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National Situation Update: Friday, December 29, 2006

Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED).

Winter Snow Storm In The West, Rain In The South

West   
A significant snow event will stretch from the Colorado Foothills and Front Range into the western high Plains today.

A second snow event is possible for late Friday night through Saturday night. Heavy snow will then move out to western Nebraska, South Dakota and parts of southeastern Wyoming.

Pacific storms are forecast for the western sections of Washington and Oregon Friday and then western Washington Sunday.  

Midwest   
Parts of the high Plains from the western Dakotas to western Kansas will see a winter storm. Some areas could pick up 6 to 12 inches of snow by Sunday before the storm shifts eastward.

Meanwhile, portions of Minnesota, including the Twin Cities, may see a little freezing rain in the morning.

Significant rain will develop across the central Plains Friday and sweep eastward across the Mississippi Valley, southern Great Lakes and Ohio Valley Saturday, Sunday and Monday.

South  
Heavy rain, including some thunderstorms, will start Friday from Nebraska to Texas and head into the Mississippi Valley on Saturday.

Damaging wind gusts and a few tornadoes are possible in a developing squall line across central and eastern Texas and Louisiana today.

Northeast   
Cold air will hold over northern sections of New York and New England.
Freezing rain may be a problem from central and eastern New York to western and northern New England.    (NWS, Media Sources)

Colorado Storm Update

Governor Bill Owens has declared a statewide disaster emergency as a result of the winter storm warnings affecting a large portion of the state.

A National Weather Service (NWS) Winter Storm Warning remains in effect from the Continental Divide east across the across the northeastern Colorado plains until 10:00 a.m. EST, December 31, 2006. 

There is also the potential for heavier snow redeveloping again from Thursday evening through December 31 as the storm re-intensifies across the central plains.  Due to uncertainty in the track of the storm, winter storm watches will remain in effect for the northeastern plains of Colorado through the evening of December 30.  Winter storm watches may also be added by the NWS for December 31 as well due to the slow movement of the storm. 

Expect 18-24 inches of snow in the foothills and Friday an additional 10-18 inches possible Saturday and Sunday.

United Airlines and Frontier, which together account for 80% of traffic at Denver International Airport, cancelled 322 flights for Thursday evening and Friday morning.

The Colorado National Guard (CONG) which was activated during last week's blizzard will remain active to help fight the second onslaught of wintry weather. The CONG is prepared to support emergency operations with High Clearance Vehicles and Aviation assets upon request.

State and local emergency managers are monitoring the situation.  The CO State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) has been activated. 

The Denver Federal Center which includes the offices of the FEMA Region VIII has closed due to the impending snow.

Region VIII continues to monitor the situation via tele-cooping and is maintaining contact with the CO DEM/EOC and will maintain contact with the state throughout the storm.  There has been no request for Federal Assistance at this time.  (FEMA Region VIII, NWS, CO DEM, NGB, NORAD/NORTHCOM)

Winter Storm Warning for Texas, Oklahoma Panhandles

NWS reports that the system has slowed down considerably, and is now projected to impact the Texas and Oklahoma Panhandles Friday and into the weekend. 

Snow depths of four to eight inches are forecast for the I-40 corridor with six to ten inches from Dalhart, Texas north to Guymon, Oklahoma.  With this snow storm, winds from 20 to 30 MPH are also forecast. 
This will bring the potential for snow drifts and white out conditions along I-40, necessitating road closures.  Plans are in place to rescue stranded motorists as necessary.  A large amount of wraparound moisture will also be present with this storm.  The storm should clear the area by Saturday evening. 

NWS has issued Winter Storm Warning for the western half of the Texas and Oklahoma Panhandles and a Winter Storm Watch for the eastern half of the Panhandles.

FEMA Region VI is monitoring the situation.   (NWS, FEMA Region VI)

Former President Ford’s State Funeral Update

A National Day of mourning is scheduled for Tuesday, January 2, 2007. All federal agencies will be closed. (Media Sources)

Tropical Weather Outlook

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Earthquake Activity

December 27, 2006 at 12:42 pm EST, a 3.1 (minor) earthquake was reported Mount St. Helens.  Depth .6 miles.  No injuries or damage reported. Mount St. Helens continues to have low rates of seismicity activity, low emissions of steam and volcanic gases, and minor production of ash. Alert Level: Watch. Aviation Color Code: Orange. 

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

Preliminary Damage Assessments

December 27, 2006, Individual Assistance and Public Assistance PDAs began in Volusia and Pasco Counties, Florida with additional counties to be added at a later date. (FEMA HQ)

Washington State: Public Assistance PDAs in 17 Counties are scheduled to begin on January 2, 2007, with additional counties to be added at a later date, if warranted.  (FEMA HQ)

Wildfire Update

A fire weather watch is in affect for the L.A., California and Ventura County Mountains and Valleys through Friday afternoon due to high winds and low humidity.

No other significant activity to report.  (FEMA Region IX, National Interagency Fire Center, media sources)

Disaster Declaration Activity

No new activity (FEMA HQ)