National Situation Update: Sunday, May 17, 2009

Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED).

National Weather Forecast

Thunderstorms from Texas through the Gulf Coast, the Carolinas, and mid-Atlantic to Virginia Beach will bring localized gusty winds and heavy rain through this evening. Some flooding is possible in Texas, but the rain will bring some relief to the drought-stricken areas of the state. The Midwest and Northeast will see below-average temperatures, while the interior regions of California, through the desert Southwest, will see record high temperatures. (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 5:00 pm EDT on Friday, May 15, 2009, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 5,018 confirmed and probable cases in 47 states plus the District of Columbia
202 hospitalizations, including five (5) confirmed deaths in the US

H1N1 Influenza Outbreak - International

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), as of 2:00 am EDT on Saturday, May 16, 2009, there were 8,451 confirmed cases in 36 countries, including the US; Ecuador and Peru now report confirmed cases
The WHO reported Mexico had 2,895 confirmed cases of H1N1, including 66 deaths; the US had 5,018 cases, with five (5) deaths; Canada had 496 cases, with one (1) death; and Costa Rica had nine (9) cases with one (1) death

Alaska Flooding Update

The Governor of Alaska issued a State Disaster Declaration for Interior Flooding Events beginning May 4 and continuing
FEMA AK Area Office continues to provide technical assistance to the State
Breakup ice jam flooding along the Lower Yukon River continues, but the Kuskokwim River is free-flowing
Preliminary reports have 25 - 30 homes affected in Tanana; water returning to normal levels
State teams evaluating both IA and PA issues
Village of Eagle remains cut-off
Temporary road to native Village of Eagle completed; some temporary power available in the City of Eagle; working on purification systems to provide potable water
No Federal Assistance requested. (Region X, Bothell MOC)

Severe Weather/Tornadoes

Region IV:

FEMA Region IV RRCC at Level IV (Watch / Steady State)

Kentucky:

The Governor declared a statewide State of Emergency due to Tornadoes and Flooding that occurred May 8
Fatalities: two (2); Injuries: four (4)
As of last report (May 15), 1,173 customers are without water in affected areas
Shelters: four (4), Occupants: 36 (Floyd, Pike, and Breathitt Counties)
PA PDAs for four (4) counties (Clay, Grayson, Knott and Madison) completed; PA PDAs began May 14 and more counties may be added

Region VII:

FEMA Region VII RRCC at Level III, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. CDT

Missouri

The Governor declared a statewide State of Emergency
Fatalities: seven (7); Injuries: 24
As of last report (May 15), an estimated 6,250 (-3,850) customers remain without power; restoration is ongoing
IA PDAs began May 13 in 35 counties; 14 counties are completed, with an unconfirmed completion date of May 16
PA PDAs will begin after IA PDAs are complete
48 homes destroyed
No request for Federal assistance (Region VII DSAR)

Kansas:

Severe Storms, Flooding and Tornadoes occurred May 7 - 8, causing downed power lines and trees, and damage to residences/businesses.
One (1) confirmed fatality
PA PDAs expected to start May 19 for 25-30 counties

Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG)

No activity (FEMA HQ)

Tropical Weather Outlook

Eastern Pacific:
Tropical cyclone formation is not expected during the next 48 hours.
Western Pacific:
No activity affecting US territories. (NOAA, HPC, National Hurricane Center, Central Pacific Hurricane Center and the Joint Typhoon Warning Center)

Earthquake Activity

A swarm of earthquakes (ranging in magnitude from 3.1 to 5.9) have been occurring approximately 60 miles southeast of Old Harbor (Kodiak), AK, at depths between one (1) to 44 miles. No tsunami, injuries or damages reported. (USGS, Earthquake Hazards Program, Alaska Earthquake Information Center, Pacific Tsunami Warning Center, and West Coast/Alaska Tsunami Warning Centers)

Preliminary Damage Assessments

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Wildfire Update

Mile 17 East End Road Fire-Alaska

FEMA-2820-FM approved on May 14, 2009
Fire started in Homer on May 12, caused by downed power line
1,074 acres burned, 50% containment
Full containment expected today, May 17
Mandatory evacuations lifted

Wildfire Activity
National Preparedness Level: 1
National Fire Activity as of Saturday, May 16, 2009:
Initial attack activity: Light (116 new fires)
New large fires: 1
Large fires contained: 1
Uncontained large fires: 9
Fire Weather: Southern California and the Southwest will be very warm and dry. There will also be a chance of dry lightning over western New Mexico and eastern Arizona. Florida and the Southwest can expect scattered thundershowers. Alaska's Kenai Peninsula will be partly cloudy with light winds. (National Interagency Fire Center, National Incident Information Center, NOAA/NWS Storm Prediction Center, NGB)

Disaster Declaration Activity