FEMA: National Situation Updates

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Tue, 13 May 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED)

Significant National Weather

West:
Rain and higher elevation snow showers over parts of Colorado and northern sections of New Mexico and Arizona. A warm front will produce rain across parts of coastal Washington and northwest Oregon.
High temperatures will range from the 30s in the Colorado Rockies to the 90s in the lower Colorado River Valley and far southwest Arizona.
Midwest:
A cold front will trigger showers across much of the Upper Midwest. Severe weather and heavy rain is likely across parts of Iowa and Missouri. High temperatures range from the 40s across northern sections of Minnesota to the 70s from the lower Great Lakes through the Ohio Valley.
South:
Thunderstorms will erupt over eastern Oklahoma, eastern Texas, Arkansas and Louisiana as storm system emerges from the Rockies. Severe thunderstorms could include damaging winds, large hail and scattered tornadoes. High temperatures will range from the 70s from northern Arkansas to the Carolinas and the 90s across western Texas to 100s near the Rio Grand.
Northeast:
Dry across the Northeast. Winds will remain gusty from Maine to the Middle Atlantic States.
High temperatures ranging from the 60s to the 70s from Maine to Virginia. Parts of Cape Cod and the Islands of southeast Massachusetts may remain on the 50s. (NWS, Various Media Sources)

Severe Weather Outbreak:

Federal Actions
Region VI:
Preparing PDA teams in anticipation of a request
Region leadership in communication with State EM Directors
Coordinating with Arkansas and Oklahoma JFOs
Picher, OK is a superfund site; two EPA personnel deployed for cleanup assessment
Region VII:
State Liaison Officer deployed to MO SEOC
Health and Human Services (HHS)
Regions coordinated with affected states' health departments, with nothing negative to report.
National Guard Bureau (NGB)
Conducting security operations in the States of Missouri, and Oklahoma.
JET Team on standby.
25 personnel in Picher, OK.
52 personnel in Arkansas
5 personnel in Kentucky
National Infrastructure Coordination Center (NICC)
Will reach out to Department of Energy (DOE) concerning above-mentioned Missouri electrical transmission line down.
State Operations:
Georgia:
State EOC partially activated to Level II
The Governor has declared 6 counties for State of Emergency
One fatality reported in Laurens County
21 counties affected
1,039 businesses, homes and mobile homes affected; 7 homes/4 mobile homes/ 1 business destroyed, 28 homes/8 mobile homes major damage, 71 homes/14 mobile homes minor damage
Oklahoma:
EOC is activated to lowest level (Minimum activation) Ops personnel and County liaisons, as required
Town of Picher reports twenty block neighborhood impacted
Seven confirmed fatalities
150 reported injuries
122 homes, 1 business destroyed and 95 homes damaged
4800 customers without electric service; power restoration could take 3-5 days; 36 transmission poles down
Power and communications out to entire town of Picher
Gas turned off as a precaution
American Red Cross opened a shelter; no shelter numbers
Oklahoma Department of Public Safety (DPS) providing support
OK National Guard providing 25 soldiers
Tulsa's Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Team in Picher
State mobile command unit assisting
IA PDAs began at 12:00pm CDT May 12
No Federal assistance requested
Arkansas:
EOC activated Level I (Normal Operations)
Damage assessments in Stuttgart (Arkansas County) ongoing
Four people reported missing (Arkansas County)
25-30 homes destroyed; 25-30 homes major damage; 40-45 homes minor damage (Stuttgart)
15 businesses destroyed (Stuttgart)
Damage assessments began in Phillips County
Missouri:
The State of Missouri has deployed Missouri Task Force One to impacted area
The State EOC is at normal operations.
16 confirmed fatalities; 85 injuries
Reported damage: 30 homes destroyed, 21 homes major damage
RNA initial estimated damage: 117 homes destroyed, 59 homes major damage, 4 businesses destroyed
Joint PA PDAs began May 12 and Joint IA PDAs will begin on May 13
Two FEMA/State RNA teams deployed to affected area; hampered by road closures
Approximately 4,000-5,000 are without power, power restoration could take 3-5 days; 36 transmission poles down (Region IV, Region VI, Region VII, Federal Agencies, Affected States, FEMA HQ)

Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG)

FEMA-2765-FM-FL was issued for the Brevard Complex Fire near Malabar and Palm Bay, FL. The fire has burned more than 3,300 acres and there have been 15,000 individuals evacuated, majority through a mandatory evacuation. There are 500 homes, 25 businesses, several schools and one airport threatened, 5 homes have been destroyed. The Fire is 0 percent contained. There is no estimated date for full containment. (FEMA HQ)

Tropical Weather Outlook

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Earthquake Activity

An earthquake occurred at 8:50 AM EDT on May 12, 2008. The magnitude 5.1 event occurred 51 miles south southeast of Old Harbor, Alaska, at a depth of 11.7 miles. There were no reports of damage or injuries and there was no tsunami 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

National Preparedness Level: 2
National Fire Activity as of Sunday, May 12:
Initial attack activity: Light (85 new fires)
New large fires: 2
Large fires contained: 2
Uncontained large fires: 8
Weather Discussion: Warm, dry and windy weather will create critical fire conditions over portions of the Southwest, southern Great Basin, Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma and west Texas. Windy and dry weather is also expected over Florida. (National Interagency Fire Center, National Incident Information Center, NOAA/NWS Storm Prediction Center, NGB)
Texas
Red Flag Warnings are in effect for western Texas from 10:00 am - 8:00 pm MDT May 13.
Arizona
Red Flag Warnings are in effect for the south western and central Arizona from 8:00 am - 6 pm MDT May 13.

Disaster Declaration Activity

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Monday, May 12, 2008

Mon, 12 May 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED)

Significant National Weather

West: A cold front will produce showers and isolated thunderstorms in the northern Plains and northern Rockies. Thunderstorms in western Nebraska and eastern Wyoming could become severe producing damaging wind gusts and some hail. The activity should diminish fairly quickly after sunset this evening. The higher elevations in the central Rockies could see up to a foot of new snow. The southern High Plains, New Mexico, Arizona, the lower Colorado River Valley and the Oklahoma and Texas Panhandles will be a critical fire weather area due to gusty winds of 20-30 mph and afternoon relative humidity below 20%. High temperatures will range from 30s in the mountains upper 90s along the border with Mexico.

Midwest: Most of the Region will be under high pressure with sunny to partly cloudy skies. However, there will be a few showers in the eastern Ohio Valley on the backside of the Northeast storm and a few showers in the northern Plains this afternoon from the system moving out of the Rockies. Temperatures should remain below average with highs mostly in the 60s to lower 70s, with 50s in the eastern Ohio Valley.

South: Most of the Region will be under high pressure with sunny to partly cloudy skies. Gusty winds to 25 mph are forecast in the Carolinas. Gusty winds and dry conditions behind the front will result in critical fire conditions across southern Georgia and most of Florida. High temperatures are forecast to reach the 80s east of the Mississippi, 90s to the west and the lower 100s in the Rio Grande Valley. The next storm system will move out of the Rocky Mountains tonight and move into the southern Plains, eastern Texas and the lower Mississippi Valley tomorrow producing scattered thunderstorms during the afternoon and evening hours.

Northeast: The deep low pressure system, just off the Mid Atlantic, will produce a cold rainy day over much of the Region. Rainfall accumulations of one to three inches are expected from northern Virginia, southern Pennsylvania and southern New Jersey. Lighter rain from New York City to Boston could result in a half inch of additional accumulation. Localized flooding is likely; see www.nws.noaa.gov/ for the latest watches, warnings or advisories. Winds will gust to 25 mph or more. Highs will reach into the middle 40s to middle 50s(NWS, Various Media Sources)

Florida Fires:

Red Flag Warning is in effect for the majority of the State of Florida (Lake Okeechobee to southern Georgia) from 12:00pm-7:00pm EDT May 12.

