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National Situation Update: Thursday, May 14, 2009

Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED).

National Weather Forecast

Midwest:
A cold front will drop into the Ohio Valley today, producing bands of showers and thunderstorms.  Additional rainfall of 1-2" on already saturated ground could result in some localized flooding.  Flash Flood Warnings are in effect for east-central and northeast Illinois, northwest Indiana, and south-central Missouri until 7:45 a.m. EDT this morning.  Major flooding continues along several streams and rivers in the Dakotas and Minnesota.
West:
A storm system entered the Pacific Northwest coast overnight and will move across the Northwest and northern Rockies today and Friday; snow accumulations of 3-5" are possible in the higher elevations.  Warmer temperatures should lower humidity levels Thursday and Friday.  That, combined with increasing winds during the afternoon and evening hours, will result in increased fire danger in the mountains and canyons of southern California.  A Red Flag Warning remains in effect for the Santa Ynez Range and the south coast of Santa Barbara County until 2:00 p.m. EDT Thursday due to gusty north winds and low relative humidity.
South:
Shower and thunderstorm activity is expected across Tennessee and central Alabama through tonight.  Slow movement of the system, and associated heavy rainfall, may result in some localized flooding.
Northeast:
Bands of showers and thunderstorms are expected today as a cold front moves through the Northeast.
The front will move through western New York and western Pennsylvania late this morning, and then continue eastward, reaching New England and the Mid-Atlantic coast Friday morning.  (National Weather Service, various media sources)

H1N1 Influenza Outbreak Update

H1N1 Flu Outbreak - USA

  • The H1N1 Influenza Outbreak continues to grow in the United States. As of 11:00 am EDT on Wednesday, May 13, 2009, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reported 3,352 laboratory-confirmed cases in 44 states plus the District of Columbia
  • 1,002 hospitalizations, including three (3) confirmed deaths in the US
  • As of Wednesday, May 13, 2009, there were 604 probable cases in 32 states

H1N1 Influenza Outbreak - International

  • According to the World Health Organization (WHO), as of 2:00 am EDT on Wednesday, May 13, 2009, there were 5,728 confirmed cases in 33 countries, including the US.
  • WHO reported Mexico had 2,059 confirmed cases of H1N1, including 56 deaths

Alaska Flooding Update

  • Alaska Governor issued a State Disaster Declaration for interior flooding events beginning on May 4 and continuing.
  • AK SECC activated at Level IV (Major Property Damaging Event)
  • Ice jam flooding continues along the Yukon and Kuskokwim Rivers in Alaska
  • Water levels have peaked at the village of Tanana; approximately 25% of Tanana's 250 residents were evacuated
  • Ice break-up will continue for several weeks
  • Alaska National Guard is providing water to the city of Eagle
  • Boil water notice issued for the Akiak public water system
  • No Federal Assistance has been requested.  (Region X, Bothell MOC)

Severe Weather/Tornadoes

Region III:
West Virginia Flooding

  • WV Governor requested a Major Disaster Declaration
  • Water has receded in most areas
  • No fatalities or injuries
  • IA PDAs complete in Mingo and Wyoming counties
  • PA PDAs ongoing in 4 counties
  • Preliminary reports indicate 86 homes destroyed, 315 homes major damage / 334 homes minor damage
  • 1 shelter; population of 2
  • Southern Baptist will open a second mobile kitchen in Matewan today; capable of providing 1,500 meals.

Region IV:

  • FEMA Region IV RRCC has returned to Level IV (Watch / Steady State) 

Kentucky

  • Governor declared a statewide State of Emergency due to tornadoes and flooding that occurred May 8.
  • Kentucky EOC is at Level III (Full Activation)
  • Fatalities: 2 / Injuries: 4
  • 1,173 customers are without water in the affected areas
  • KY National Guard personnel are providing food and water support.
  • Shelters: 3 / Occupants: 36 (Floyd, Pike, and Breathitt Counties)
  • PA and IA PDAs for four counties (Clay, Grayson, Knott and Madison) will begin on either May 14 or May 15.
  • KY National Guard providing law enforcement, transportation, and command and control support

Region V:

  • FEMA Region V RRCC is activated at Watch/Steady State and will continue to monitor Illinois response and recovery.

