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National Situation Update: Sunday, November 26, 2006

Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED).

Cold and Stormy Weather in the West, Dry in the East

West:
High winds, with gusts up to 60 mph, are expected along the Washington and Oregon coasts Sunday when a new Pacific storm moves inland. The storm will bring one to four inches of rainfall to the coastal areas of Oregon and northwest California. Snow is expected in the higher elevations.

The storm moving into the Pacific Northwest originated in Alaska and the Yukon Territory where highs have been hovering near zero for the past few weeks. Northway, Alaska reported a low temperature of 45 degrees below zero. The cold air system will be moving southward and eastward during the next few days.

As the storm system moves eastward on Sunday and Monday, it is expected to drop a significant amount of snow across the northern and central Rockies.

Midwest:
Cold air from Canada will continue to dominate the weather in the Dakotas and Minnesota. The arctic air will extend from the Great Lakes into the central Plains on Sunday.

The cold air system is expected to create severe weather including rain, sleet, and snow for much of the region by Tuesday.

Northeast:
The Northeast is expected to be dry with seasonal temperatures for the next few days with highs ranging from the 30s-40s on the Canadian border to the 50s-60s in the Mid-Atlantic area.

South:
Most of region will see dry weather with highs in the 60s-70s. Highs in southern Texas and Florida could reach the 80s.

Some light showers and high rip currents are possible along the Georgia and Florida coasts.

The area along the Gulf Coast of Texas and Louisiana is expected to see considerable fog on major highways that may cause problems for holiday travelers.    (National Weather Service, various Media Reports)

Tropical Weather Outlook

Atlantic/Gulf of Mexico/Caribbean Sea:
Tropical cyclone formation is not expected through Monday.

Central and Eastern Pacific:
Tropical cyclone formation is not expected through Monday.

Western Pacific:
Tropical Depression 24W has formed south of Guam. Tropical Storm force winds of 39 mph or more are possible within 36 hours. On Saturday, November 25 at 5:00 pm EST, the Joint Typhoon Warning Center indicated a Tropical Storm Watch was in effect in Yap State. Interests in Guam and the Northern Marianas were warned to closely monitor the progress of TD 24W until it moves safely west of the islands.  (NOAA, National Hurricane Center)

Earthquake Activity

During the past 24 hours, 14 quakes ranging from 3.0 to 5.2 magnitude have been recorded in the Unimak Island region of Alaska. No damage or injuries have been reported.  (USGS, Earthquake Hazards Program, Alaska Earthquake Information Center, Pacific Tsunami Warning Center, and West Coast/Alaska Tsunami Warning Centers)

Preliminary Damage Assessments

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Wildfire Update

Wildland fire activity during the week of November 24 was light with 119 fires reported. Eleven new large fires were reported: 3 in Oklahoma, 2 in Florida, and 1 each in California, Idaho, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, and Texas.

Seven large fires were contained: 2 in Oklahoma, and 1 each in California, Florida, Idaho, North Dakota, and Texas.  (National Interagency Fire Center)

Disaster Declaration Activity

No new activity (FEMA HQ)