Brevard County
- Two fires currently burning.
- One fire jumped I-95 resulting in the road being closed from Melbourne to Vero Beach.
- Evacuations have been ordered; unknown number of people evacuated.
- Red Cross called by county.
- Size of fires unknown.

Volusia County
- One fire, between 500 and 600 acres, is currently burning in Daytona Beach.
- Volusia County Emergency Management and Daytona Beach Fire have both requested Strike Teams from ESF 4/9.
- Road closure west of I-95 in West Daytona Beach.
- Evacuations in West Daytona Beach.
- One shelter open; population unknown.

Severe Weather Outbreak:

Federal Actions
Region VI:

Preparing PDA teams in anticipation of a request
Region leadership in communication with State EM Directors
Coordinating with Arkansas and Oklahoma JFOs
Picher, OK is a superfund site; two EPA personnel deployed for cleanup assessment

Region VII:

State Liaison Officer deployed to MO SEOC

Health and Human Services (HHS)

Regions coordinated with affected states health departments, with nothing negative to report.

National Guard Bureau (NGB)

Conducting security operations in the States of Missouri, Oklahoma and Arkansas.
JET Team on standby.
50 personnel in Stuttgart, AR.
16 personnel in Newton County, MO.
25 personnel in Picher, OK.
3 personnel and 1 UH-60 for helicopter over flight operations for Governor of Oklahoma and TAG May 11, 2008.
4 personnel in Kentucky, as well as 1 in State EOC, with 1 helicopter on standby.

National Infrastructure Coordination Center (NICC)

Will reach out to Department of Energy (DOE) concerning above-mentioned Missouri electrical transmission line down.

State Operations:
Mississippi:

EOC normal operations
12 counties reporting:
3 homes destroyed, 6 homes major damage, 34 homes minor damage
9 mobile homes major damage, 4 mobile homes minor damage
2 businesses destroyed, 1 business minor damage
2 minor injuries

Georgia:

State EOC partially activated to Level II
The Governor has declared 6 counties for State of Emergency
One fatality reported in Laurens County
21 counties affected
1,039 businesses, homes and mobile homes affected; 7 homes/4 mobile homes/ 1 business destroyed, 28 homes/8 mobile homes major damage, 71 homes/14 mobile homes minor damage
Three shelters open; population estimated at 62

Oklahoma:

EOC is activated to lowest level (Minimum activation)
Ops personnel and County liaisons, as required
Town of Picher reports twenty block neighborhood impacted
Six (corrected number) confirmed fatalities
150 reported injuries
Over 100 homes damaged or destroyed
6300 customers without electric service; power restoration could take 3-5 days; 36 transmission poles down
Power and communications out to entire town of Picher
Gas turned off as a precaution
American Red Cross opened a shelter; no shelter numbers
Oklahoma Department of Public Safety (DPS) providing support
OK National Guard providing 25 soldiers
Tulsaâ€™s Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Team in Picher
State mobile command unit assisting
Overflight of impacted area occurred May 11
IA PDAs will begin at 12:00pm CDT May 12
No Federal assistance requested

Arkansas:

EOC activated Level I (Normal Operations)
Damage assessments in Stuttgart (Arkansas County) ongoing
Four people reported missing (Arkansas County)
25-30 homes destroyed; 25-30 homes major damage; 40-45 homes minor damage (Stuttgart)
15 businesses destroyed (Stuttgart)
Damage assessments began in Phillips County

Missouri:

The State of Missouri has deployed Missouri Task Force One to impacted area
The State EOC will reopen at 8:00am CDT May 12
15 confirmed fatalities; 85 injuries
Reported damage: 30 homes destroyed, 21 homes major damage
RNA initial estimated damage: 117 homes destroyed, 59 homes major damage, 4 businesses destroyed
Joint PA PDAs will begin May 12 and Joint IA PDAs will begin on May 13
Two FEMA/State RNA teams deployed to affected area; hampered by road closures
Approximately 4,000-5,000 are without power, power restoration could take 3-5 days; 36 transmission poles down (Region IV, Region VI, Region VII, Federal Agencies, Affected States, FEMA HQ)

