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National Situation Update: Saturday, December 2, 2006

Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED).

National Weather Forecast

Midwest:  Weak high pressure will build from southeast Kansas to central Illinois. Single-digit lows will be common in the same areas this morning, possibly breaking more daily temperature records. Even with ample sunshine, highs will struggle to get out of the 20s in the snowpacked areas.

Some lingering snow-showers are expected in the northern Great Lakes, partly in association with a reinforcing shot of cold air plunging through the Northern Plains and Upper Midwest. This secondary surge will make for a cold tomorrow over much of the Plains, Great Lakes, and Ohio Valley. Single-digits and teens for highs are expected in the Dakotas, Minnesota, and northern Iowa. Highs in the twenties may linger as far south as southern Missouri Sunday.

Northeast:  Chilly northwest breezes will persist behind the departing storm. Highs will be 20-30 degrees colder, with mid-upper 40s the rule from Boston to Washington, DC. The Lake Erie and Ontario snowbelts and the mountains of northern New England will have snow will linger today and locally heavy snowfall is possible to the east of Lake Ontario, in the Tug Hill Plateau.

This leftover snow should abate tomorrow, as weak high pressure takes temporary control before a developing low pressure system off the Carolinas.

South:  With high pressure settling in this morning it will be extremely cold, particularly in the area with the fresh snowpack in Texas and Oklahoma. Almost 30 daily record lows were tied or broken yesterday morning in Oklahoma and north Texas, including 4 degrees at Ponca City, Okla. and 26 degrees at Del Rio, Texas. Tulsa may drop into single digit temperatures - record territory for today. Teens will be prevalent in Amarillo and Oklahoma City and a morning frost is possible in Houston and San Antonio.

While generally tranquil weather can be expected today, a few showers or thundershowers may move along a stalled front from north Florida to near Hilton Head Island, S.C. Low pressure will slowly spin up along this front off the Carolinas tomorrow, bringing a drenching to the  coastal Carolinas, including the Outer Banks.

West:  With one small exception, cold high pressure will maintain its icy grip over much of the West today.

Highs will manage the teens in the northern and central Rockies and 20s from the Colorado Front Range to the Great Basin and interior Northwest. A small area of light snow in the Southern Rockies will be the main precipitation in an otherwise dry West today.   (NWS, Media Sources)

Ice and Snow Wallop the Midwest and the Plains

A huge snowstorm roared through the Plains and Midwest on Friday, shutting thousands of schools and leaving a wake of broken trees, abandoned vehicles and more than two million homes and businesses without power.

At least eight deaths were linked to the storm, The Associated Press reported. The storm, the season's first, stranded air travelers and coated roads with ice from Texas to Michigan as it moved toward Canada.

Gov. Matt Blunt of Missouri declared a state of emergency for the entire state and said he was mobilizing National Guard troops and vehicles in St. Louis County. In Kansas, Gov. Kathleen Sebelius declared a state of disaster emergency for Harper and Leavenworth Counties, bringing the total number of counties affected by the storm to 30 out of 105.

Air travel was disrupted throughout the region on Thursday and Friday. At Lambert-St. Louis International Airport, half of Friday's flights were canceled - an improvement from Thursday, when 223 of 367 flights were canceled, said a spokesperson for the airport. Freezing rain followed by snow created thick ice around many of the grounded aircraft, causing further delays as ground crews labored to deice the planes.

At O'Hare International Airport in Chicago, a FedEx cargo plane slid off the runway and became stuck in mud after landing Friday morning. A second cargo plane was struck by lightning on Friday. There were no injuries in either incident. More than 450 flights were canceled from 6 a.m. to noon on Friday at O'Hare, said a spokesperson for the city's Aviation Department.

Highways were also hit hard. On Thursday, a 16-vehicle pileup involving an ambulance and eight semitrailers forced the closing of Interstate 40 in central Oklahoma for nearly 13 hours.

Icy roads and whiteout conditions also caused the Missouri Department of Transportation to shut down a 50-mile stretch of Interstate 70 in the central part of the state for several hours on Friday morning.

