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National Situation Update: Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED).

Significant National Weather

West
A late season snowstorm is forecast across parts of western Montana and northwest Wyoming westward into the central Idaho Mountains. Lighter snow is forecast in the higher elevations of Washington and Oregon. The mountains of western Montana may experience 2 to 3 feet of heavy, wet snow along with gusty winds. Portions of the Valleys and Plains could see more than 6 inches. This storm may have significant impacts on livestock and travel, and could cause power outages in western Montana.

Midwest 
Showers and some thunderstorms are expected from southern Lower Michigan to the Ohio Valley.
Farther west, scattered thunderstorms will be on the increase through the Plains. More rain will fall in already rain-soaked areas of eastern Kansas and Iowa.

South
Rain and thunderstorms are forecast from the lower-Mississippi Valley to the Southern Plains. Large hail and isolated tornadoes are possible from western Texas to eastern New Mexico.

Northeast 
The Northeast may see some record heat on as temperatures reach the upper 80s to near 90 from Boston, Massachusetts to Washington, DC. Some locations will be 20 to 25 degrees above average. Showers and thunderstorms will move from west to east across the region during the day then move into the East Coast toward evening.(National Weather Service, media sources)

Swine Flu Outbreak Update

Swine Influenza - USA
On Monday, April 27, the World Health Organization (WHO) raised the alert level from Phase 3 to Phase 4. The change to a higher phase of pandemic alert indicates the likelihood of a pandemic has increased, but not that a pandemic is inevitable. As of 11:00 a.m. EDT Monday, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reported there have been no new cases confirmed in the United States. There are 40 human confirmed cases of Swine Influenza A (H1N1) in the U.S., seven in California, two in Texas, 28 in New York, two in Kansas, and one in Ohio. Seventy-three cases of swine flu have been confirmed worldwide. CDC issued a Traveler's Health Warning recommending against nonessential travel to Mexico. Also, CDC has issued a Traveler's Health Alert Notice, stressing the need to be aware of the illness, take precautions against making contact with ill individuals, avoiding others if you feel ill, and seeking medical attention if necessary. Interim guidance for airline flight crews arriving from areas infected by swine flu has been issued.

On April 26, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services declared a Public Health Emergency (PHE) in the United States. One quarter of the Strategic National Stockpile of treatment courses of anti-viral medications has been released to locations around the country where swine flu has been detected or may be expected to spread. CDC is monitoring epidemiological patterns of transmission and working with the World Health Organization (WHO), Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and State health officials in investigating the outbreak. All U.S. cases have displayed relatively mild symptoms, and no deaths have been reported. The virus appears to be treatable with antiviral drugs. There have been no unusual swine illnesses reported in the U.S., and no evidence that swine in the U.S. are infected with this virus. Pork producers are on alert for animal or human influenza-like symptoms and expanding their bio-security protocols. (HHS SOC April 27, DHS Leadership Brief April 27, 6:00 p.m. EDT)

Swine Influenza - International
The first confirmed case of Swine Influenza A (H1N1) virus in Europe was reported on Monday with one case reported in Spain. Unconfirmed reports of suspected swine flu cases are reported from eight countries. The Director-General of WHO has determined the current events constitute a public health emergency of international concern, and recommended all countries intensify surveillance for unusual outbreaks of influenza-like illness and severe pneumonia.  (WHO Director-General Dr Margaret Chan, April 25, 2009)

Mexico:
WHO reports 26 confirmed cases of Swine Influenza (H1N1) and 81 confirmed deaths. Mexico Ministry of Health reports 1,324 suspected cases with influenza-like illnesses, and 81 deaths. The Government of Mexico has suspended all public events. The United States Embassy in Mexico suspended all visa and non-emergency American citizen services from April 27 - 30, 2009.

Canada:
Nova Scotia Chief of Public Health Officer and WHO reports six confirmed cases of swine flu, four in Nova Scotia and two in British Columbia. All cases were mild with no deaths.(DHS Leadership Brief April 27, 6:00 p.m. EDT)

Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG)

No significant activity. 

Tropical Weather Outlook

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Earthquake Activity

A magnitude 5.6 earthquake occurred April 27, 2009 at 12:45 a.m. EDT in the State of Guerrero, Mexico. The epicenter was approximately 40 miles ENE of Acapulco at a depth of 21.7 miles. The earthquake was felt over a large part of southern Mexico; however, there were no reports of major damage or injuries.  (USGS, Earthquake Hazards Program)

Preliminary Damage Assessments

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Wildfire Update

Florida Wildfire Update
Florida - Deep Fire Update, - Broward & Collier Counties
Florida EOC is at activation Level III (monitoring). The Deep Fire has burned approximately 24,000 acres within Big Cypress National Preserve. The fire is 30% contained. No structures or facilities have been impacted, and there has been no request for Federal assistance. Crews continue burnout operations as a suppression strategy, while monitoring for and extinguishing spot fires. Because these operations are expected to impact visibility, Interstate 75 will remain closed until at least mid-day on Tuesday, and will reopen pending more favorable conditions. State Road 29 will remain closed until further notice. Big Cypress National Preserve has enacted some recreational access closures. (National Park Service, FL DEM Sitrep-April 27, 2009, NOAA SPC, InciWeb)

Disaster Declaration Activity

On April 27, 2009, the President signed a major disaster declaration, FEMA-1834-DR, for the State of Arkansas as a result of severe storms and tornadoes that occurred on April 9, 2009. The declaration specifically designates Individual Assistance for three counties and Hazard Mitigation statewide. FCO is W. Michael Moore from the National FCO Program. (FEMA HQ)

Last Modified: Thursday, 04-Jun-2009 16:25:21 EDT