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National Situation Update: Tuesday, June 3, 2008

Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED).

Significant National Weather

West:
An upper level trough will produce showers and scattered thunderstorms from northern California to the Pacific Northwest and eastward into western Wyoming and portions of Montana.  Gusty northwest winds, up to 35 mph in some areas, are forecast for much of Southern California and the Great Basin.  High temperatures will range from the 40s in Wyoming to over 100 in southwest Arizona and southeast New Mexico.

Midwest:
A stalled front will produce showers and thunderstorms across the Midwest and Great Plains. The heaviest precipitation is forecast for the Upper Mississippi Valley, the Great Lakes and the Ohio River Valley; some areas could receive one to two inches of precipitation. Severe thunderstorms (defined as thunderstorms producing winds of at least 58 mph, and/or hail at least 3/4 inch in diameter and/or a tornado) are possible from Colorado eastward to the Appalachians.  High temperatures are forecast to range from the 50s near Lake Superior to the 90s in far southwest Kansas.

South:
Under a ridge of high pressure most of the region will be hot and dry, especially areas from Texas to Tennessee where gusty southwest winds will produce unseasonably high temperatures.  Scattered showers and thunderstorms are forecast for Florida.  High temperatures will range from the upper 80s throughout the region to over 100 in West Texas and areas along the Rio Grande Valley.

Northeast:
The stalled frontal system will produce scattered showers and thunderstorms over the Region. The precipitation will gradually spread southeastward though the day.  Highs will range from the 50s in northern Maine to the 80s in the Mid Atlantic States. (NWS, Media Sources)

Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG)

No significant activity.   (FEMA HQ)

Tropical Weather Outlook

Atlantic/Caribbean
An area of low pressure (the remnants of Arthur) in southeastern Mexico continues to produce widespread cloudiness and localized heavy rains over portions of Belize, Guatemala and southeastern Mexico.  Redevelopment of this system is not expected during the next couple of days as it moves slowly westward.
Elsewhere, tropical cyclone formation is not expected during the next 48 hours.
Eastern Pacific:
A well-defined area of low pressure is centered over the Gulf of Tehuantepec just off the Pacific coast of southeastern Mexico.  Thunderstorm activity has increased and the system is nearly stationary. Additional development is possible while the system remains over water. A tropical depression could form at any time within the next day or so as the circulation center moves very slowly and generally northward toward the coast. This area is the subject of a Tropical Cyclone Formation Alert (TCFA) by the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC).
Elsewhere, tropical cyclone formation is not expected during the next 48 hours.
Western Pacific:
No activity affecting U.S. Territories.(NOAA, National Hurricane Center, Central Pacific Hurricane Center and the Joint Typhoon Warning Center)

Earthquake Activity

On Monday, June 2, 2008 at 1:50 am EDT an earthquake measuring 4.7 struck about 259 miles west northwest of Bandon, Oregon at a depth of 6.2 miles.  There were no reports of damage or injuries and there was no tsunami generated. (USGS, media sources)

Preliminary Damage Assessments

Nebraska:  The State requested IA and PA PDAs began, June 2, 2008 for severe storms, flooding, and tornadoes that occurred on May 22 and continuing; including the May 29th tornadoes in Buffalo County. The PDAs will be conducted in 28 counties and will be supported by FEMA Region II (If declared Region II will provide turnkey JFO operations).
Indiana:  PDAs are ongoing.

Wildfire Update

National Preparedness Level: 2
National Fire Activity as of Monday, June 2, 2008:
Initial attack activity: Light (122 new fires)
New large fires: 1
Large fires contained: 0
Uncontained large fires: 5
Weather Discussion:
Warm and dry conditions are forecast for the southwest quarter of the country.  Windy conditions will develop over New Mexico, west Texas, southern Colorado, northern Arizona and southern Utah.
Red Flag Warnings will be in effect today for the Guadalupe Mountains, southeastern New Mexico plains, western Texas. (National Interagency Fire Center, National Incident Information Center, NOAA/NWS Storm Prediction Center, NGB)

Disaster Declaration Activity

 Mississippi, the Joint Field Office (JFO) for FEMA-1753-DR-MS (Severe Storms and Flooding March 20, 2008, and continuing) has been approved for closure on June 13, 2008
Oklahoma, FEMA-1754-DR-OK, Severe Storms, Tornados and Flooding, amendment # 1 adds Kingfisher County for PA. (FEMA HQ)

Last Modified: Thursday, 04-Jun-2009 16:35:48 EDT