More than 500,000 of the energy provider Ameren's 2.4 million customers in the St. Louis area and southern and central Illinois were without power as of 5:30 p.m Friday, said a spokesperson for the company.   (Media Sources)

Winter Storm December 1, 2006 - FEMA Regional Reports

Region III

West Virginia

The state Emergency Operations Center (EOC) reported approximately 50,000 people without power. The power outages are from significant damage to utility poles. Complete restoration may not occur until early next week. Counties have not requested State assistance and the EOC remains at normal operations.

Virginia

Officials reported approximately 28,000 customers without power with the majority of outages occurring in northern Virginia .

Pennsylvania

There are reports of minor flooding and wind damage across western and central Pennsylvania .

In Luzerne County , officials reported severe structural wind damage, particularly in the Mountain Top area. The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA), at the request of the county, activated the Emergency Alert System advising residents in the Mountain Top area to stay in their homes; other residents were informed to stay away from the area. Luzerne County also activated a component of its technical rescue team to assist on an incident at a market in Wright Township . At a local market the front plate glass windows blew in injuring 5-7 people who were taken for treatment.

Dauphin County reported one fatality when a tree fell on a man's car in Halifax Township . At least two structures collapsed in Halifax Township and there is speculation that a tornado may have touched down in the area. Five 911 exchanges are inoperable. The county is sending responders to stand by in those vicinities. A structure collapsed in Lower Paxton Township .

Lycoming County reports an unconfirmed fatality when a building collapsed on a pedestrian.

PEMA reports approximately 26,000 customers without power throughout the State. Restorations are underway but there is no current estimate on completion.

In Erie County , a trailer park in Millcreek Township reported approximately 30 trailers surrounded by water. Local Fire Departments responded with boats to evacuate residents. The residents did not want to leave their homes and the Red Cross closed the shelter.

The District of Columbia , Delaware and Maryland reported no major impacts from the storm and continue to monitor the situation at normal operational levels.

State Emergency Management Offices continue to monitor the situation and coordinate with impacted counties. State EOC remain at normal operating levels.

Federal Assistance has not been requested at this time. Region III will continue to monitor and provide information as it becomes available. (FEMA Region III)

Region V

A major winter storm has impacted the areas of Bloomington , Decatur , Springfield , Belleville , Edwardsville, Findlay , Waterloo , Taylorville, Hillsboro, and Jerseyville, Illinois . 

Illinois Emergency Management EOC is currently operating between 9:00 am to 7:00 pm EST

There are approximately 250,000 without power in the central and southern parts of the State. A handful of local governments are requesting generators. The utilities have not established a time frame for power to be restored to the affected areas.

There are no reported problems with short or long term care facilities.

American Red Cross (ARC) warming shelters for those without power or stranded travelers are open in Bloomington , Decatur , Springfield , Belleville , Edwardsville, Findlay , Waterloo , Taylorville, Hillsboro , and Jerseyville. 

Community shelters being supported by ARC are open in East St. Louis and Farmer City . Additional shelters are open in McLean Co. ( Lexington , Colfax, Ridgeview, Leroy, Covell and Ellsworth) and Macoupin Co. (Gillespie and Staunton ). There are no population numbers at this time. 

EOC elements are DOT, Commerce, Red Cross, National Guard, Public Health, State Police, Corrections and Central Management Services.

Federal Assistance has not been requested at this time. Region V will continue monitoring the situation as it develops. (FEMA Region V)

Region VI

Arkansas

All major roads are open but bridges and overpasses remain hazardous. The State EOC is monitoring the event.  No jurisdictions have requested State assistance.

Oklahoma

The Cimarron and Turner Turnpikes were closed Thursday, November 30, 2006 after Troopers with the Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OHP) and wreckers could no longer safely travel the toll roads. The Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is working with the Oklahoma National Guard (ONG) to deploy heavy equipment and personnel to search the toll roads for any stranded motorists. 

Starting around 12:00 am EST, December 1, 2006, two ONG Humvees and personnel began searching the Cimarron Turnpike from Enid to Stillwater . Additional Humvees and ONG personnel will be searching the Stillwater to Tulsa stretch of the Cimarron Turnpike.

