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National Situation Update: Wednesday, February 22, 2006

Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED).

Snow in the North and Rain in the South on Wednesday

Two jet streams (one in the north and one in the southern U.S.) will continue to affect weather in most parts of the country this week. The northern jet stream has pushed cold weather into Canada, but may bring some cooler weather to the northern tier states later this week. The southern jet stream is bringing warm and wet weather to most of the states in the South.

South: Except for the areas on the Gulf Coast and the Florida peninsula, most of the South will see rain on Wednesday in the area extending from Texas and Oklahoma to the Carolinas. The rainfall will be welcome news for the drought-stricken areas in the southern plains. The heaviest rainfall on Wednesday is expected in the area extending from Arkansas to the northern parts of Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia. Temperatures will be moderate ranging from the 50s to the 70s. 

Northeast: Most of the Northeast will be dry on Wednesday. Temperatures will range from the 20s in upper New York and New England to the 50s in the Mid-Atlantic region.

Midwest: Very light snowfall is forecast for the northern tier in the Dakotas, Minnesota, and northern Michigan on Wednesday. Windy weather is forecast for the Plains and the Upper Midwest. Highs will range from the 20s to the 50s in the region, north to south.

West: Except for a few showers in western Washington and Oregon, most parts of the region will be dry on Tuesday. Some snow is forecast for the higher elevations in the Pacific Northwest. Dry and sunny weather will predominate in the southwest. Highs in the central California will be the 60s.  (NOAA/NWS and Various Commercial and Media Sources)

Volcano Activity

Alaska's Augustine volcano remains at the Current Level of Concern Color Code: ORANGE (volcano is in eruption or eruption may occur at any time). Rock falls and avalanches from the lava dome continue to be recorded by Alaska Volcano Observatory seismic stations. (United States Geological Survey (USGS) Earthquake Hazards Program, Alaska Volcano Observatory)

Tropical Activity

There are no active tropical disturbances in the Atlantic or Pacific Oceans. (USDOC/NOAA/NWS, National Hurricane Center, Central Pacific Hurricane Center, and the Joint Typhoon Warning Center)

Earthquake Activity

No major earthquake activity affecting U.S. interests to report during the previous 24 hours. (United States Geological Survey (USGS) Earthquake Hazards Program)

Preliminary Damage Assessments

Public Assistance PDAs were scheduled to begin on Tuesday February 21, 2006 in 15 counties in the State of Washington to assess damages caused by Severe Storms and Flooding for the period of January 27 through February 4, 2006.  (FEMA HQ)

Disaster Declaration Activity

No new activity (FEMA HQ)