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National Situation Update: Thursday, May 7, 2009

Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED).

National Weather Forecast

Midwest
Showers and thunderstorms are expected in portions of the Ohio Valley, with the threat of large hail and damaging winds. Farther west, severe storms with hail, gusty winds and a few tornadoes are expected in eastern Kansas into Missouri.

South
Scattered showers and thunderstorms are forecast for the Southeast. Storms could be severe, with damaging winds and hail. Severe storms are expected later in the day in portions of eastern Oklahoma into northern Arkansas. Large hail, damaging winds and a few tornadoes will be possible. Temperatures will be well above average across much of Texas and Oklahoma. The hottest spot will be southern and west-central portions of Texas where record-breaking 100s are forecast.

Northeast
Rain will move quickly south to north over New England, but linger farther south from around New York City to eastern sections of the Mid-Atlantic. Farther west, scattered showers and storms may spread into West Virginia and western portions of New York and Pennsylvania late in the day.

West
Rain and mountain snow showers are expected from western Washington and western Oregon to the Northern Rockies. Snow levels in the Washington Cascades will be around 3,500 feet. Rain and mountain snow is forecast from the Northern Rockies into the high plains of Montana. Gusty winds are expected through the Rockies and into the Four Corners. Strong winds will continue in Southern California, impacting the mountains and valleys of Santa Barbara, Los Angeles and Ventura counties. Some locations in the Southwest may see record highs including Albuquerque, N.M. and Flagstaff, Ariz.  (National Weather Service, media sources)

H1N1 Flu Outbreak Update

H1N1 Flu Outbreak - USA
The H1N1 Flu outbreak continues to grow in the United States. As of 11:00 a.m. EDT on Wednesday, May 6, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reported 642 laboratory-confirmed cases in 41 states. There were 845 probable cases in the US in 42 states and DC. Thirty-five cases resulted in hospitalization, including two confirmed deaths in the US. CDC reports they will begin reporting flu cases without differentiating between confirmed and probable. Strategic National Stockpile materials delivery is complete.

H1N1 Flu Outbreak - International
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), as of 12:00 p.m. noon EDT, May 6, there are 1,893 confirmed cases in 23 countries, including the United States. The WHO reports Mexico has 942 confirmed cases of H1N1, including 29 deaths. The following countries have reported laboratory confirmed cases with no deaths - Austria (1), Canada (165), China, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (1), Costa Rica (1), Columbia (1), Denmark (1), El Salvador (2), France (5), Germany (9), Guatemala (1), Ireland (1), Israel (4), Italy (5), Netherlands (1), New Zealand (5), Republic of Korea (2), Spain (73), Switzerland (1) and the United Kingdom (28). The WHO reported it would send 2.4 million treatment courses of Tamiflu to 72 countries deemed in need, including Mexico. Shipments will be made from three hubs located in Switzerland, the United States and the United Arab Emirates. (HHS SOC, CDC, PAHO/WHO)

Alaska River Flooding - Update

Breakup ice jam flooding is occurring or imminent on several major Alaska rivers. The Governor issued a State Disaster Declaration for Interior Alaska flooding events, including the drainages of the Yukon, Kuskokwim, Kobuk and Susitna Rivers. The declaration allows greater coordination between state agencies and easier access to state disaster relief funds, and paves the way for receipt of federal funds from a possible federal disaster declaration. Alaska SECC is activated at Level 4 (on scale of 1- 5) with two additional staff assigned. A State Interagency Management Team (IMT) has arrived in Eagle, where significant flooding is occurring. Reports indicate that the water supply in the town of Eagle has been compromised; however, all immediate needs are being met. Alaska State Disaster Immediate Response Teams are preparing to deploy to communities that have received flood damage to assess the situation.  No Federal assistance has been requested. (Region X)

Volcano Activity – Mount Redoubt, Alaska

There has been a gradual decline in seismicity overnight, with seismicity characterized by repetitive earthquakes every 8-10 seconds. Seismic activity remains elevated compared to recent weeks. An explosive event could occur at any time with little or no warning. AVO continues to monitor Redoubt's activity 24/7. Aviation Color Code remains at ORANGE. Alert Level remains at WATCH.  (Alaska Volcano Observatory)

Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG)

FEMA-2817-FM-CA was approved on May 6, 2009 at 9:13 p.m. EDT for the Jesusita Fire, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara County, CA. 400 acres burned at time of request; zero containment.

FMAG-2818-FM-NM was approved on May 7, 2009 at 12:32 a.m. EDT for the Buckwood Fire, Otero County, New Mexico. 100 acres have burned, mostly on private lands, with 0% containment. Five homes have been destroyed and 300 homes remain threatened. Mandatory evacuation of 65 residents was ordered. Eight fire departments have responded.(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

Jesusita Fire, Santa Barbara, CA
The Jesusita wildfire in Santa Barbara County, CA remains uncontrolled and is threatening homes in the San Roque area of Santa Barbara. Cal Fire reported 500 acres burned as of Wednesday afternoon, with 0% containment. There are approximately 2,000 homes threatened, and 10 businesses. Twelve homes have been damaged or destroyed. Mandatory Evacuation Orders expanded Wednesday, and are in place for over 8,000 residents. Fire and high winds are affecting power lines, and electrical service is expected to be interupted along the South Coast. Red Flag conditions are currently expected to remain through Friday. There are 834 personnel assigned to this fire. Resources include four helicopters, 24 engine strike teams (120 engines), 20 Strike Teams and 22 single resources. This fire is affecting both State Responsibility Areas (SRA) and Federal Responsibility Area (FRA). The Governor proclaimed a State of Emergency in Santa Barbara County on Wednesday. FMAG-2817-FM was approved May 6 at 9:13 p.m. EDT. (CalFire, Santa Barbara County, State of CA)

Disaster Declaration Activity

FEMA-1830-DR-Minnesota: Amendment #5, effective May 6, 2009 amends the Major Disaster Declaration to include Beltrami, Marshall, and Polk for Individual Assistance (already designated for Public Assistance) and the Chippewa Indian tribe for Public Assistance for damages due to Severe Storms and Flooding that occurred March 16, 2009, and continuing.

FEMA-1831-DR-Florida: Amendment #4, effective May 5, 2009 amends the Major Disaster Declaration to close the incident period for this disaster effective May 5, 2009.

FEMA-1833-DR-Georgia: Amendment #2, effective April 13, 2009 amends the Major Disaster Declaration to close the incident period for this disaster as of April 13, 2009. (FEMA HQ)

Last Modified: Thursday, 04-Jun-2009 16:25:09 EDT