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National Situation Update: Wednesday, March 5, 2008

Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED).

Significant National Weather

West:
Snow showers and flurries will be prevalent along the Rocky Mountains and into Montana today, with the possibility of heavy snow in northern New Mexico. To the South, gusty winds are forecast for the higher terrain of Arizona and New Mexico. Temperatures will range from the teens in the Colorado Rockies to the low 80s near Yuma, Arizona.

Midwest:
Light snow will linger over Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa and Nebraska as a weak disturbance passes through the Upper Midwest.  Ohio will receive some additional snow throughout the morning.  Temperatures will range from the single digits in North Dakota and a small portion of northwest Minnesota to the low 50s across extreme southern Kentucky.  Highs for the Great Lakes will reach into the 20s and 30s.

South:
High pressure will keep this region mostly dry today except for a few rain showers across southern Florida.  Temperatures will range from the 40s in the Oklahoma panhandle to the 80s in south Texas and south Florida. 

Northeast:
The front that produced severe thunderstorms in the mid Atlantic has moved off the coast.  The low over New England will produce freezing rain and sleet in New York and Pennsylvania with ice accumulations of up to ½ inch then changing over to snow showers and rain.  Snow will be the predominant precipitation in northern Maine and will last throughout the day. Heavy rain (one to three inches) is forecast and flood watches and warnings are in effect for eastern portions of Pennsylvania, New York and Connecticut.  Winter storm warnings remain in effect for Northern Pennsylvania, New York and New England.  Temperatures are forecast to range from the 20s in northern Maine and portions of western and northern New York to the 60s in eastern Virginia.   (NWS, Media Sources)

East Coast Severe Weather Outbreak

The cold front that moved through the region yesterday and last night produced a significant amount of thunderstorm activity. While a total of six tornado watches were issued for the southeast and mid-Atlantic, actual tornado activity was minimal. There were however numerous reports of hail and gusty winds in an area extending from Georgia north to western Pennsylvania and west to central Kentucky.

There was a preliminary report of a tornado near Tuscaloosa Alabama, as well as preliminary reports of one home destroyed and several damaged by a possible tornado in Amite Parrish, Louisiana.

The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) Emergency Operations Center (EOC) remains activated at a Level III and is monitoring weather related impacts.  PEMA is also reporting multiple weather related road closures and isolated power outages. 

The Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) reports a possible tornado or weather burst in Wise County.  The State reported damages of six homes destroyed, 15 with major damage and more than 25 with moderate damage.  There have been no reports of fatalities or major injuries have been reported as of 2200 hours. There is no Federal involvement is expected at this time. 
In West Virginia the state EOC is monitoring the weather related impacts and reports flooding from small streams causing isolated road closures.  The State will continue to monitor the Ohio River forecasts for potential flooding impacts in the next 36 to 48 hours. (Region III, NWS, Media Sources)

Midwest Flooding

Indiana, Ohio, and southern portions of Michigan are under winter weather advisories and flood watches.  Saint Louis, Missouri received approximately 10 inches of snow throughout the day yesterday causing two fatalities due to automobile accidents.  The Missouri State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) continues to monitor and report on weather situation, as needed.  Minor to moderate flooding will continue along portions of the Kankakee River in northwest Indiana.  Recent snow melt and rainfall will cause flooding on portions of the lower Fox, Illinois, Kishwaukee, Rock and Des Plaines Rivers over the next few days.(NWS, Media Sources)

Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG)

FMAG-2749-TX, issued for La Perla Fire in the city of San Ygnacio, TX (population 900), was approved on March 4, 2008, at 9:00 AM EST.  300 people voluntarily evacuated the area and 75 residents currently remain threatened.  (FEMA HQ)

Tropical Weather Outlook

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Earthquake Activity

A magnitude 5.5 earthquake occurred at 2:24 p.m. EST, March 4, 2008, located 23 miles east-northeast of Atka, Alaska, at a depth of 21.7 miles, with no report of damages or injuries received.  No tsunami has been generated.  (USGS/NEIC/WDC)

Preliminary Damage Assessments

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Disaster Declaration Activity

Missouri: The Governor of Missouri has requested a major disaster declaration as a result of the severe winter storms that generated ice, sleet, snow, heavy rain, flooding and frigid temperatures during the period of February 10-14, 2008.  The Governor is specifically requesting Public Assistance, including direct Federal assistance for 18 counties and Hazard Mitigation statewide.   (FEMA HQ)

Last Modified: Thursday, 04-Jun-2009 16:37:29 EDT