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National Situation Update: Thursday, February 26, 2009

Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED).

Significant National Weather

Midwest
Numerous Winter Storm Warnings will be in effect today for northeastern North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, central Iowa and Wisconsin.  A snow storm is forecast to move eastward today, from South Dakota across southern Minnesota into central Wisconsin and Lower Michigan. Accumulations of 4 to 8 inches are expected, with up to 10 inches possible in some areas.  South of the snow, sleet and freezing rain is likely from northeastern Nebraska through northern Iowa into southern Wisconsin and, by evening, parts of central Michigan.  Rain and thunderstorms (some severe) are anticipated over eastern Kansas, Missouri and west-central Illinois.  High temperatures are forecast to range from the single digits in northern North Dakota to the 60s from southern Kansas eastward into Kentucky.
West
Wet and snowy conditions will persist in the Northwest and northern California throughout the day as a cold upper-air low moves through the region.  Heavy snow is forecast for the Oregon Cascades, the mountains of Idaho and the Tetons; Winter Storm Warnings will be in effect through this evening for eastern Washington, northern and central Idaho, and western Montana.  High temperatures are expected to range from the single digits in northeast Montana to the mid-80s in far southeast New Mexico.
Northeast
Minor rain and snow showers will move eastward across areas north of Virginia today.  Some snow is anticipated in eastern New York state and New England, however, no significant accumulations are expected.  Temperatures will be somewhat above seasonal averages, with highs ranging from near freezing in northern Maine to the 60s in southwest West Virginia and most of Virginia.
South
Isolated showers and thunderstorms are forecast over eastern Oklahoma, northeast Texas, Arkansas, western Tennessee, Mississippi and parts of Louisiana.  Red Flag Warnings will be in effect today in eastern New Mexico, western Texas and deep southern Texas due to strong winds, warm temperatures, and low relative humidity.  High temperatures will range from the upper 50s in the higher Appalachians to the upper 90s in southern Texas. (NOAA, National Weather Service, Various Media Sources)

Maine Winter Storm

The EOC has returned to normal operations (Level 1).  The Governor declared a State of Emergency on Feb 23, 2009, extending the hours of service for power crews to help restore electricity.  As of 10:00 p.m. EST, Feb 25, approximately 3,622 (-19,710) customers were without power statewide.  Full power restoration is estimated today (Central Maine Power -CMP and Bangor Hydroelectric-BHE).  One shelter remains open; (occupants unknown), and five warming centers are open (Region I DSAR, Feb 25).  No Federal assistance has been requested.

Texas Wildfires

The Texas Forest Service responded to 14 new fires, affecting 3,264 acres, and continued work on several fires carried over from previous days. New large fires began in Runnels, Kenedy and Callahan counties; no activity was reported on federally protected land. The Governor has requested an emergency declaration as a result of extreme fire hazard. (Texas Interagency Incident Management Situation Report, Feb 25)

Ballinger Fire (Runnels County): Located 5.3 miles northeast of Ballinger; 500 acres and 85% contained.
Stillman Fire (Kenedy County): Located 54 miles south of Kingsville; 1,500 acres and 100% contained.
Clyde Fire (Callahan County): Located 3.7 miles northeast of the Town of Clyde; 700 acres and 80% contained; 101 residences and 9 outbuildings threatened; one residence and 9 outbuildings destroyed and 2 residences damaged; FMAG -2794-TX was approved yesterday, Feb 25, 2009.
West Fork Fire (Jack County): Located 3.5 miles south of Shannon, TX; 2,275 acres and 80% contained. (INCIWEB 9:30 p.m. Feb 25)

Fire Management Assistance Grant

No activity. (FEMA HQ)

Tropical Weather Outlook

Western Pacific:
There are no current tropical cyclone warnings.  (NOAA, HPC, National Hurricane Center, Central Pacific Hurricane Center and the Joint Typhoon Warning Center)

Earthquake Activity

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Preliminary Damage Assessments

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Disaster Declaration Activity

The Governor of Texas is requesting an emergency declaration as a result of an extreme fire hazard in 199 counties beginning January 16 and continuing.  The Governor is specifically requesting Public Assistance Emergency Protective Measures (Category B), including direct Federal assistance.

On February 25, 2009, Amendment #1 to FEMA-1820-DR-OK added Carter County for Public Assistance, including direct Federal Assistance, (already designated for Individual Assistance); Coal and Love counties for Public Assistance, including direct Federal assistance. 

On February 25, 2009, Amendment #1 to FEMA-1823-DR-OK added Comanche, Haskell, McIntosh, Muskogee, Okfuskee, and Sequoyah counties for Public Assistance. (FEMA HQ)

Last Modified: Thursday, 04-Jun-2009 16:27:14 EDT