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National Situation Update: Saturday, April 1, 2006

Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED).

North Dakota Spring Flooding

The rapid snowmelt of heavy winter snow accumulations compounded by spring rains and sudden warm temperatures is causing spring flooding along the Red River Valley.

With the snow melting cycle well underway, coupled with anticipated rainfall amounts during March 31, 2006, an increase in overland flooding, due to oversaturated grounds, and rising rivers especially across the southern Red River Valley and associated tributaries is expected. Red River Valley temperatures should remain well above freezing during the day further increasing the snow melt cycle across the area. The north Red River Valley basin is in a slower melt process and will likely see significant runoff flow beginning in another week or more.

On March 31, The Grand Forks office of the National Weather Service (NWS) reported a large, slow moving system of rain and snow mix over eastern ND and western MN.  The NWS forecasts one-quarter to one-half of rain to impact the southern Red River basin in the evening hours of April 1.  This system will then be followed by yet another low pressure system bringing an additional chance of showers on April 2.  

Major flooding is reported in Wahpeton and Abercrombie.  Moderate flooding is reported in Mapleton. Minor flooding reported in Fargo and Harwood.

The NWS has issued a Flood Warning for the Red River at East Grand Forks which is currently at 26.93 feet and was expected to rise above the 28 foot flood stage Friday evening. The river is anticipated to crest at 47 feet on April 7.

The City of Fargo declared a Flood Emergency on March 30, 2006.  The city has 200,000 sand bags available for those residents in the areas susceptible to flooding.  Approximately 10-12 houses may be impacted if flood waters reach the 36 foot mark. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) will be working in Fargo to assist in the construction of emergency dikes in low lying areas.  The Fargo Emergency Manager reported emergency pumps are in place for use at the sewage treatment plant. 

In Richland County the State Department of Transportation reports that ND State Highway 18 has been built up as a result of concerns that it may flood. County Officials have declared an Emergency.  The County emergency manager has reported the sewage lift station for the city of Dwight is being threatened by the rising river and sandbags are now being placed. Numerous county roads and bridges are closed.

On March 30, 2006 the Governor issued a flood emergency declaration for impacts resulting from the rapid snowmelt and rainfall events that continue to cause riverine and overland flooding along the Red River of the North and its tributaries.

The Governor has also requested assistance from the St. Paul District USACE under the Emergency Operations Program of Public Law 84-99. The request calls for the construction of earthen dikes in Fargo, with flood preparedness efforts in the city of Wahpeton. Additionally, the Governor called for assistance in evaluating emergency response measures as floodwaters progress north through the basin.

Other than the assistance from the USACE, there has been no request for Federal Assistance. (FEMA Region VIII)

Indiana Tornado

A tornado struck at appoximately 9 p.m EST, Friday, March 31, 2006 in Shelbyville (south of Indianapolis). The hospital in Shelbyville reported treating ten storm related injuries. There is one unconfirmed storm-related death. Initial reports indicate 30-35 homes and three businesses damaged. Power outages are reported in the affected areas.

Emergency personnel from Johnson, Shelby and Marion Counties have responded. The American Red Cross is enroute to assist. The State Emergency Operations Center is operational with minimal staff. There is no request for Federal assistance at his time. FEMA Region V Duty Officer will continue to monitor the situation and update this report as data is received.(FEMA Region V)

National Weather

Midwest: Severe thunderstorms will develop over southwest Nebraska and western Kansas Saturday afternoon and head for southwestern Iowa and western Missouri overnight. Tornadoes, large hail, and damaging wind gusts are all possible. On Sunday severe thunderstorms will advance from southeastern Nebraska, eastern Kansas and eastern Oklahoma, through the mid-Mississippi Valley and Arkansas, into the southern Great Lakes, Ohio Valley, and western Tennessee. Tornadoes, large hail, and damaging winds are all threats. Soaking rain will fall on northern Nebraska, parts of the Dakotas, Minnesota, northern Iowa, Wisconsin, and Upper Michigan Sunday, adding to flooding problems in the Red River Valley. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, a cold front moving from the Plains into the Great Lakes and Ohio Valley, will bring another severe weather outbreak.

