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National Situation Update: Thursday, July 31, 2008

Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED).

Significant National Weather

Midwest
A major heat wave is forecast this weekend for the Central Plains through the lower Midwest as heat indices (a combination of temperature and humidity) soar to triple digit levels. Scattered showers and thunderstorms are forecast for southeast Missouri, the Ohio Valley, and Kentucky. Isolated storms are expected from northern Illinois northwest into Minnesota and the eastern Dakotas. High temperatures will range from the mid-70s on Michigan's Upper Peninsula to slightly over 100 degrees in western Kansas.

West
Precipitation will be extremely sparse in the West; however, there may be a few showers around western Washington and scattered to isolated thunderstorms are possible over parts of New Mexico and Colorado. An Excessive Heat Warning is in effect from 10:00 a.m. this morning to 8:00 p.m. MDT Saturday, August 1 for the greater Phoenix area; high temperatures will likely exceed 110 degrees each afternoon, possibly reaching as high as 112 or 113 degrees, with little relief during the overnight hours.
Intense heat will persist in eastern Colorado as Denver continues its record string of days at or above 90 degrees; Denver should see 99 degrees today. Elsewhere, highs will range from the 50s in the northern Washington Cascades to over 110 degrees in parts of the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts.

South
Localized thunderstorms will occur over much of the southern U.S. today; a few storms may occur during the afternoon over the Carolinas. Texas and Oklahoma will see little precipitation, with no activity expected in the western portions of those states. A Heat Advisory is in effect until 7:00 p.m. CDT this evening for Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Arkansas. Heat indices will rise to 105 to 107 degrees throughout the four state area.

Northeast
Scattered rain and thunderstorms are forecast for most of the northeastern U.S. today as a front pushes eastward through the region; however, Pennsylvania and New Jersey may see no rain at all. A few severe storms could occur in southeast Virginia during the afternoon.  (National Weather Service, Media Sources)

Flood Warnings and Watches

Several rivers in Iowa, Illinois and Missouri are above Flood Stage. Flood Warnings/Watches continue as a result of heavy rainfall and excessive runoff that began last week and continues. A second storm later in the week will increase the threat of additional flooding.

Missouri: The Chariton River at Prairie Hill, MO crested above record levels on Sunday, July 27 and is now at Moderate Flood Stage and receding. The river is forecast to fall below flood stage on Friday, Aug 1. The Missouri River at Glasgow, the Grand River at Sumner, the Crooked River at Richmond and the Salt River near New London are all reported at Moderate Flood Stage.

New Mexico: About 70 people were rescued Wednesday from Ruidoso's upper canyon area after a bridge washed out during weekend flooding caused by the remnants of Hurricane Dolly. The flooding began early Sunday morning, July 26, when the Rio Ruidoso overflow washed out numerous bridges; the river is now receding. The Governor of New Mexico declared a disaster in Lincoln County. Joint PDAs are scheduled to begin on Friday, Aug 1, 2008.

Alaska: Heavy rain over the last several days caused flooding of the Salcha River and Rosie Creek. Flood warnings remain in effect through Saturday, Aug 2. Additional rivers and tributaries in the Deltana and Tanana Flats, Eastern Alaska Range, and the Denali areas are at flood stage, and the Nenana River is at risk through Thursday. (NWS, Region VII, Region X, and media sources)

Mark Twain Lake – Salt River Flooding in Missouri

Since Thursday of last week Clarence Cannon Dam and Mark Twain Lake, located in Ralls and Monroe Counties, 28 miles southwest of Hannibal, MO and 120 miles northwest of St. Louis, has experienced a record high water level due to ongoing heavy rainfall and river flooding. Currently, the lake is projected to reach three feet over the record level of 1993.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has begun to incrementally increase the discharge rate. The Salt River below the dam, near New London, is at Moderate Flood Stage as a result of releases from Mark Twain Lake along with 1 to 3 inches of rain in the last 48 hours.

