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National Situation Update: Sunday, May 25, 2008

Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED).

Significant National Weather

Midwest
Severe thunderstorms, flash flooding and downpours are forecast today for the Midwest.  Rainfall amounts of several inches are expected from the western Great Lakes, to the northern and central Mississippi River Valley and the central Plains.  The threat of dangerous weather will extend from Wisconsin into northern Kansas; some areas could see tornadoes accompanied by large hail and strong winds.  Showers and thunderstorms will continue on Monday from the Great Lakes through the Ohio Valley and across the Central Plains.

West
Severe thunderstorms with locally flooding rains will extend up the northwest coast today, from northern California and northern Nevada to Washington, Idaho and southern Montana.  Mountain snow will continue in the higher elevations.  The threat of thunderstorms will continue into Monday for northern California and northern Nevada west to northern Utah and Colorado.

South
Scattered thunderstorms are possible today across south Florida, Alabama, northern Mississippi, Arkansas, eastern Oklahoma and eastern Texas.  Widely scattered thunderstorms are forecast across the Tennessee and lower Mississippi Valleys Monday.

Northeast
Today will be partly to mostly sunny and rain-free across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic with highs mainly in the 70s.  Frost advisories are in effect this mourning for northwestern Pennsylvania, New York and northern New England.  A few showers are possible Monday in northern New England,  New York and northwestern Pennsylvania. (NWS, Media Sources)

Tornado Activity

Oklahoma
No injuries or fatalities reported.  Storms developed in Garfield and Kingfisher counties in the early afternoon on May 24, producing multiple tornadoes and large hail.  Two confirmed tornados were reported near Lacey, in northwest Kingfisher County.  Three buildings were destroyed. (Oklahoma DEM)

Colorado
One confirmed fatality and four injuries.  Tornadoes stuck the counties of Weld and Larimer on May 22 5,400 remain without power in Weld County; expect complete power restoration within four to five days.  One Shelters is open; Population: 3 (NSS May 24).  944 structures affected; 350 uninhabitable 154 have major damage and  440 structures with minor damage.  139 National Guardsmen supporting response efforts.  Major disaster declaration request expected.  State operated DRC established in Weld County on May 24.  Joint FEMA/State PDAs began May 23; expect completion May 24.  The CO EOC will be operating from 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. EDT through the weekend.   (FEMA Region VIII, National Weather Service, and  Weld County OEM)

Kansas 
Two confirmed fatalities (Pratt County)/ one injury (4 minor injuries treated/released).  Sixteen counties affected some with major damage (in 3 counties).  Damage widespread but sporadic with no major impact on commerce, infrastructure or communities.  One Shelter open (Gove County); population 40.  Primary impact is to roads and power distribution.  The Damage assessment continues.  Gove County declared a local disaster.  Gove County activated their EOC.  Ellis County activated their EOC.  Partial activation of the State EOC.  No request for Federal Assistance. (FEMA Region VIII)

Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG)

No request has been made.  (FEMA HQ)   

Joint PDA Requests

No request have been made.   (FEMA HQ)

Tropical Weather Outlook

Atlantic/Caribbean: No significant Activity to report.
Eastern Pacific: No significant Activity to report.
Western Pacific: No activity affecting U.S. Territories. (NOAA, National Hurricane Center, Central Pacific Hurricane Center and the Joint Typhoon Warning Center)

Earthquake Activity

A magnitude 4.7 earthquake occurred off the Coast of Oregon on Saturday, May 24, 2008 at 7:23 p.m. EDT.  With a depth of 6.2 miles, 261 miles west northwest from Barview, OR. (USGS)

Wildfire Update

Florida
Tracy Fire Ocala National Forest- Lake County Fire
1,081 acres at 50 percent contained.  This complex is burning three miles northeast of Paisley FL.   (FEMA Region IV & NIFC)

California
Summit Fire; Santa Cruz and Santa Clara Counties
3,840 acres at 35 percent contained.  The fire is seven miles south of Los Gatos, CA.  The communities of Croy, Uvas, Summit, and Coralitos are threatened.  The fire has destroyed at least 20 homes and 18 outbuildings.  350 mandatory and 1,400 voluntary evacuations.  ARC shelters established in Santa Cruz (population 5) and Santa Clara (population unknown) counties (US Forest Service, CA OES and CA Dept of Forestry and Fire Protection)

Disaster Declaration Activity

No requests have been made.   (FEMA HQ)

Last Modified: Thursday, 04-Jun-2009 16:35:58 EDT