Troopers continue to travel the now closed Turner Turnpike searching for stranded motorists.

OEM is securing ONG heavy equipment and personnel to assist in the search of the toll road that runs between Oklahoma City and Tulsa . Additionally, the Oklahoma National Guard Armory in Chandler was opened to provide shelter to motorists.

I-40 was shut down in both directions from just west of the Calumet exit to Weatherford after numerous wrecks occurred. On Thursday, OHP worked 118 crashes statewide, including one fatality wreck. More than 350 OHP Troopers continue to work the Oklahoma roads.

Local Reports

Bartlesville/Washington County Emergency Management reports the county experienced 10 inches of snow with additional drifts.

Bartlesville/Washington County Emergency Management, Washington County Sheriff's Office and Bartlesville Police Department have assisted many stranded motorists and responded to numerous crashes.

Ellis County Emergency Management reports a natural gas line in Arnett was cut as workers repaired a water main on November 30, 2006. About 500 residents were affected by this service disruption which is expected to be restored by mid-day today.

Local officials are checking on residents, especially the elderly. Anyone who needs shelter will be taken to the Arnett Fire Department, where there is heat and some extra beds.

Kingfisher City/County Emergency Management reports all roads are snow packed and driving is very slow. No major accidents or power outages to report. No roads closed despite an estimated 6 inches of snow on the ground. East-west roads are experiencing drifting. 

Texas

Many roads in the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) area were slick on November 30, 2006 causing numerous accidents and heavy traffic and schools, businesses and government agencies closed early. 

DFW airport reported cancellations and delays.  Temperatures are expected to rise above freezing this afternoon.  The Texas Military Forces (TMF) has 24 personnel and 9 military vehicles on standby in Amarillo , Abilene and Weatherford.  The Texas SOC is activated and monitoring this event.  (FEMA Region VI)

Region VII

Missouri

A winter storm system moved across the Missouri early Wednesday, November 29, 2006 resulting in gusty north winds from over 20 to 30 mph, temperatures between 15 and 25 degrees, and freezing rain and sleet.  Some areas had accumulations from ¼ to 1 inch of ice.

A second winter storm moved into Missouri on Thursday, November 30, 2006 bringing significant snowfall accumulations. 

US 50 is closed from the US 65 junction ( Pettis County ) to the City of Tipton ( Moniteau County ).

Governor Blunt signed Executive Orders of Emergency for the winter storms on December 1, 2006.

The State EOC is activated at Level II operations, which means key state agencies are activated to assist in the coordination of the state response. The Governor signed a DNR Debris Waiver on December 1, 2006.

There were 3 fatalities: 2 traffic (Phelps and Boone Counties ) and 1 electrical fire death.

Cooper County : Traffic accidents at Eastbound Marker 92 are causing a 15 mile single-lane backup on I-70. Officials are working with the ARC and National Guard to distribute food, water and blankets to motorists.

St. Francois County : The City of Farmington reported 80% of its citizens without power. Two American Red Cross (ARC) shelters and a warming center have been established.

City of St. Louis : Approximately 4-5 nursing homes are without power and are moving clients to nursing homes with power. 150 National Guard troops are to arrive on Saturday, December 2, 2006 to canvas vulnerable areas.

Three runways are open at St. Louis Lambert Field Airport with limited scheduling.

St. Louis County : Approximately 200,000 county residents are without power. All nursing homes have been contacted and have stabilized/limited power. The County has established 27 warming centers and 3 elderly/special needs shelters.  Six additional shelters are operational with a population of 150 residents. 

Washington County : Missouri Army and Air National Guard (MONG) is delivering a 100KW and a 60 KW generator to the City of Potosi to power water pump. Walmart to deliver water today. 

The State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) is coordinating and monitoring the situation and requests for state assistance.  They are activated 24/7 until the situation stabilizes.

American Red Cross: Operating 5 shelters, 3 in St. Louis City/County and 2 in St. Francois County/Farmington. It is also operating numerous warming centers throughout the area. The Capitol Area Chapter is assisting the State with meals, cots and other local assistance requests.