Hurricane Preparedness Week

The Atlantic hurricane season begins June 1st and the Eastern Pacific hurricane season begins May 15th.
History teaches that a lack of hurricane awareness and preparation are common threads among all major hurricane disasters. By knowing your vulnerability and what actions you should take, you can reduce the effects of a hurricane disaster. Hurricane Preparedness Week during 2008 will be held May 25th through May 31st. For additional information see www.nhc.noaa.gov/HAW2/english/intro.shtml.(NOAA, National Hurricane Center, FEMA)

Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG)

No new activity to report. (FEMA HQ)

Tropical Weather Outlook

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Earthquake Activity

There was no significant earthquake activity in the United States or its territories during the last 24 hours.
A major earthquake occurred at 2:28 am EDT on Monday, May 12, 2008. The magnitude 7.8 event occurred 960 miles southwest of Beijing China, at a depth of 6.2 miles. There have been a number of aftershocks. There are preliminary reports of damage to buildings and roads and injuries in the open press.(USGS, FEMA HQ)

Preliminary Damage Assessments

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Wildfire Update

National Preparedness Level: 2
National Fire Activity as of Saturday, May 11:
Initial attack activity: Light (67 new fires)
New large fires: 1
Large fires contained: 1
Uncontained large fires: 8. (National Interagency Fire Center, National Incident Information Center, NOAA/NWS Storm Prediction Center, NGB)

Disaster Declaration Activity

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Sunday, May 11, 2008

Sun, 11 May 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED)

National Weather Forecast

South:
The cold front which produced yesterday's severe weather over the Central Plains, Mississippi and Tennessee valleys has moved over the Southeast. Severe thunderstorms are possible from the Florida Gulf Coast to the Mid Atlantic. These storms will be capable of producing large hail, damaging winds and tornadoes. There is a tornado watch for portions of northern and central Alabama, of northern and central Georgia, and parts of southern and western South Carolina coastal waters until 10:00 am EDT. See www.spc.noaa.gov/products/watch/ for the latest watches. Highs will range from the 80s across the northern part of the Region to 100 near the Mexican Border.

Midwest:
Strong thunderstorms and areas of heavy rainfall are expected this morning near the deepening surface low across much of the Midwest, Plains States and Lower Mississippi Valley. The heaviest rainfall and thunderstorms will shift eastward into the Appalachians and mid Atlantic states tonight and Monday morning. The heavy rain will move eastward to the Great Lakes and Ohio Valley today. One to three inches of rain is forecast from South Dakota to Ohio. Localized flooding is possible due to the saturated ground; the additional water will contribute to ongoing flooding on the upper Mississippi. Highs will range from the 40s near the Great Lakes and in the Ohio Valley to 70s over the Plains.

Northeast:
The weather system moving out of the Midwest will bring showery precipitation and thunderstorms to the Mid-Atlantic by midday and will move into New York state and Southern New England tonight
Rainfall amounts of two to four inches are possible by Monday. Given the already saturated ground localized flash flooding is likely. High temperatures will be range from the 60s in the mid Atlantic to the upper 40s.

West:
A frontal system will produce showers over the Pacific Northwest and rain (snow in higher elevations) across parts of Montana to northern Utah on Sunday. Temperatures across the Northwest will be relatively cool. However, melting snow may cause some localized flooding across the Northwest and northern Rockies. The Southwest will be hot, dry and windy. Fire danger remains high from southeast California to West Texas. (NWS, Storm prediction Center, Various Media Sources)

Severe weather Outbreak:

A deep surface low pressure system and associated frontal system moved across the Central Plains last night and into the mid Mississippi and Tennessee valleys this morning. This system combined with warm and moist air from the Gulf of Mexico produced a significant severe weather outbreak across the Plains and lower Mississippi Valley.

