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National Situation Update: Sunday, April 26, 2009

Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED).

Significant National Weather

Midwest
Rain is forecast across the Dakotas and northern Minnesota. Severe thunderstorms, including tornadoes and heavy rain, will extend from southeastern Minnesota and Wisconsin to Kansas and much of Missouri. One-to-three-inch rains are possible from eastern Kansas into the Upper Midwest. The higher elevations of the Black Hills could see over six inches of heavy wet snow.

Northeast
Across the region, record high temperatures were reported on Saturday from Maine (Caribou 77) to Pennsylvania (Pittsburgh 87). Another hot day is forecast for the Mid-Atlantic. Farther north, a cold front will move through Upstate New York and New England, accompanied by a few thunderstorms. Highs Sunday will be in the upper 50s and 60s along the Canadian border but in the 80s to near 90 from Connecticut, southeast New York and Pennsylvania southward. More record highs are likely.

South
Thunderstorms, some severe and with locally heavy rain, is expected across Oklahoma, Texas and then Arkansas through Monday. A cold front will move across Oklahoma and northwest Texas. On Saturday, a few record highs were set in Tennessee (Chattanooga 88) and North Carolina (Raleigh 92).

West
A storm continues across the Intermountain region and Rockies, bringing snow of up to half a foot to portions of northern Colorado and Wyoming. A new storm system from western Canada will impact the Northwest today and Monday, bringing more rain and snow to Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, northern Utah and the mountains of Colorado. Temperatures will be 5 to 20 degrees below average. (National Weather Service, and media sources)

Swine Flu Outbreak Update

Swine Influenza - USA
Eleven human cases of Swine Influenza A H1N1 viral infection have been confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): seven in California, two in Texas, and two in Kansas. The U.S. cases were mild influenza, with only one case requiring brief hospitalization. The virus appears to be treatable with antiviral drugs (HHS April 26, 2009 1:21 a.m. EDT). No U.S. travel restrictions are posted, and no border restrictions are in effect. The New York City Health Department is investigating a cluster of respiratory illnesses in a non-public school in New York City. The New York Health Department is working closely with the CDC to assess the possibility of the spread of swine flu (NYC Department of Health & Mental Hygiene Press Release #015-09, April 25, 2009).

Swine Influenza - International
The Government of Mexico reports 857 influenza-like illnesses, with 67 fatalities. The Government of Mexico is taking precautions to reduce the spread of the illness. Canadian testing confirms 18 cases of Swine Influenza A H1N1 identified so far in Mexico. The Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) has determined the current events constitute a public health emergency of international concern. The Director-General is recommending that all countries intensify surveillance for unusual outbreaks of influenza-like illness and severe pneumonia. WHO and PAHO are monitoring the situation and coordinating investigative efforts with the CDC(Statement by WHO Director-General Dr Margaret Chan, April 25, 2009).

U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention
CDC is monitoring the epidemiological patterns of transmission and working with the World Health Organization (WHO), Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and State health officials in investigating the situation to make future decisions. CDC's investigation for new cases is on-going.

CDC is preparing guidance for containment such as isolation and/or quarantine. CDC deployed 7 epidemiologists to California (3 to Imperial County; 4 to San Diego County) and one senior medical officer to San Antonio, Texas to provide guidance and technical support. CDC has also deployed one medical officer and one senior expert to Mexico as part of a global team that is responding to the outbreak of respiratory illnesses in Mexico. (CDC Human Swine Influenza Investigation Report, April 25, 2009, 7:00 p.m. EDT)

FEMA / Federal Response to the H1N1 Swine Influenza A
FEMA NRCC is maintaining contact with FEMA Regions, DHS/NOC, and HHS/CDC. Regions II, VI, VII, and IX are monitoring the situation closely. DHS Office of Health Affairs is engaged in providing general guidelines to DHS personnel and conducting daily outreach to Governors, Homeland Security Advisors and State leadership.

Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG)

No significant activity.

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

South Carolina - Highway 31 Fire, Horry County (Myrtle Beach)
The SC Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is at OPCON II; State EMD, ESFs 4, 5, 15, and 19 are activated. A Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG-2816-SC) was approved for the Highway 31 Fire on April 23, 2009. The fire covers approximately 20,500 acres and 80% of the fire is contained. Full containment is forecast for later today. No injuries or fatalities have been reported, and there has been no impact to critical infrastructure. All evacuation orders have been lifted. A total of 76 homes were destroyed; 7 homes sustained major damage; and 89 had minor damage. Two shelters are on standby. The SC State Forestry Service has 75 personnel and equipment supporting the firefighting effort. The SC National Guard provided one UH60 helicopter and North Carolina has four UH60 helicopters assisting with fire fighting operations. A FEMA State Liaison has been identified; however, the State has made no request for Federal assistance. (SC EOC SITREP #7, 5:00 p.m. EDT, April 25, NGB JOC

)Florida - Deep Fire Update, Big Cypress National Preserve - Broward & Collier Counties
The Florida EOC is at activation Level II (partial activation). Approximately 16,000 acres have burned and 20% of the fire is contained. Strong east winds and spot fires are hampering fire crews. Interstate 75 closed from mile marker 70 to 100 at 7:00 p.m. EDT Saturday night due to poor visibility. The highway may reopen today if conditions improve. No structures or facilities have been impacted, and there has been no request for Federal assistance. (U. S. National Park Service April 25, 2009)

Disaster Declaration Activity

No new activity (FEMA HQ)