National Situation Update: Monday, May 18, 2009

Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED).

National Weather Forecast

Midwest:
Freeze warnings and frost advisories are in effect for lower Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, West Virginia, and northeastern Kentucky. The Mississippi River eastward across the Ohio Valley will see low temperatures dropping into the 30s and 40s. A few showers are possible this afternoon across the upper peninsula of Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. Western Kansas and western Nebraska may reach highs in the 90s.
West:
Most of the region will be sunny and dry except for the possibility of a few isolated thunderstorms across the high terrain from Montana into California and the Four Corners region. The desert Southwest will see highs in the 100s while interior California through the Great Basin will see highs in the 90s. Record high temperatures are possible today.
South:
The south will be sunny and dry except for Florida which will continue to see showers and thunderstorms for much of the week. Several inches of rain are possible bringing some relief to the drought stricken portions of the state. The Carolinas and Georgia may continue to see showers and windy conditions as well.
Northeast:
Most of the region will see lows in the 30s and 40s with some 20s possible in the interior portions. Freeze warnings and frost advisories are in effect across Vermont, western Massachusetts, northwestern Connecticut, upstate New York, and Pennsylvania. Many of these areas will see higher temperatures by the afternoon, with highs in the 60s possible. The region will be sunny and dry except for a slight chance of a few showers in southeastern New England and around Norfolk, Virginia. (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 Sunday, May 17, 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 (media currently reporting 6 deaths)

H1N1 Influenza Outbreak - International

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), as of 2:00 am EDT on Sunday, May 17, 2009, there were 8,480 confirmed cases in 39 countries, including the US; India, Malaysia and Turkey 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
State teams continue to evaluate 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 on 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, 6:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. CDT

Missouri

The Governor declared a statewide State of Emergency
Fatalities: seven (7); Injuries: 24
As of last report on 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 complete
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

Sunoco Oil Refinery Explosion, DE

Explosion at Sunoco Plant located in Claymont, Delaware
Material on fire reported to be ethylene oxide
Roads in the area remain closed
HazMat conducting air quality monitoring
No evacuations at this time

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

On Sunday, May 17, 2009 at 11:39 p.m. EDT, a 4.7 magnitude earthquake occurred 1 mile from Inglewood and 10 miles from downtown Los Angeles, CA at a depth of 8.4 miles. Seven aftershocks were recorded with magnitudes ranging from 1.6 to 3.1. No deaths, injuries or damage have been reported at this time. There were no reports of a tsunami being generated. (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
1,074 acres burned, 65% containment (full containment was expected by May 17 but did not occur)
3 homes and 2 outbuildings destroyed
Mandatory evacuations lifted

Wildfire Activity
National Preparedness Level: 1
National Fire Activity as of Sunday, May 17, 2009:
Initial attack activity: Light (91 new fires)
New large fires: 4
Large fires contained: 3
Uncontained large fires: 10
Fire Weather: The western states will be very warm and dry. The central and southern High Plains will also see very warm and dry conditions. Red flag warnings continue in Alaska. Florida will see scattered thunderstorms. (National Interagency Fire Center, National Incident Information Center, NOAA/NWS Storm Prediction Center, NGB)

Disaster Declaration Activity