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National Situation Update: Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED).

Significant National Weather

Midwest  
Large hail, damaging winds and possible tornadoes are forecast across parts of Nebraska and Oklahoma. Showers and thunderstorms will be spreading eastward toward the Missouri and Mississippi Valleys by late in the day. Rain may become heavier across parts of the Midwest by Thursday. Severe thunderstorms are also possible from the Central Plains to the mid-Mississippi and Ohio Valleys.

Northeast
Temperatures will be 30 or more degrees colder today than the record highs of Tuesday. Showers are expected along a weather system in the Mid-Atlantic with some showers possible as far north as New York City early in the day.

West
Snow and gusty winds remain over portions of Montana and the Northern Rockies today. Mountain areas may see up to 3 feet snow Wednesday night. The Plains and Valleys could see up to a foot of wet snow including Great Falls and Helena. Power outages are possible. Snow will also fall over portions of northwestern Wyoming and the central Idaho mountains. Scattered showers will continue in the Pacific Northwest with snow showers in the Cascades.

South
Scattered showers and thunderstorms are forecast across parts of the Tennessee and lower-Mississippi Valleys westward into the Southern Plains on Wednesday. Some severe thunderstorms are possible in western and central portions of Texas and Oklahoma. There is a potential of damaging winds, hail and a few tornadoes in these locations.  (National Weather Service, media sources)

H1N1 Flu Outbreak Update

H1N1 Flu Outbreak - USA
The H1N1 Flu outbreak continues to grow in the United States and internationally. Tuesday, April 28 the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reported 64 confirmed cases of H1N1 Flu in the U.S.: California (10); Texas (6); New York (45); Kansas (2); and Ohio (1). An additional 62 probable cases are being tested: Texas (23); New York (12); Ohio (13); Massachusetts (2); Michigan (1); Indiana (1); New Jersey (5); Nevada (1); New Hampshire (1); Arizona (2) and Illinois (1). Most confirmed and suspected cases of H1N1 Flu in the U.S. remain relatively mild. The CDC has not confirmed any deaths related to H1N1 in the U.S.

The Pan American Health Organization / World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) pandemic alert level remains at Phase 4. Phase 4 indicates that the likelihood of a pandemic has increased. On Sunday, April 26, the Acting Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) declared a Public Health Emergency (PHE) in the United States as a matter of preparedness in response to the current situation. The DHS Office of Health Affairs is working with other Federal Partners to issue an Emergency Medical Service (EMS) and 9-1-1 specific guidance document to the nation's first responders.

One quarter of the Strategic National Stockpile of anti-viral medications, personal protective equipment, and respiratory protection devices is being released to the states. Anti-virals are being deployed to New York City, Kansas, New York, California, Los Angeles County, Texas, Indiana, Ohio, Louisiana, Utah and Arizona.  Shipments to Colorado, Florida, Nevada, Oregon, Vermont, and Washington DC began Tuesday, April 28. Because it is so new, there is no vaccine against A/H1N1 Flu, and this past year's flu vaccine does not provide protection against this strain.  The CDC is taking initial steps to begin the development of a vaccine, but a decision to do so has not been made yet. Once development begins it will take 4-6 months for a vaccine to become available.

H1N1 Flu Outbreak - International
The Director-General of WHO 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) Tuesday, April 28 the CDC reported there were 48 laboratory-confirmed cases of H1N1 Flu outside of the U.S.: Mexico (26); Canada (13); Spain (2); New Zealand (3); Israel (2); and the United Kingdom (2). CDC reports 7 confirmed deaths in Mexico. An additional 190+ probable cases are being tested for H1N1 Flu in Mexico (172+); Guatemala (3); Kenya (4); New Zealand (10); and Russia (1). The Mexican Ministry of Health requested U.S. assistance with anti-viral medications and personal protective equipment. CDC experts in Mexico are working with Embassy, Mexico City, and local officials to clarify Mexico's specific requirements. The Government of Mexico has closed schools and suspended all public events.

