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National Situation Update: Wednesday, March 7, 2007

Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED).

National Weather

Northeast
Expect a general area of light snow over parts of West Virginia, southern Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey, northern Virginia, Maryland and Delaware.

Most accumulations will be light but some higher elevations of southwest Pennsylvania, northern West Virginia and western Maryland may see more than 6 inches.

Some slightly heavier amounts may also coat parts of southern New Jersey, Delaware and the Delaware-Maryland-Virginia Peninsula.

Areas from southern New York to Long Island will see very little accumulation.

Midwest
The Midwest will be mainly dry across northern sections of the region, with the exception of parts of Michigan, northern Indiana and northern Ohio, where snow showers will fall.

West
Showers and mountain snow will fall on Washington, Oregon and northern California but amounts will be light. By evening, a few rain or snow showers could work their way as far east as northwestern Montana.

South
The South will enjoy dry conditions and mild temperatures with the exception of the coastal Carolinas, where scattered showers are possible. Sections of West Texas could see highs around 80 degrees. (NWS, media sources)

Potential Dam Emergency in Maryland

Officials from the Maryland Department of the Environment, Dam Safety Division, MEMA, along with local officials, are currently on-scene investigating the integrity of the Garrett Memorial Dam, an earthen dam at Site #1 on the Little Youghiogheny River. The dam is located in the town of Oakland in Garrett County, Maryland.

The water level has risen due to the recent snow melt, and debris blocking (50% blockage) the overflow drain caused water to flow over the emergency spillways.

Maryland Air National Guard provided two UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters in support of debris removal efforts Monday evening. Six Middle River Dive Team members and their equipment were transported to the dam site to remove debris from the dam and drain.

Officials are still monitoring the situation and meeting with the Mayor of Oakland to determine the appropriate course of action. A breach is not anticipated.

An evacuation order has NOT been issued. If one is issued, it will impact approximately 1,000 people in 45 households. (Region III, NGBJOC)

Authorities hope for Rain in Puerto Rico

Civil Defense authorities are monitoring a potential drought situation at the Carraizo Dam, located in Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico.

The dam provides 45% of San Juan's water supply. Current water level is at 39.85 meters; 37 meters is the critical low-water level. Water levels have been dropping at a rate of four centimeters per dState Aqueduct and Sewer Authority officials said that the dam has enough water for 50 days, and that they anticipate the island will receive more rain within that time.(Region II)

Tropical Weather Outlook

Atlantic/Caribbean/Eastern Pacific: No significant activity to report.
Western Pacific: No activity threatening U.S. Territories. (NOAA, National Hurricane Center, Central Pacific Hurricane Center and the Joint Typhoon Warning Center)

Earthquake Activity

A magnitude 4.5 earthquake was reported at 10:42 pm EST, offshore in the vicinity of Fox Islands, Aleutian Islands, Alaska. Depth was 31 miles. No tsunami bulletins were issued. (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)

Disaster Declaration Activity

FEMA-1686-DR Georgia, Amendment #1. The major disaster declaration has been amended to include 5 counties for Individual Assistance and 9 Counties for Public Assistance. All Counties within the State of Georgia are eligible to apply for assistance under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.

FEMA-1687-DR Alabama, Amendment #1.  The major disaster declaration was amended to include 5 counties for Individual Assistance and 3 counties added for Public Assistance. All counties within the State of Alabama are eligible to apply for assistance under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. (FEMA HQ)