Region IV
State Actions Mississippi

EOC Level IV (Normal)
The counties of Desoto, Marshell, and Panila are reporting trees and power lines down, road closures and possible homes damaged.

State Actions Alabama

EOC Level IV (Normal), monitoring situation.
No reports of fatalities, but possible injuries.
Cullman, Lawrence, Marion, and Morgan Counties reported damage including downed trees and possible structure damage.
No requests for assistance at this time.

Region VI
State Actions Oklahoma

The Town of Picher reports twenty neighborhood block reported impacted.
6 unconfirmed fatalities in Ottawa and Pittsburg counties.
Oklahoma EOC watch officer is monitoring the situation.
Unknown number of injuries.
3,000 customers without electric service.
Damage assessments underway.
No additional requests for assistance at this time.
OK DPS dispatched Mobile Command Center to Picher; will provide communications support and act as command vehicle.
Scheduling over flight of impacted area tomorrow, the Governor may be onboard.
American Red Cross is setting up a shelter; no shelter numbers.
Oklahoma Department of Public Safety (DPS) providing 18 troopers.
As of 7:00am on May 11, OK National Guard will provide 25 soldiers to assist in Picher

State Actions Arkansas

Unknown number of injuries.
Four people reported missing (Arkansas County).
Damage assessments underway.
Reports of Tornado damage in Arkansas County.
Arkansas Department of Emergency Management (ADEM) is activated to Level 3 (limited activation).
An ADEM liaison has been dispatched to Stuttgart in Arkansas County.
No additional requests for assistance at this time.

Region VII
State Actions Missouri

The State of Missouri has deployed Missouri Task Force One (Boone County/Columbia state asset) to the impacted area.
The State EOC is activated at a level 2.
12 confirmed fatalities.
Unknown number of injuries.
3 shelters open, no shelter numbers at this time.
Power outages are scattered.
Numerous tornadoes have touched down and damages are being reported in four communities (Newton County and Jasper County).
No additional requests for assistance at this time

State Actions Kansas

The State EOC is at level 2
Reports of damage in Cherokee and Labette County.
No injuries or fatalities have been reported.
The State has not received any requests for assistance. .(FEMA Regions VI, VII, National Weather Service (NWS), Oklahoma Emergency Management (OEM), Arkansas Department of Emergency Management (ADEM) Missouri State EOC)

Mississippi Valley Flooding

Currently, no river gauges along the Mississippi River are reporting Major Flood Levels; however, Moderate Flood Levels continue at many gauges. (Region IV, Region V, Region VI RRCC, National Weather Service, FEMA HQ)

Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG)

No new activity to report. (FEMA HQ)

Tropical Weather Outlook

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Earthquake Activity

Five earthquakes ranging from 2.0 to 4.4 magnitudes have occurred South of Atka, Alaska between 4:48 a.m. to 10:22 a.m. EDT May 10, at a depth of 20 to 62 miles. No injuries or damage have been reported. No tsunami advisory, watch or warning is in effect for these areas.
An earthquake of 4.7 magnitude occurred 12:03 a.m. 63 miles south southeast of Cordova, Alaska, at a depth of 9.9 miles. No injuries or damage have been reported. No tsunami advisory, watch or warning is in effect for these areas. (USGS, FEMA HQ)

Preliminary Damage Assessments

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Wildfire Update

National Preparedness Level: 2
National Fire Activity as of Saturday, May 10:
Initial attack activity: Light (148 new fires)
New large fires: 1
Large fires contained: 4
Uncontained large fires: 8
Weather Discussion: Dry and windy conditions continue for New Mexico and west Texas today. The Southeast will begin to see some light precipitation today ahead of a stronger storm system. (National Interagency Fire Center, National Incident Information Center, NOAA/NWS Storm Prediction Center, NGB)

Disaster Declaration Activity

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Saturday, May 10, 2008

Sat, 10 May 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED)

National Weather Forecast

South
Severe weather conditions are forecast over the weekend with strong to severe thunderstorms from Kansas southward to northeast Texas. Tornadoes, large hail and damaging winds are possible. Thunderstorms will continue through the lower Mississippi Valley into Mississippi and Alabama on Saturday night. The severe weather may lose some intensity as the storms move through northern Georgia and the western Carolinas Sunday morning. Temperature highs will range from the 80s and the 90s throughout the region.