Ralls County initiated a voluntary evacuation of potential flooding areas along the Salt River on Sunday and is increasing the area of the voluntary evacuation today; a total of 60 - 70 residences will be affected.  No requests for sheltering or other assistance have been received. MODOT reports that Route 24, is closed at two locations in Randolph and Sheridan counties due to flooding. (Region VII)

Tropical Weather Activity

Atlantic/Caribbean:
An area of low pressure in the vicinity of the Cape Verde Islands is moving to the west-northwest at 15 to 20 mph. Conditions do not appear to be favorable for significant development over the next 48 hours.
Elsewhere, tropical cyclone formation is not expected during the next 48 hours.
Eastern Pacific:
No tropical cyclones are expected during the next 48 hours.
Western Pacific:
No current tropical cyclone warnings. (NOAA, National Hurricane Center, Central Pacific Hurricane Center and the Joint Typhoon Warning Center, NHS HPC)

Louisiana Oil Spill Update

On July 23, 2008, the Tanker Vessel Tintomara collided with the fuel barge DM932, causing a spill of approximately 9,000 barrels of heavy crude oil. Clean-up efforts are on-going. Early Wednesday morning, July 30, an additional 2,520 gallons of fuel oil leaked from the damaged barge closing two miles of river downstream. Water intakes were closed as a precautionary measure. Late Wednesday, all water intakes reopened and vessel traffic resumed. A safety zone remains in effect from mile marker 98 to the Southwest Pass. All commercial traffic is allowed to move through the safety zone.

All air monitoring tests have yielded safe results and all water samples have tested negative for hydrocarbons or oil contamination.  LA Dept of Environmental Quality continues to monitor water quality. A total of 108,000 gallons of water/oil mixture have been recovered, an estimated 54,600 gallons evaporated from the water, and 840 gallons have dispersed.

Movement of vessels around Algiers Point has been restricted to day time only. Harvey, Algiers and the Inner Harbor Navigational Canal are all operational with no restrictions to traffic. Army Corps of Engineers is drafting a plan for disposition of contaminated dredge sediment. No request for Federal assistance has been received or is anticipated. (USCG Command Center HQs, Region VI )

National Fire Activity as of Wednesday, July 30, 2008:

National Wildfire Preparedness Level: 4
Initial attack activity: Light (149 new fires)
New large fires: 6 (Rich, CA; Duck, MT; Goosberry, NV; Red River Fire, TX; Bridal Falls, UT; and New Fork, WY)
Uncontained large fires: 40
Large fires contained: 2
States with Large fires: CA, FL, ID, MT, NC, NV, OK, TX, UT, VA, WA and WY
Predictive Services Discussion: Windy conditions continue across portions of Montana, Wyoming and Idaho as a cold front moves across the area. Mixed wet and dry thunderstorms are expected in Montana, Wyoming and Colorado. Hot and dry weather continues for central and northern Texas into Oklahoma.  (National Interagency Fire Center, National Incident Information Center)

Telegraph Fire Update - California

Firefighters are continuing their efforts to contain a wildfire burning near a main entrance to Yosemite National Park. The fire has burned 32,063 acres and is 40 percent contained. Zero acres have burned in Yosemite National Park. The fire is burning on both sides of the river, in the Merced River Drainage, with a rapid rate of spread in multiple directions. Accessibility problems continue due to steep and rocky terrain. Fifteen minor injuries (all firefighters) have been reported; no fatalities to date. There are currently 3 shelters open with a population of 28 people. (NSS Daily Report 2:44 p.m. July 30)

California OES, Inland REOC and State SOC are activated at the duty officer level. Mariposa County has activated their EOC and an OES representative is on scene. There are currently 74 crews, 443 fire engines, 65 dozers, 39 water tenders, 13 helicopters, 12 airtankers, and 3,792 total personnel assigned to this fire. The number of destroyed structures is 21 residences and 33 outbuildings; 4,000 residences remain threatened. The communities of Midpines, Greeley Hill and Coulterville are under an evacuation advisory; however, residents of certain locations northwest and west of Highway 140 have been authorized re-entry. (Cal Fire)

Evans Road Fire Update - North Carolina

The Evans Road Fire is 80% contained at 40,704 acres. To date, sixty (60%) percent of the fire has burned on US Fish and Wildlife Lands. Forty (40%) percent of the fire has burned on state and private lands. Firefighters continue to flood hot spots and heat sources. Some roads within the Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge remain closed.

Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG)

Nothing significant to report. (FEMA HQ)

Earthquake Activity

A magnitude 4.2 earthquake occurred offshore July 30 at 9:39 a.m. EDT, 49 miles west of Petrolia, CA and 59 miles west south-west of Eureka, CA, at a depth of 1.6 miles. There have been no reports of damage or injury, and a tsunami warning was not generated.  (USGS)

Disaster Declaration Activity

Illinois: Amendment #6 to Major Disaster Declaration FEMA-1771-DR-IL was approved July 30, adding Greene County for Public Assistance for damages resulting from severe storms and flooding that occurred June 1 and continuing. (FEMA HQ)

Last Modified: Thursday, 04-Jun-2009 16:34:25 EDT