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National Situation Update: Thursday, February 28, 2008

Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED).

Significant National Weather

Northeast:
Scattered light snow showers and flurries are forecast primarily from northern New England to the Appalachians on February 28, 2008. 

South:
Freeze warnings are posted for the northern third of the Florida Peninsula on February 28, 2008.

Midwest
A Clipper system, moving from southern Canada will deliver light snow to Minnesota, Iowa and the Mississippi Valley on February 28, 2008.

West
Light rain and mountain snow will occur from the Pacific Northwest into Montana and Wyoming February 28, 2008.  (NWS, Media Sources)

Alpine, Texas HAZMAT Train Derailment

At 4:16 a.m. EST, February 27, 2008, NICC reported two HAZMAT cars and 21 mixed freight rail cars (combined 86 cars) derailed at 11:30 p.m. CST, February 26, 2008, on a Union Pacific main line near Alpine, Texas, in Brewster County (population 6,100), approximately 220 miles east of El Paso.

Despite initial reports of a HAZMAT release, subsequent testing confirmed no HAZMAT released.

Approximately 12 homes (unknown number of residents) evacuated in ½ mile evacuation zone.  Residents allowed to return home at approximately 10:00 a.m. CST, February 27, 2008, after officials determined no HAZMAT leak had taken place. (NICC, Denton MOC, Media Sources)

Southwest Fire Weather

A surface high pressure system will build into the Great Plains and strong and gusty winds can be expected in south central Texas bringing critical fire weather conditions during the afternoon.

After sunset, temperatures will cool with rapid relative humidity recovery quickly minimizing the fire weather threat.  (NWS)

Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG)

No requests in the last 24 hours.  (FEMA HQ)

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

The Governor of Arkansas requested an Emergency Declaration as a result of Severe Fires and Wind Damage on January 29, 2008.  Governor Beebe is specifically requesting Public Assistance and direct Federal assistance for Sebastian County.  (FEMA HQ)