018. However, it took longer than expected to receive further regulatory approvals, which proved a setback at a time when the domestic market was highly competitive.

The Jet collapse, which has also pushed up domestic prices, led Vistara to add 6 Boeing Co 737s to its previously all-Airbus SE A320 fleet to fill a supply gap. Vistara said it would use the 737s on flights to Singapore.

"We're excited to start with Singapore as our first international destination, which we see as a very important market given the opportunities it presents for corporate, business as well as leisure travel," Vistara CEO Leslie Thng said in a statement.

The airline has ordered 6 long-range Boeing 787s, which will arrive from next year, giving it the ability to launch flights to more distant destinations.

Cash-strapped Air India, which the government hopes to sell, is the only Indian airline operating widebody planes since Jet stopped flying, but foreign carriers such as Virgin Atlantic and Delta Air Lines have announced plans to add services.

Low-cost carrier AirAsia India, a joint venture between Tata Sons and AirAsia Group Bhd that operates narrowbodies, is also seeking approvals to launch international flights.

AirAsia India reached the 20 plane milestone in December and has said it wants to connect Indian passengers to destinations in Southeast Asia.

Indian full-service airline Vistara said on Thursday it would launch its international flights in August, a year later than anticipated, with Singapore as its first destination.

Indian full-service airline Vistara said on Thursday it would launch its international flights in August, a year later than anticipated, with Singapore as its first destination. The carrier, a joint venture between Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines Ltd, will launch one daily flight from Delhi and one from Mumbai to the city-state, a popular destination for Indian travelers. The loss-making Vistara airline has said the launch of international flights, which will give it a greater scale to grow, is part of its path to profitability. The new services could also ease pressure on international airfares from India, which rose by as much as 32 per cent after the collapse of Jet Airways Ltd in April. Vistara met the requirement of having more than 20 jets needed for international flights in June 2018. However, it took longer than expected to receive further regulatory approvals, which proved a setback at a time when the domestic market was highly competitive. The Jet collapse, which has also pushed up domestic prices, led Vistara to add 6 Boeing Co 737s to its previously all-Airbus SE A320 fleet to fill a supply gap. Vistara said it would use the 737s on flights to Singapore. "We're excited to start with Singapore as our first international destination, which we see as a very important market given the opportunities it presents for corporate, business as well as leisure travel," Vistara CEO Leslie Thng said in a statement. The airline has ordered 6 long-range Boeing 787s, which will arrive from next year, giving it the ability to launch flights to more distant destinations. Cash-strapped Air India, which the government hopes to sell, is the only Indian airline operating widebody planes since Jet stopped flying, but foreign carriers such as Virgin Atlantic and Delta Air Lines have announced plans to add services. Low-cost carrier AirAsia India, a joint venture between Tata Sons and AirAsia Group Bhd that operates narrowbodies, is also seeking approvals to launch international flights. AirAsia India reached the 20 plane milestone in December and has said it wants to connect Indian passengers to destinations in Southeast Asia.

Vistara to launch first international flights in August

Three Iranian ships attempted to "impede the passage" of a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/britain-initiator-of-insecurity-will-realise-consequences-warns-rouhani-over-oil-tanker-seizure-234591">British oil tanker in Gulf waters</a>, forcing a UK frigate to intervene, the British government said on Thursday.

"Contrary to international law, three Iranian vessels attempted to impede the passage of a commercial vessel, British Heritage, through the Strait of Hormuz," a British government statement said of the incident, which occurred on Wednesday.

"HMS Montrose was forced to position herself between the Iranian vessels and British Heritage and issue verbal warnings to the Iranian vessels, which then turned away. We are concerned by this action and continue to urge the Iranian authorities to de-escalate the situation in the region," the statement said.

On Wednesday, Iran's President Hassan Rouhani had warned <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-standoff-tests-show-seized-tanker-was-loaded-to-capacity-with-crude-oil-confirms-uk-government-234176">Britain of "consequences"</a> over the detention of an Iranian oil tanker off the coast of Gibraltar.

"I point out to the British that you initiated insecurity (on the seas) and you shall grasp the consequences of it later on," Rouhani had said in comments to the cabinet broadcast by state TV.

Iran's president had called the seizure of the tanker "a foolish act."

The 330 metre (1,000 feet) Grace 1 tanker, capable of carrying two million barrels of oil, was halted on Thursday by police and customs in Gibraltar -- a tiny British overseas territory on Spain's southern tip -&nbsp;with the aid of a detachment of British Royal Marines.

Iran condemned the detention as an "illegal interception," but Gibraltar officials said that the cargo was believed to be destined for Syria, which is subject to European sanctions.

Iran denied it, saying that the destination "was somewhere else."

"The port named in Syria does not even have the capacity for such a supertanker to dock," Iran's deputy foreign minister Abbas Araghchi had said.

Three Iranian ships attempted to "impede the passage" of a British oil tanker in Gulf waters, forcing a UK frigate to intervene, the British government said on Thursday.