Midwest
Moderate rain is expected for the Midwest this weekend. South Dakota to Ohio may see up to an inch of rain by Sunday evening. Some localized flooding is possible due to the saturated ground; however, widespread flooding is not expected. Temperatures will remain cool with highs in the 40s and 50s over the Plains and Minnesota; highs are expected in the 60s for the rest of the region.

Northeast
Light rain may continue across coastal New England on Saturday; however, drier conditions are forecast for the Northeast by Saturday afternoon. Rain showers are possible Sunday afternoon for Virginia, Maryland, West Virginia, western Pennsylvania and extreme southwest New York. Temperature highs will be mostly in the 50s and 60s for the weekend.

West
Upper disturbances will produce morning rain and light mountain snow for southeast Montana to central Colorado, and the Pacific Northwest. Red Flag Warnings will be in effect from Saturday afternoon until Saturday evening for southern Colorado, and northern and central New Mexico due to strong winds and low relative humidity.

Mississippi Valley Flooding

Currently, no river gauges along the Mississippi River are reporting Major Flood Levels; however, Moderate Flood Level continues at many gauges. (Region IV, Region V, Region VI RRCC, National Weather Service, FEMA HQ)

Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG)

No new activity to report. (FEMA HQ)

Tropical Weather Outlook

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Earthquake Activity

Three earthquakes ranging from 3.1 to 3.4 magnitude occurred 18 to 19 miles SSE of Telescope, CA or 102 miles west of Las Vegas, NV between 7:17 p.m. to 10:22 p.m. EDT May 9, at a depth of .2 to 1.4 miles. No injuries or damage have been reported.

A 6.7 magnitude earthquake occurred offshore near Guam at 5:51 p.m. EDT on May 9. The quake was located 125 miles WSW from Hagatna, Guam at a depth of 54.4 miles. A tsunami is not expected along the California, Oregon, Washington, British Columbia, or Alaska coasts. No tsunami advisory, watch or warning is in effect for these areas. (USGS, FEMA HQ)

Preliminary Damage Assessments

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Wildfire Update

National Preparedness Level: 2
National Fire Activity as of Friday, May 9:
Initial attack activity: Light (152 new fires)
New large fires: 5
Large fires contained: 3
Uncontained large fires: 11
Weather Discussion: Dry conditions and strong winds will develop over the Sierras, southern Great Basin, Southwest and extreme southern California today as a storm system approaches. (National Interagency Fire Center, National Incident Information Center, NOAA/NWS Storm Prediction Center, NGB)

New Mexico
Trigo Fire (Torrance County) has burned 13,709 (+29) acres and is 95% contained.
Containment lines have been tested over the past couple of days and continue to hold.
Firefighters focus their efforts on improving the lines, patrolling, mopping up and continuing to conduct rehabilitation work on dozer lines along the eastern edge of the fire boundary. (National Interagency Fire Center, and Inciweb)

Disaster Declaration Activity

On May 9, 2008, the President signed Major Disaster Declaration FEMA-1755-DR for the State of Maine due to severe storms and flooding that occurred on April 28 and continuing. The declaration designates Individual Assistance (IA) for Aroostook County and Hazard Mitigation statewide. The Federal Coordinating Officer (FCO) is Phillip E. Carr.

