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National Situation Update: Tuesday, January 16, 2007

Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED).

National Weather Summary

South:
Snow is expected near the Big Bend, San Antonio and Austin TX with freezing rain changing to or mixing with sleet. Some ice accumulations are also expected around the Houston area.  Snow showers will fall from the mountains of Virginia to North Carolina.  Scattered showers are possible along the Gulf coast, southern Georgia, northern Florida and the eastern Carolinas.  Atlanta may not get out of the 40s.  Central and southern Florida will reach the 80s.

Northeast:
Snow showers across parts of Upstate New York and western Pennsylvania.  Heavy bands of lake-effect snow will fall east of Lake Erie. Accumulations of six to twelve inches, with locally heavier amounts.
High temperatures ranging from the teens in far northern New York and northern New England to the 50s in southeast Virginia.

Midwest:
Temperatures will be cold across the Midwest on Tuesday on the heels of gusty northwesterly winds.
 Heavy rain will be moving away but flooding will continue along and near the Ohio River, especially around the Indiana-Kentucky border.  Highs in the teens and 20s will be common across the region but parts of the Ohio Valley may reach the 30s.

West:
The Seattle area may see up to an inch of snow before changing to rain.  Cold conditions with morning lows in the 20s expected in California's Central Valley.   The fire danger will remain high in Southern California to gusty winds.   High temperatures should range from the teens in the Rockies to the 60s in Southern California and southwest Arizona.  (NWS, Media Sources)

Severe Winter Weather

Oklahoma  (FEMA-3272-EM, declared January 14, 2007)
Icy conditions from the recent storms continue in Oklahoma as temperatures remain below freezing.
As of 10:00 pm EST Monday, the State reported about 103,123 customers without power Statewide. 
About 1,500 people were reported in shelters. 
On Monday, FEMA Logistics reported that all requirements (water and generators) for Oklahoma have been shipped except for one trailer of generators that was delayed due to a traffic accident and will be shipped today.
The US Army Corps of Engineers reports that 16 Prime Power soldiers from the 249th Engineer Battalion are en route to the affected area.
The State EOC is activated and is in contact with affected communities.
FEMA Region VI maintains contact with the State.

Missouri (FEMA-1676-DR, declared January 15, 2007)
Severe winter storms swept across Missouri beginning Friday January 12, causing moderate to heavy damage throughout the State.
On Monday January 15, the President declared a major disaster (FEMA-1676-DR) for the State of Missouri.
As of Monday evening Missouri reports about 279,000 customers without power.  89 shelters are reported open housing 2,897. 
The State National Guard and numerous other State agencies have been activated to respond.
The State EOC is currently activated 24/7.
FEMA Region VII is in contact with the State.

Texas
Frozen precipitation and ice accumulations continues in southeast Texas.  Power outages have been limited (under 20,000 customers), but there is concern that the situation could worsen over the next few days depending on weather conditions.  The State will continue to monitor and report on the situation.
 
Arkansas
Subfreezing temperatures and current icing conditions are negatively impacting travel, utilities and civil services throughout the area.  Continuous rain is causing minor to moderate flooding and numerous road closures.  The State NG has been activated.

Northeast
News media are reporting damages, with road and business closures, in parts of New York and New England from ice storms.  (FEMA HQ, FEMA Region VI, FEMA Region VII, OK State Emergency Management, MO State Emergency Management, TX State Emergency Management, News Media)

Tropical Weather Outlook

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Earthquake Activity

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Preliminary Damage Assessments

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Disaster Declaration Activity

January 15, 2007, FEMA-1676-DR Missouri was approved for 34 counties and 1 independent City for Public Assistance and all counties for Hazard Mitigation. Incident: Severe Winter Storms.  Incident Period: January 12, 2007 and continuing.  (FEMA HQ)