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National Situation Update: Tuesday, December 25, 2007

Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED).

Significant National Weather

West
A storm will spread rain and snow into the region today.  This storm will move into the northern and central Rockies on Wednesday bringing more snow.  Winter storm warnings remain in effect for significant snowfall in west and northeast Wyoming, Montana, and northern and central Utah.  Snow accumulation is forecast to reach eight to ten inches in Montana and Wyoming, while Northern Utah could see as much as eight to 18 inches.  Lake effect snow is anticipated to impact areas south and southeast of the Great Salt Lake today.

Midwest
Snow is possible from the central plains to northern Wisconsin, as a weak front travels eastward.  Areas from southern Missouri to the Ohio Valley may reach 50 degrees or more.  A Flood Warning continues for portions of the Wabash River in western Indiana and eastern Illinois until further notice.  Minor flooding is occurring and minor flooding is forecast.

South
The southeast coast from the Carolinas to Georgia will receive rain as a low pressure system develops offshore.  High temperatures across the South will remain in the 50s and 60s with the 70s in South Florida and Texas today.  Temperatures around the South will generally remain above average through the week.

Northeast
The Great Lakes and Northern New England will experience snow flurries as the day progresses; temperatures will rise into the low to mid 30s.  A storm off the Coast of the Carolinas has the potential to create severe thunderstorms in the Mid-Atlantic States on Wednesday night into Thursday.  Highs will range from the 20s across extreme northern New England to the 40s around the Chesapeake Bay. (National Weather Service, Media Sources)

Santa Ana Wind Event

A brief but strong Santa Ana wind event is expected across the mountains and valleys of Ventura and Los Angeles Counties spreading to the coastal areas today.  Santa Ana winds in Southern California will continue from Malibu to San Diego with winds gusting near 80 mph across the mountains and 60 mph in the passes.  A Red Flag Warning is in effect today for the Hollywood Hills, Los Angeles County coast, Ventura Orange County coastal areas, San Bernardino and Riverside County valleys, the Inland Empire, and the San Diego County inland valleys due to strong north to northeast winds and low humidity.  A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now or will shortly.  A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity and warm temperatures will create explosive fire growth potential.  The next chance for stronger Santa Ana winds will be on Wednesday as a more powerful storm moves into the area.(NWS, CA OES, CA JFO)

Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG)

No new activity to report. (FEMA HQ)

Tropical Weather Outlook

Atlantic/Caribbean/Gulf of Mexico/Eastern Pacific/Central Pacific:
Tropical Cyclone formation is not expected during the next 48 hours.

Western Pacific:
No current tropical cyclone warnings. ( NOAA, National Hurricane Center, Central Pacific Hurricane Center and the Joint Typhoon Warning Center)

Earthquake Activity

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Preliminary Damage Assessments

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Disaster Declaration Activity

No new activity (FEMA HQ)