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National Situation Update: Friday, May 9, 2008

Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED).

National Weather Forecast

Northeast
Areas from the Middle Atlantic to the Northeast are forecast for heavy rain and strong winds.  The storm will continue along the New England coast into the weekend.  One to two inches of rain is anticipated for most of the regions; however, some locations may see over three inches.  Tornado Watches remain in effect until 9:00 a.m. EDT for locations in Virginia, central North Carolina, southern Maryland, and the greater Washington, DC metro area.  Temperatures will remain below average with highs in the 50s and 60s.
South
Scattered thunderstorms, damaging winds, and potential large hail are expected through the Tennessee Valley today.  Southeastern Kansas and eastern Texas may experience severe thunderstorms during the afternoon or early evening as well.  Strong to severe thunderstorms are possible along an advancing cold front in eastern sections of North and South Carolina.  Temperatures are forecast in the 80s over the mountains and Tennessee, with some 90s through southern Georgia westward to central Texas.
Midwest
A weather disturbance will produce moderate rain and thunderstorms across the Lower Midwest.  Some storms may be strong to severe with hail and damaging winds.  Areas to the north are forecast for scattered showers.  Severe Thunderstorm Warnings continue for northwest Arkansas and southwest Missouri until Friday morning.  Temperature highs are expected in the 60s through Saturday, May 10.
West
Moderate rain and thunderstorms with gusty winds are anticipated over Utah and Colorado.  Western Montana and Wyoming may see some rain mixed with snow throughout the day.  Red Flag Warnings exist for southern Utah, northern Arizona, and northern and central New Mexico from Friday afternoon until Friday night due to strong winds and low relative humidity.

Severe Weather Update for the Mid-Atlantic Region

Severe weather hit the East Coast late Thursday night and into Friday morning causing damage to homes and businesses and some road closures.  The strong storms moved from Mississippi and Alabama through western North Carolina and western Virginia bringing damaging winds, large hail and heavy rains.  The North Carolina Emergency Operation Center (EOC) reported an unconfirmed tornado overturned several vehicles off Interstate 40 and NC Road 68 in central North Carolina.  The state EOC was activated and reported that no State assistance has been requested. 

In Virginia, the state EOC received information of possible tornado activity in Stafford County, south of Washington, DC.  Early unconfirmed reports indicate some residences and buildings sustained moderate storm damage.  High water levels and debris (trees) closed a few roads; however, no fatalities or serious injuries have been reported. 

Both Virginia and Maryland EOCs are monitoring flash flood warnings closely since more than three inches of rain has fallen in many areas and more is expected.  The Maryland EOC has not received any tornado reports; however, the powerful storm has caused approximately 5,000 power outages in the Montgomery and Prince George's counties.  (Regions III and IV, and Media Sources)

Mississippi Valley Flooding

FEMA Regional Offices, State EOCs, and the NRCC continue to monitor flooding along the Mississippi River Valley.  (Region IV, Region V, Region VI RRCC, National Weather Service, FEMA HQ)

Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG)

Nothing significant activity reported.  (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)

Wildfire Update

National Preparedness Level: 2
National Fire Activity as of Thursday, May 8:
Initial attack activity: Light (144 new fires)
New large fires: 3
Large fires contained: 1
Uncontained large fires: 11
Weather Discussion:  Dry conditions with gusty winds will develop for eastern Arizona, across New Mexico and into west Texas. Relative humidity will improve over the East as a storm system approaches. (National Interagency Fire Center, National Incident Information Center,  NOAA/NWS Storm Prediction Center, NGB)
New Mexico
Trigo Fire (Torrance County) has burned 13,709 (+29) acres and is 75% contained. (InciWeb)
Eighty nine structures are reported destroyed.  Firefighters were able to hold all containment lines yesterday despite very strong winds. (National Interagency Coordination Center)

Disaster Declaration Activity

The President signed a Major Disaster Declaration FEMA-1753-DR for the State of Mississippi on May 8, 2008, for severe storms and flooding that occurred on March 20 and continuing.  Individual Assistance (IA) is designated for Bolivar, Warren, Washington, and Wilkinson Counties, and Hazard Mitigation statewide.  The Federal Coordinating Officer (FCO) is Michael L. Parker.

The Governor of Kentucky is requesting a major disaster declaration for Public Assistance (PA) for 17 counties and Hazard Mitigation for the entire Commonwealth as a result of flooding that occurred March 18 to April 11.

The Governor of Arkansas is requesting a major disaster declaration for IA for six counties and Hazard Mitigation statewide as a result of flooding, severe thunderstorms, and tornadoes beginning on May 2, and continuing.  Direct Federal assistance is also requested.

Three Major Disaster Declarations were amended for the State of Missouri, appointing Michael L. Karl as the FCO and terminating the appointment of Michael L. Parker for the following disasters:
Amendment # 1 to FEMA-1742-DR-MO, Declared Feb 5, 2008.
Amendment # 1 to FEMA-1748-DR-MO, Declared March 12, 2008.
Amendment # 6 to FEMA-1749-DR-MO, Declared March 19, 2008.
Amendment # 8 to Major Disaster Declaration FEMA-1751-AR was approved on May 8, adding Desha County for Public Assistance, already designated for Individual Assistance.  (FEMA HQ)