South: On Saturday, a dry line boundary moving into far western Texas, a warm front lifting northward toward Kansas and an approaching Western storm will bring severe thunderstorms over western Texas, the Red River Valley and Oklahoma. Tornadoes, hail and damaging winds are all possible. On Sunday, severe thunderstorms will head east from Oklahoma and northern Texas into Arkansas and western Tennessee.

West: Much of the West will see showers and mountain snow Saturday. On Monday, the showery rain and mountain snow will continue along the West Coast and spread into the Great Basin. Winds will be strong and gusty over the Sierra, western Nevada and Southern California. A few strong-to-severe thunderstorms could hit northern and central California Monday.

Northeast: Scattered thunderstorms in the Hudson Valley and New England could contain a few damaging wind gusts.

Midwest Storm Impacts

Severe thunderstorms developed from eastern Nebraska to central and eastern Oklahoma on Thursday, March 30, 2006. There were reports of damaging winds, large hail and tornadoes throughout the Midwest.

Kansas: Five homes are reported destroyed and several mobile homes tipped over in Montgomery County. One man was airlifted to a hospital in Joplin, Missouri. Minor damage was reported in Reno County including debris and damage to signage in the business district. Westar Energy has restored power to nearly 2,300 customers, who lost power Thursday afternoon. In Brown County in northeast Kansas, the Kansas Highway Patrol reported a grain bin and small outbuildings destroyed, along with an overturned semi-truck and a mobile home moved off its foundation. Winds also damaged downtown buildings in the small town of Morrill.

The Governor declared a state of disaster emergency in Montgomery and Reno Counties. Local Emergency Management officials in Montgomery County conducted search and rescue operations, and road and bridge crews are clearing debris. FEMA Region VII has received no requests for assistance from the state at this time. The Regional Response Coordination Center continues coordination with the Kansas Department of Emergency Management.
 
Iowa: In Boone and Story Counties several mobile homes were damaged or destroyed by 50-70 mph winds. Two minor injuries related to a flipped mobile home near the City of Boone. One home was reported destroyed in Woodbury County. Reports of trees and power line downed, vehicles overturned and minor structural damage were received from several counties. Iowa does not intend to issue a request for assistance from FEMA Region VII at this time.

Missouri: The State of Missouri is reporting eight residences destroyed, and widely scattered debris in Andrew County.  Eight persons were transported to medical attention, with three of those admitted to the hospital.  In Pettis County three homes had major damage or were destroyed. A trailer park had five mobile homes with minor damage.  West of Sedalia approximately 20 residences suffered roof damage.  Power remained out in the county for at least 650 people as of Friday afternoon.  Five injuries were reported in a multi-vehicle accident believed to have been weather related near Blackwater. FEMA Region VII is in contact with the State Emergency Management Agency for incident updates and briefings.  (FEMA Region VII)

Tropical Activity

There are no tropical disturbances in the Atlantic or Pacific Oceans that affect the U.S. or U.S. interests. (National Hurricane Center, Central Pacific Hurricane Center, and the Joint Typhoon Warning Center)

Earthquake Activity

There was no significant earthquake activity during the previous 24 hours that affected the U.S. or U.S. interests. (Source: United States Geological Survey (USGS) Earthquake Hazards Program)

Preliminary Damage Assessments

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Wildfire Update

The National Preparedness Level remains at Level 2. Initial attach activity was heavy nationally with 329 new fires reported. Nine new fires were reported, eight in the Southern Area and one in the Eastern area. Seven large fires were contained in the Southern Area. Very high to extreme fire indices were reported in Massachusetts and Vermont.

The Texas Forest Service responded to three fires burning 440 acres on Thursday, including one large fire that threatened the town of Amarillo.  Fourteen homes, numerous vehicles, and 4 outbuildings were destroyed as winds of more than 50 mph pushed the blaze through dry grass and brush.  Fire departments reported responding to 139 fires for 1,694 acres during the past week.

Today there is a Critical Fire Weather Area in eastern New Mexico, the panhandles of Texas and Oklahoma, and extreme southern Colorado due to very low relative humidity, warm temperatures, strong winds and long-term drought. (National Interagency Coordination Center, National Interagency Fire Center)

Disaster Declaration Activity

No new activity (FEMA HQ)