H1N1 Flu Outbreak - FEMA Response
Leadership is monitoring the current situation and participating in conferences and planning sessions to anticipate and respond to the anticipated needs of State and local agencies. DHS Office of Health Affairs is engaged in providing DHS personnel with protective measures. FEMA NRCC is maintaining contact with FEMA Regions, DHS, HHS/CDC, and other Federal and state partners. Select Regions are standing by or have activated personnel in response to the Department of Health and Human Services nationwide Public Health Emergency Declaration:

• Region I RRCC is coordinating with the New England States, HHS/CDC and Federal and State partners to determine potential requirements. All States in the Region have a heightened awareness and are fully engaged in preparations should the outbreak enter New England. New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont EOCs are activated at Level II. Partial activation.
  
• Region II RRCC increased their Watch staff and remains at a heighted watch status. A Region II LNO is deployed to the NYC OEM.
  
• Region IV is currently at Level III (Partial Activation) in response to the Public Health Emergency.
  
• Region V is coordinating with the activated EOCs of Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio to monitor and assist with the H1N1 response. Anti-virals and PPE has been deployed to Indiana and Ohio. Ohio currently has 1 confirmed case of H1N1 flu and Indiana has 1 probable case.
  
• Region IX is working with state and county EOCs in response to the H1N1 Flu outbreak. Governor of California declared a State of Emergency on April 28 to strengthen response capabilities and limit the spread of the outbreak.
  
• Region X RRCC Regional Support Team (RST) and Emergency Support Functions (ESF) are on standby.

Travel Considerations related to H1N1 Flu Outbreak
The United States Embassy in Mexico suspended all visa and non-emergency American citizen services from April 27 - 30, 2009. CDC issued a Traveler's Health Alert Notice and a Traveler's Health Warning, which recommends against nonessential travel to Mexico. PAHO/WHO does not recommend travel restrictions at this time. (HHS SOC April 28, DHS Leadership Brief April 28, 6:00 p.m. EDT; CDC Update April 28, 9:00 p.m. EDT; PAHO/WHO Update on Swine Influenza April 28, 2009, FEMA DSAR April 28)

Texas Storms and Flooding – Harris and Montgomery Counties

A strong storm front passed through Harris and Montgomery counties Tuesday, April 28. There were numerous urban and small stream flash floods. Additional scattered rainfall is predicted through Wednesday, with accumulations of less than a quarter of an inch. Texas SOC received a report of flood damage in Montgomery County. There have been 40 to 50 homes flooded, with approximately 200 people affected in the communities of Timberidge, Timberlake and Chateau Woods.

Local jurisdictions mobilized to conduct swift water rescues of stranded motorists. In Montgomery County a shelter was opened by the American Red Cross. There are no occupants at this time. Three shelters opened in the Harris County area. The Governors Division of Emergency Management sent Regional Liaison Officers to Houston to assist in the Disaster District Contacts (DDC) and the Houston Operations Center. Harris County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HCOEM) was activated to Level I.(FEMA Region VI, TX SEOC)

Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG)

No activity.  (FEMA HQ)

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

Florida - Deep Fire Update, - Broward & Collier Counties
The Deep Fire has burned approximately 27,000 acres within Big Cypress National Preserve. The fire is 60% contained. Backfires are being used to control spread of fire and are generating heavy smoke in the area. Due to the smoke, Interstate 75 is closed until later this morning. No injuries or damages have been reported, and no structures or facilities have been impacted. Florida EOC is at activation Level III (monitoring). There has been no request for Federal assistance. (National Park Service, FL DEM, NOAA SPC, InciWeb)

Disaster Declaration Activity

FEMA-1835-DR-AL. On April 28, 2009, the President signed a major disaster declaration, FEMA-1835-DR, for the State of Alabama, as a result of severe storms, flooding, tornadoes, and straight-line winds, from March 25 to April 3, 2009. The declaration specifically designates Public Assistance for 20 counties and Hazard Mitigation statewide. The FCO is Albert Lewis from the National FCO Program.

FEMA-1834-DR-Arkansas; Amendment #1. Effective April 28, 2009, this disaster declaration is amended to include 2 counties for Public Assistance, and 3 counties for Public Assistance already designated for Individual Assistance.
FEMA-1830-DR-Minnesota; Amendment #4. Effective April 28, 2009, this disaster declaration is amended to include Cook County for Public Assistance.

FEMA-1831-DR-Florida; Amendment #1. Effective April 28, 2009, this disaster declaration is amended to include 4 counties for Individual Assistance, and 8 counties for Individual Assistance already designated for Public Assistance. (FEMA HQ)