National Situation Update: Thursday, August 9, 2007
Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED).
National Forecast Summary
South
High temperatures from the 90s to the lower 100s. Isolated thunderstorms are forecast to dot the region.
West
Isolated thunderstorms are forecast over the Rockies, southeastern Arizona and parts of New Mexico.
High temperatures ranging from the 60s in western Washington and coastal locations north of Point Conception to 110 or more in southwest Arizona.
Midwest
Heavy rain is forecast for southeast Nebraska, Iowa, southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois. Thunderstorms are expected through the Great Lakes and Wisconsin in the morning. Storms are possible over northeastern Illinois, northern Indiana and northern Ohio. High temperatures will range from the 70s in northern Michigan to the 100s in southern Kansas, southeastern Missouri, and southern Illinois.
Northeast
Scattered or isolated storms are possible. High temperatures will range from the 60s and 70s in northern New England and eastern New York to over 100 in southeast Virginia.
Foot and Mouth Disease Virus Outbreak in Great Britain
An outbreak of foot and mouth disease virus (FMDV) was confirmed at a farm in Surrey on 3 August 2007. Human error or sabotage was identified on August 6 as the two likeliest causes. There is a strong probability that the virus originated at the Pirbright laboratory, four miles from the farm where FMD was first reported. However, the drainage system at a second facility on site, Merial, is being investigated as well. A multidisciplinary cross-government team also conducted on-site investigations on August 7.
Flooding in the Ohio
Significant rainfall on August 7, 2007 caused localized flooding the cities of Parma, Brook Park and Cleveland, in Cuyahoga County, Ohio and some localized flooding in Lorain County, Ohio. In Parma, more than 250-300 people were evacuated from an apartment complex because of a flooded electric transformer. Some of the evacuees stayed at a local high school where the Red Cross has set up a temporary shelter. It is unknown when the residents will be able to return to their homes. Ohio EMA will be in the area to assist the county director No federal assistance has been requested.
Flooding in Rockford, IL
The state EOC reports that the water levels have receded and are within the banks of Keith Creek. Operations will transition today from response to recovery. The water did not reach the concrete spillway. Approximately 50 homes in the Cherry Valley were also affected and damage assessments are ongoing. 253 homes have been assessed, 26 of those were found to have had 2 feet or more of water on the first floor, 13 have been found to be unfit for occupancy at this time. Power has been restored to the area. American Red Cross shelter is open with 166 registrants. Coordination of services between ARC & Salvation Army continues. A chance of heavy rain is expected August 9 -10 with a moderate risk of additional flooding - mainly along a line from Rockford to Waukegan.
Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG)
No new information to report. (FEMA HQ)
Tropical Weather Outlook
Atlantic/Caribbean/Gulf of Mexico:
The tropical and subtropical portion of the Atlantic Basin is has no significant formation.
Elsewhere, tropical cyclone formation is not expected during the next 48 hours.
Eastern Pacific:
Tropical Depression 09-E is upgraded to Tropical Storm Flossie.
It was located about 1375 miles west-southwest of the Southern tip of Baja California moving west at 13 miles per hour. Maximum sustained winds are 40 miles per hour, with gusts to 51 miles per hour.
This tropical cyclone appears to be located within a favorable environment for additional strengthening.
Western Pacific:
No new information to report. (FEMA HQ)
(NOAA, National Hurricane Center, Central Pacific Hurricane Center and the Joint Typhoon Warning Center)
Earthquake Activity
On Thursday, August 9, 2007 at 12:58 am EDT an earthquake measuring 4.5 struck about 28 miles northwest of Los Angeles, California at a depth of 3 miles. There were no reports of damage or injuries and there was no tsunami generated. (FEMA HQ)
On Wednesday, August 8, 2007 at 1:04 pm EDT an earthquake measuring 7.5 struck about 65 miles east of Jakarta, Jaava, Indonesia, at a depth of 179 miles. There were no reports of damage or injuries and there was no tsunami generated. (FEMA HQ)
On Wednesday, August 8, 2007 at 07:46 am EDT an earthquake measuring 5.3 struck about 10 miles east of Rota, Northern Marianas Islands at a depth of 63 miles. There were no reports of damage or injuries and there was no tsunami generated. (FEMA HQ)
Preliminary Damage Assessments
No new activity (FEMA HQ)
Wildfire Update
National Preparedness Level: 5
States Most Affected: MT, ID
National Fire Activity as of Tuesday, August 7, 2007:
Initial attack activity: Light (183)
New large fires: 4
Large fires contained: 3
Uncontained large fires: 39
2007 acres burned to date: 5,455,244
Weather Discussion: Windy conditions continue today in the Northern Rockies. Windy conditions are expected today over northern Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming. Thunderstorms are expected mainly over portions of Montana. A warming and drying trend will begin August 9, 2007 and continue through the weekend. (National Interagency Fire Center, National Incident Information Center, InciWeb, NOAA/NWS Storm Prediction Center)
Disaster Declaration Activity
No new activity (FEMA HQ)
Last Modified: Thursday, 09-Aug-2007 08:13:06 EDT