Three Iranian ships attempted to "impede the passage" of a British oil tanker in Gulf waters, forcing a UK frigate to intervene, the British government said on Thursday. "Contrary to international law, three Iranian vessels attempted to impede the passage of a commercial vessel, British Heritage, through the Strait of Hormuz," a British government statement said of the incident, which occurred on Wednesday. "HMS Montrose was forced to position herself between the Iranian vessels and British Heritage and issue verbal warnings to the Iranian vessels, which then turned away. We are concerned by this action and continue to urge the Iranian authorities to de-escalate the situation in the region," the statement said. On Wednesday, Iran's President Hassan Rouhani had warned Britain of "consequences" over the detention of an Iranian oil tanker off the coast of Gibraltar. "I point out to the British that you initiated insecurity (on the seas) and you shall grasp the consequences of it later on," Rouhani had said in comments to the cabinet broadcast by state TV. Iran's president had called the seizure of the tanker "a foolish act." The 330 metre (1,000 feet) Grace 1 tanker, capable of carrying two million barrels of oil, was halted on Thursday by police and customs in Gibraltar -- a tiny British overseas territory on Spain's southern tip - with the aid of a detachment of British Royal Marines. Iran condemned the detention as an "illegal interception," but Gibraltar officials said that the cargo was believed to be destined for Syria, which is subject to European sanctions. Iran denied it, saying that the destination "was somewhere else." "The port named in Syria does not even have the capacity for such a supertanker to dock," Iran's deputy foreign minister Abbas Araghchi had said.

Iranian vessels impeded passage of commercial ship in Strait of Hormuz, turned away after verbal warning: UK

New Orleans was hit with widespread flooding on Wednesday from heavy rain spawned from a weather system that forecasters warned could grow into a hurricane capable of causing severe inundation of the low-lying US city.

The weather system churning in the Gulf of Mexico is expected to intensify this week into the second named tropical storm of the year, and ultimately the first Atlantic hurricane of 2019 as it heads closer to land, forecasters said.

New Orleans officials warned that a hurricane could bring a coastal storm surge into the mouth of the Mississippi River capable of raising the river's height to 20 feet (6 meters) above sea level, high enough to overflow some sections of the levee system protecting the city.

The storm is most likely to make landfall west of New Orleans on Saturday, National Weather Service senior hurricane specialist Jack Beven said.

Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards declared a statewide emergency on Wednesday. "No one should take this storm lightly," he told a news conference.

The Mississippi River was already high from previous rains upriver, Edwards said.

New Orleans has been battered by devastating storms before, including 2005's Hurricane Katrina, which left most of Louisiana's largest city underwater, killed hundreds of residents and displaced 130,000 people.

The city was hit early Wednesday by thunderstorms that meteorologists said were associated with the building Gulf storm. A water spout, a weather phenomenon that resembles a tornado, formed over Lake Pontchartrain near New Orleans, and the Weather Service issued a tornado warning.

City Hall was closed, and many New Orleans streets were flooded after parts of the city received more than 8 inches (20 cm) of rain.

The Gulf weather system is likely to develop at the least into a tropical storm, which would be named Tropical Storm Barry, Beven said.

"The forecast has it becoming a hurricane, but there's a possibility that it might not also," Beven said by phone from the National Hurricane Center in Miami.

Oil and gas companies scaled back production and evacuated some offshore oil platforms as the storm approached.

Southeastern Louisiana was expected to be drenched by 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) of rain by week's end, with some areas receiving up to 18 inches (46 cm), Beven said.

New Orleans officials advised residents to stock up on drinking water, non-perishable food and other emergency supplies.

Officials in Plaquemines Parish, south of New Orleans, ordered residents in some areas to plan to evacuate their homes on Thursday ahead of the storm.

And west of New Orleans, officials in Vermilion Parish advised some residents in low-lying areas and people living in mobile homes to consider moving to higher ground.

New Orleans was hit with widespread flooding on Wednesday from heavy rain spawned from a weather system that forecasters warned could grow into a hurricane capable of causing severe inundation of the low-lying US city.

New Orleans was hit with widespread flooding on Wednesday from heavy rain spawned from a weather system that forecasters warned could grow into a hurricane capable of causing severe inundation of the low-lying US city. The weather system churning in the Gulf of Mexico is expected to intensify this week into the second named tropical storm of the year, and ultimately the first Atlantic hurricane of 2019 as it heads closer to land, forecasters said. New Orleans officials warned that a hurricane could bring a coastal storm surge into the mouth of the Mississippi River capable of raising the river's height to 20 feet (6 meters) above sea level, high enough to overflow some sections of the levee system protecting the city. The storm is most likely to make landfall west of New Orleans on Saturday, National Weather Service senior hurricane specialist Jack Beven said. Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards declared a statewide emergency on Wednesday. "No one should take this storm lightly," he told a news conference. The Mississippi River was already high from previous rains upriver, Edwards said. New Orleans has been battered by devastating storms before, including 2005's Hurricane Katrina, which left most of Louisiana's largest city underwater, killed hundreds of residents and displaced 130,000 people. The city was hit early Wednesday by thunderstorms that meteorologists said were associated with the building Gulf storm. A water spout, a weather phenomenon that resembles a tornado, formed over Lake Pontchartrain near New Orleans, and the Weather Service issued a tornado warning. City Hall was closed, and many New Orleans streets were flooded after parts of the city received more than 8 inches (20 cm) of rain. The Gulf weather system is likely to develop at the least into a tropical storm, which would be named Tropical Storm Barry, Beven said. "The forecast has it becoming a hurricane, but there's a possibility that it might not also," Beven said by phone from the National Hurricane Center in Miami. Oil and gas companies scaled back production and evacuated some offshore oil platforms as the storm approached. Southeastern Louisiana was expected to be drenched by 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) of rain by week's end, with some areas receiving up to 18 inches (46 cm), Beven said. New Orleans officials advised residents to stock up on drinking water, non-perishable food and other emergency supplies. Officials in Plaquemines Parish, south of New Orleans, ordered residents in some areas to plan to evacuate their homes on Thursday ahead of the storm. And west of New Orleans, officials in Vermilion Parish advised some residents in low-lying areas and people living in mobile homes to consider moving to higher ground.

Heavy rains flood New Orleans streets; forecasters predict hurricane

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