MONG placed Liaison Officers in St. Louis City , St. Francois and Washington County EOCs to help with mission assignments. Units will assist deploying supplies and conducting health checks on citizens in various counties. Guard units will use this drill weekend to assist local governments.

Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services: Activated the Disaster Response Center and have representatives at the State EOC.

Missouri Department of Mental Health is working power and staffing issues for several facilities. They have requested a generator for their 800 Emergency Crisis telephone service.

Missouri Department of Social Services representatives are coordinating requests for food and water.

Missouri Department of Transportation crews continue clearing major highways.

Missouri Highway Patrol reports I-70 has re-opened at 9:30 pm EST, December 1, 2006.

Missouri Water Patrol is responding to boat docks collapsing under the weight of the snow and ice at the Lake of the Ozarks .

Office of Administration located generators, cots, blankets and food to support local government requests. They arranged delivery of 20 generators to the St. Louis area, ranging from 80KW to 2,000KW. 

FEMA Region VII is in contact with SEMA for incident updates and briefings.  The Governor has requested SEMA to conduct damage appraisals with the potential for requesting Federal assistance. 

RVII's RRCC will be operational throughout the weekend from 8:00 am – 10:00 pm EST. An alert has been issued to the USACE and HHS for possible activation to the RRCC.  The Recovery Branch will be represented in the RRCC this weekend, along with the ARC representative. (FEMA Region VII)

Kansas

A winter storm system moved across Kansas early Wednesday, November 29, 2006 resulting in gusty north winds from over 20 to 30 mph, temperatures between 15 and 25 degrees and freezing rain and sleet.  Some areas had accumulations from ¼ to 1 inch of ice.  A second winter storm moved into Kansas on Thursday November 30, 2006 bringing with it significant snowfall accumulations. 

Governor Sebelius issued a State of Disaster Emergency Proclamation on Thursday November 30, 2006. The declaration covers several storm related activities, but the primary purpose is to extend working hours for utility crews.

The State EOC is at a normal level of operation.

Snowfall amounts reported in southeast and east central Kansas range from 6” – 18” ( Linn County ).

No shelters are open.

Bourbon County : The City of Fort Scott has moved services from the Public Safety Building due to a possible roof collapse. The building has structural failure because of snow on the roof. The Police Department has relocated in the City Hall and the Dispatch Center (which handles calls from both the City and the County) has moved to the County Court House. The Fire Department is now located in the National Guard Armory. The State has issued a mission assignment to the NG for storage of Fire Department equipment and personnel lodging. Also reported was a carport collapse that is adjacent to a City building.   

The state continues to coordinate with local emergency management and will provide information updates as new information is received. On Friday morning December 1, 2006 a mission was issued to the Kansas Highway Patrol for flyovers of the southeast portions of the state to search for stranded motorists.

State agencies responding to the storms include the Department of Transportation, Division of Emergency Management, Highway Patrol and the Public Affairs Office of the Adjutant General's Department.

The potential for Federal involvement is unknown at this time.  FEMA Region VII and the State will continue to collect information and will distribute reports as new information becomes available. (FEMA Region VII)

Tropical Weather Outlook

Atlantic/Gulf of Mexico/Caribbean Sea/Central
Reporting will resume on June 1, 2007

Eastern Pacific
Reporting will resume on May 15, 2007

Western Pacific:
No threats to any U.S. Territories or posessions.  (NOAA, National Hurricane Center, Joint Typhoon Warning Center)

Earthquake Activity

There was no significant earthquake activity in the United States in the past 24 hours.

At 9:01 am EST on December 1, 2006 a strong (6.3) earthquake occurred 840 miles east of Jakarta, Indonesia.  No tsunami was generated and there was no damage to any U.S. interests.   (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

Light wildland fire activity continued the week of Dec. 1 with 511 new fires reported. Nine new large fires were reported: one each in California, Arkansas, and Missouri; two in Oklahoma; and four in Kentucky. Ten large fire were contained: one each in California, Arkansas, and Missouri; three in Oklahoma; and four in Kentucky.  (National Interagency Fire Center)

Disaster Declaration Activity

No new activity (FEMA HQ)