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National Situation Update: Monday, October 30, 2006

Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED).

Cold Air and Stormy Weather Moving South from Canada

Northeast:
The storm system with heavy rainfall and extremely high winds that hit the Northeast this weekend causing flooding and power outages will move into Canada on Monday.
 
The lake-effect snow and rain showers which left up to 10 inches of snow in upstate New York is expected to move eastward and out of the area on Monday. 

Highs in the Northeast will range from the 30s-40s in New York and New England to the 50s in the Mid-Atlantic.
 
Midwest:
A storm system will bring wind and snow (3 to 8 inches) across the area from North Dakota to Minnesota.
 
A winter storm warning is in effect for northwest North Dakota and winter storm watches have been issued in advance of the system for much of the remainder of North Dakota and northwest Minnesota. Strong wind is expected with gusts in excess of 60 mph across the northern Plains and upper Midwest.
   
West:
Winter storm warnings have been issued for much of Montana as cold air moves south from Canada. Snow ranging up to 6 inches and highs in the low 20s is expected on Monday.  The remainder of the West will see sunny and mild weather.

South:
Sunny skies and warm temperatures (70s-80s) are forecast for most of the South, except for Florida where there will be scattered showers.  (National Weather Service, media sources)
  

Thousands With out Power in the Northeast

The storm system that hit the Northeast the past weekend caused power outages for thousands of homes and businesses from Maryland to Maine. Media sources indicate that more than 100,000 utility customers throughout the region, including 44,000 in Maine, were without power on Sunday.  (media sources)

Esperanza Fire (California) Update

On Sunday, fire officials announced the fire is 85% contained. Full containment is anticipated by 6:00 pm PST Monday October 30. Significant demobilization of resources began at 8:00 am PST Sunday and will continue during the next few days.

Light winds and cooler temperatures helped firefighters on Sunday. There is a concern for the eastern flank of the fire which borders a wilderness area that hasn't burned in more than 30 years.  
 
The fire has burned about 40,200 acres and destroyed 34 homes and 20 out buildings.

There are no significant impacts to critical infrastructure or key resources. Highway 243 remains closed from Banning to Black Mountain.

Evacuation orders remain in effect for about 500 homes in Poppet Flat and Twin Pines. On Sunday, residents were allowed to return to their homes for several hours to retrieve personal items and to feed or remove pets.

The California State and Regional Operations Centers will continue activation to support the fire response.

Based on the declining fire activity, FEMA Region IX RRCC deactivated Sunday evening and recalled all Liaison Officers. Region IX will resume normal daily operations Monday and will continue to monitor the fire incident. (FEMA Region IX, California Office of Emergency Services, National Infrastructure Coordination Center)

Tropical Weather Outlook

Atlantic/Gulf of Mexico/Caribbean Sea:
Disorganized shower activity covers large portions of the central and western Caribbean Sea and adjacent land areas. Tropical cyclone formation is not expected through Tuesday.

Central and Eastern Pacific:
Tropical storm formation is not expected through Tuesday.

Western Pacific:
No new activity to report. (USDOC/NOAA/NWS, National Hurricane Center, Central Pacific Hurricane Center, and the Joint Typhoon Warning Center

Earthquake Activity

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Preliminary Damage Assessments

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Disaster Declaration Activity

No new activity (FEMA HQ)