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National Situation Update: Saturday, December 23, 2006

Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED).

National Weather Summary

South
An upper-level disturbance will move eastward spreading rain and thunderstorms across Texas.

Rain showers will linger along the southeastern coastal areas. The front however, will stall out across central Florida bringing the possibility of thunderstorms to the area.

Northeast   
Rain will steadily spread over the region from south to north reaching New York and New England by evening. Showers will extend down the East Coast into Florida.

Some sleet and freezing rain could occur in the mountains across northern Pennsylvania and points northward. 

Northern sections of New England may see sleet and freezing rain, as well.

Midwest    
Across the Upper Midwest, rain has changed to snow across parts of northern Wisconsin and snow will develop across the Upper Peninsula of Michigan overnight. Three to six inches of snow is expected in these areas.

West    
Another Pacific storm will hit the Northwest by early Saturday.

Wind gusts of up to 60 mph or greater are expected with the cold front along the Oregon Coast.
Snow advisories and winter storm watches extend from the Cascades to northern Idaho up to a foot of new snow possible Saturday. Snow levels range from 1500 feet in the Washington Cascades to 5000 feet in northern California.

The coastal ranges of southwest Oregon and northwest California should see heavy rain with potential totals of 1 to 5 inches by early Sunday.  (National Weather Service, media sources)

Winter Storm Update

Colorado
As of 8:00 pm EST, December 22, 2006, 13 Shelters remain open. No information available on populations.

The Denver International Airport currently has two runways operational.

National Guard has discontinued operations for Colorado.

As of 2:00 pm EST, December 22, 2006, another storm is headed for the mountains in Colorado, a couple of inches of snow are possible late December 22, and some of that snow will hit Douglas and Elbert counties in the morning.

No request for federal assistance has been made.  (FEMA Region VIII, Colorado State EOC, NWS, NORAD/NORTHCOM)

Nebraska
As of 1:00 pm EST, December 22, 2006, the western portion of Nebraska experienced high winds, heavy snow, and ice resulting in road closures, tree damage, and localized power outages. 

The state reported that there were 400 to500 power outages in Red Willow, Phelps, and Gosper Counties. 

No request for federal assistance has been made. FEMA Region VII and the State will continue to monitor situation.  (FEMA Region VII)

Oklahoma 
As of 10:12 am EST, December 22, 2006, Gov. Brad Henry issued an Executive Order declaring a State of Emergency for Texas County.

As of 4:45 pm EST, December 22, 2006, a state-local preliminary damage assessment (PDA) team continues its work in Texas County, the hardest hit area. A complete assessment of disaster response, recovery costs is expected early next week. The PDA team includes officials with the Oklahoma
Department of Emergency Management (OEM) and Texas County. 

The Oklahoma Association of Electric Cooperatives (OAEC) reports power outages are down to 183.

The majority of the outages remain in the Guymon and Goodwell areas which are served by Tri-County Electric Cooperative.  OAEC estimates that most consumers should have power restored to their homes or business by late today, with the possibility of a few scattered individual outages remaining to be repaired on Saturday morning.

No request for federal assistance has been made. (FEMA Region VI, Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management)

Texas 
As of 2:00 pm EST, December 22, 2006, the Panhandle will continue to experience high winds; however the precipitation has ceased and temperatures are expected to rise through the rest of the week.

Public Utility Commission continues to assist and monitor outages in Dumas. Most of the remaining power outages require repair by home owners before power can be restored safely. 

FEMA Region VI is monitoring the situation and maintaining contact with the States.  No Federal assistance has been requested at this time. (FEMA Region VI, Oklahoma EOC, Texas SOC)

Northwest Pacific Storm Update

Washington State
Seattle - As of 1:00 pm EST, Puget Sound Energy reports fewer than 30,000 customers remain without power as a result of last weeks winter storms.

As of 12:00 pm EST, Seattle City Light reports 1,400 customers remain without power. Local media reports Snohomish County PUD in Washington, Portland General Electric in Oregon have restored power to all of their customers.

Damage assessments will begin January 2, 2007, if the submitted information from local jurisdictions warrants. (Washington EMD)

Los Angeles, CA - About 13,300 Department of Water and Power customers were left without power after storms traveled through the area. At least 2,400 customers in the Mid-City and Hollywood areas lost power at 11:45 am EST, December 22, 2006. An additional 2,342 customers in Jefferson Park also lost power. At 1:00 pm EST, December 22, 2006, 1,500 customers in the Sawtelle area lost power and smaller outages were also reported in other areas. The cause of the outages remain under investigation, but overnight rain and morning wind are believed to have been a contributing factor. (NICC)

Tropical Weather Outlook

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Earthquake Activity

At 1:49 am EST, December 23, 2006 a 3.7 (minor) magnitude earthquake was reported 2 miles ESE of Berkley, California. Depth 6.2 miles. No injuries or damage have been reported.

At 2:50 pm EST, December 22, 2006, a 6.1 (strong) magnitude earthquake was reported 72 miles SSW of Port Blair, Andaman Islands, India or 590 miles WSW of Bangkok, Thailand. Depth 28 miles. No injuries or damages have been reported.

No other significant activity was reported. No significant activity to report. (USGS, Earthquake Hazards Program, Alaska Earthquake Information Center, Pacific Tsunami Warning Center, and West Coast/Alaska Tsunami Warning Centers, media sources)

Preliminary Damage Assessments

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Disaster Declaration Activity

No new activity (FEMA HQ)