Illinois

  • Severe storms on May 8th, 2009 also moved through southern Illinois near Murphysboro, Carbondale, and Marion, Illinois; EF-1 tornado touched down in Jackson County
  • IL Governor declared a State of Emergency for 6 counties on May 8 and 3 additional counties on May 12.  
  • 4 shelters open; population of 22
  • 13,340 customers remain without power; restoration ongoing
  • Damage assessments and first stage debris removal began on Monday, May 11 
  • No request for Federal assistance  (NWS, Region V)

Region VII:
Missouri

  • Severe storms and high winds affected portions of southern MO on May 8
  • Governor declared statewide State of Emergency
  • State EOC is at Level 1
  • Fatalities: 4 / injuries: 12
  • An estimated 10,100 (-4,350) customers remain without power; restoration ongoing
  • IA PDAs began Wednesday in 34 counties; estimated completion date is May 15-16
  • PA PDAs will begin after IA PDAs have been completed
  • 48 homes destroyed
  • No request for Federal assistance
  • Confirmed additional tornado touchdowns in portions of western and eastern Missouri on May 13
  • SEMA confirmed reports of downed trees, power lines, blown over vehicles, damaged homes, road closures
  • The city of Milan (Sullivan County) has confirmed 1 fatality
  • 1 shelter open; population unknown
  • An unconfirmed report by local law enforcement indicating several residents trapped in their basements

Kansas

  • Severe storms, flooding and tornadoes occurred May 7-8, causing downed power lines and trees, and damage to residences and businesses.
  • Fatalities: 1
  • PA PDAs expected to start on May 19 for 25 to 30 counties
  • State EOC is not activated

Volcano Activity:

Mount Redoubt, AK
Aviation Color Code remains at ORANGE; Alert Level remains at WATCH.  Seismicity has remained lower over the past several days.  The growing lava dome at the summit may be increasingly unstable; rock fall from the lava dome continues to produce very minor ash emissions.  Vigorous steaming continues from the margins of the lava dome.  An explosive event could occur with little or no warning.  (AVO)

Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG)

No activity.  (FEMA HQ)

Tropical Weather Outlook

Eastern Pacific:
No activity affecting US territories.  The Eastern Pacific hurricane season will officially start on Friday, May 15, and run through November 30th.
Western Pacific:
No activity affecting US territories.  (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)

Wildfire Update

Jesusita Fire, Santa Barbara, CA

  • Cal Fire reported 8,733 acres burned as of Wednesday, May 13, with 80% containment
  • Full containment is expected next Wednesday, May 20
  • 0 fatalities; 28 firefighters injured
  • Damage assessment: 80 residences & 79 outbuildings destroyed, 22 homes & 69 outbuildings damaged; 500 residences threatened
  • Approximately 145 properties evacuated (mandatory); affecting approximately 362 people
  • 1 shelter; 16 occupants
  • 1 additional shelter is on standby status
  • FEMA-2817-FM-CA approved May 6, 2009
  • No requests for additional Federal Assistance
    (FEMA Region IX RRCC, NWS, InciWeb, CalFire, Santa Barbara County, State of CA)

Martin County Complex Fire, FL

  • FEMA-2819-FM-FL was approved on May 12, 2009
  • Fire has burned 2,800 acres; 7 of 10 fires greater than 50% contained
  • Two civilian injuries reported
  • 2 homes destroyed; 1 homes with minor damage
  • Evacuated residents of Indianwood have been allowed to return to their homes

Disaster Declaration Activity

  • On May 12, 2009, the Governor of West Virginia requested a Major Disaster Declaration as a result of severe storms, heavy rain, wind-driven rain, flooding, high winds, mudslides and lightning that occurred May 3, and continuing.  The request is for Individual and Public Assistance for two counties and Hazard Mitigation statewide.
  • Amendment #4 was approved for FEMA-1829-DR-ND to include the Turtle Mountain Indian Reservation for IA and PA, Ramsey County for IA (already designated for PA), Rolette and Sheridan Counties for PA, and Billings County for PA (already designated for IA).
  • Amendment #1 was approved for FEMA-1832-DR-IN, adding 3 counties for IA. (FEMA HQ)

Last Modified: Thursday, 04-Jun-2009 16:28:32 EDT