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National Situation Update: Saturday, November 24, 2007

Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED).

National Weather

West:
The Four Corners' upper-level storm and a series of low pressure troughs will produce snow from Colorado and western Kansas to the southeast Arizona Mountains and New Mexico.  The southern Rockies from the San Juan to the Sangre de Cristo and the Davis Mountains of southwest Texas could receive over a foot of snow.  The High Plains' accumulations could range from between one-half to five inches.  El Paso could also have a snowfall of four to eight inches tonight into early Sunday as the upper-level low passes directly over the city.  In Northern California a Red Flag Warning remains in effect for Napa County until 7 a.m. EST today for locally moderate offshore winds and extremely low overnight relative humidity.  Santa Ana conditions are forecast for Southern California, as discussed below.  High temperatures will range from the 20s in the Rockies to the mid 70s in the Desert Southwest.

South:
The southwest storm is producing snow in west Texas and the stalled front across the Gulf will produce precipitation across the Gulf Coast as far east as Alabama by this evening.  The heaviest rain over eastern Texas and Louisiana could drop one to three inches.  Temperatures will be 5 to 20 degrees below average in the Region this weekend ranging from the 30s in the western High Plains to the low 60s along the Gulf Coast and the 80s in the Florida Peninsula.

Midwest:
A trough of low pressure extending from the Great Lakes to the Texas panhandle will produce a broad band of snowfall across the Region.  Temperatures will range from 30s to the 40s.

Northeast:
High pressure centered over Virginia will result in a generally dry but cold day over much of the region with the exception of scattered snow showers across Upstate New York and northern New England.
High temperatures will be 5 to 15 degrees below average, with a range of 20s in Maine to 40s in Virginia. (NOAA, National Weather Service, Media Sources)

Santa Ana Conditions in Southern California

Offshore winds over Southern California through Saturday evening will result in a Red Flag Warning for the area.  A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are expected.  A combination of strong winds and low relative humidity will bring the potential for rapid fire growth.

Strong Santa Ana winds across much of Los Angeles and Ventura counties through early this afternoon; wind gusts will likely reach 45 to 55 mph near mountain passes and canyons.  Red Flag Warning until 6 p.m. PST Saturday for the Santa Ana Mountains and foothills, the San Bernardino and Riverside County Mountains, the Inland Empire, San Diego County Mountains, inland valleys and the Orange County coastal plain.  Winds will be strongest near and below the canyons and passes through this morning especially below the Cajon pass and near the Santa Ana foothill canyons.  Winds will be northeast 20 to 30 mph with gusts to 70 mph slowly decreasing this afternoon.  Humidity dropped below 15 percent yesterday afternoon and will drop below 10 percent today.  Humidity will increase on Sunday night and Monday as weak onshore flow returns. (National Weather Service)

Update on Ojo Peak Fire, Mountainair, NM

Snow has helped dampen the Ojo Peak Fire in the Manzano Mountains overnight.  Crews now have the blaze 50% contained.  More snow is predicted in the area, providing added firefighting benefits.  The Ojo Peak Fire has burned 7,500 acres. (Media Sources)

Annapolis, MD Hosts Middle East Peace Conference

On November 27, 2007, the United States will host Israeli Prime Minister Olmert, Palestinian Authority President Abbas, along with the Members of the Quartet, the Members of the Arab League Follow-on Committee, the G-8, the permanent members of the UN Security Council, and other key international actors for a conference at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.  President Bush and the Israeli and Palestinian leaders will deliver speeches to open the formal conference in Annapolis. (State Dept.)

Update on Oil Spill in Long Beach, NY

The US Coast Guard (USCG) reports that a contractor is actively involved in clean-up efforts following a 500 gallon oil spill in Long Island Sound, Long Beach, NY.  The clean-up is being concentrated on a 3/4 to 1 nautical mile span of Atlantic Beach, NY.  Ten to 12 cubic yards of oily waste matter has been collected.  It appears that no wildlife has been impacted at this time.  The investigation to determine the source of the oil continues. (NOC)

Suspected Radiation Incident in Indianapolis, IN

On November 23, 2007, at 6:10 p.m. EST, Joint Force Headquarters Indiana Joint Operations Center (JFHQ-IN JOC) reported to National Guard Bureau Joint Operations Center (NGB JOC) that Marion County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) requested deployment of the 53rd Civil Support Team to an Indianapolis Towne Air Freight shipping facility in response to a possible radiological incident.  (Towne Air Freight is a full service transportation company that specializes in time sensitive air freight and LTL shipments for commercial and airfreight industries.)  53rd CST Commander dispatched 2 vehicles with 5 personnel to the scene.  Civil Support Team identified the isotope as Cesium-137.  The bill of lading accounted for 8 crates containing Cesium-137.  Cesium-137 is a common radiological source found in industrial formats.  The on-scene unified command accounted for the radiological source and no further investigation is required. (NICC)

Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG)

No new activity to report. (FEMA Region VI)

Tropical Weather Outlook

Atlantic - Caribbean Sea - Gulf of Mexico
Tropical cyclone formation is not expected during the next 48 hours.

Eastern and Central Pacific:
Tropical cyclone formation is not expected during the next 48 hours.

Western Pacific:
No current tropical cyclone warnings affecting U.S. interests.

Earthquake Activity

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Preliminary Damage Assessments

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Disaster Declaration Activity

No new activity (FEMA HQ)