On May 9, 2008, the President signed a Major Disaster Declaration FEMA-1754-DR for the State of Oklahoma due to severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding that occurred on April 9-28. The declaration designates Public Assistance (PA) for 23 counties and Hazard Mitigation statewide. The FCO is Justin A. Dombrowski. (FEMA HQ)

Friday, May 9, 2008

Fri, 09 May 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED)

National Weather Forecast

Northeast
Areas from the Middle Atlantic to the Northeast are forecast for heavy rain and strong winds. The storm will continue along the New England coast into the weekend. One to two inches of rain is anticipated for most of the regions; however, some locations may see over three inches. Tornado Watches remain in effect until 9:00 a.m. EDT for locations in Virginia, central North Carolina, southern Maryland, and the greater Washington, DC metro area. Temperatures will remain below average with highs in the 50s and 60s.
South
Scattered thunderstorms, damaging winds, and potential large hail are expected through the Tennessee Valley today. Southeastern Kansas and eastern Texas may experience severe thunderstorms during the afternoon or early evening as well. Strong to severe thunderstorms are possible along an advancing cold front in eastern sections of North and South Carolina. Temperatures are forecast in the 80s over the mountains and Tennessee, with some 90s through southern Georgia westward to central Texas.
Midwest
A weather disturbance will produce moderate rain and thunderstorms across the Lower Midwest. Some storms may be strong to severe with hail and damaging winds. Areas to the north are forecast for scattered showers. Severe Thunderstorm Warnings continue for northwest Arkansas and southwest Missouri until Friday morning. Temperature highs are expected in the 60s through Saturday, May 10.
West
Moderate rain and thunderstorms with gusty winds are anticipated over Utah and Colorado. Western Montana and Wyoming may see some rain mixed with snow throughout the day. Red Flag Warnings exist for southern Utah, northern Arizona, and northern and central New Mexico from Friday afternoon until Friday night due to strong winds and low relative humidity.

Severe Weather Update for the Mid-Atlantic Region

Severe weather hit the East Coast late Thursday night and into Friday morning causing damage to homes and businesses and some road closures. The strong storms moved from Mississippi and Alabama through western North Carolina and western Virginia bringing damaging winds, large hail and heavy rains. The North Carolina Emergency Operation Center (EOC) reported an unconfirmed tornado overturned several vehicles off Interstate 40 and NC Road 68 in central North Carolina. The state EOC was activated and reported that no State assistance has been requested.

In Virginia, the state EOC received information of possible tornado activity in Stafford County, south of Washington, DC. Early unconfirmed reports indicate some residences and buildings sustained moderate storm damage. High water levels and debris (trees) closed a few roads; however, no fatalities or serious injuries have been reported.

Both Virginia and Maryland EOCs are monitoring flash flood warnings closely since more than three inches of rain has fallen in many areas and more is expected. The Maryland EOC has not received any tornado reports; however, the powerful storm has caused approximately 5,000 power outages in the Montgomery and Prince George's counties. (Regions III and IV, and Media Sources)

Mississippi Valley Flooding

FEMA Regional Offices, State EOCs, and the NRCC continue to monitor flooding along the Mississippi River Valley. (Region IV, Region V, Region VI RRCC, National Weather Service, FEMA HQ)

Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG)

Nothing significant activity reported. (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

National Preparedness Level: 2
National Fire Activity as of Thursday, May 8:
Initial attack activity: Light (144 new fires)
New large fires: 3
Large fires contained: 1
Uncontained large fires: 11
Weather Discussion: Dry conditions with gusty winds will develop for eastern Arizona, across New Mexico and into west Texas. Relative humidity will improve over the East as a storm system approaches. (National Interagency Fire Center, National Incident Information Center, NOAA/NWS Storm Prediction Center, NGB)
New Mexico
Trigo Fire (Torrance County) has burned 13,709 (+29) acres and is 75% contained. (InciWeb)
Eighty nine structures are reported destroyed. Firefighters were able to hold all containment lines yesterday despite very strong winds. (National Interagency Coordination Center)

Disaster Declaration Activity

The President signed a Major Disaster Declaration FEMA-1753-DR for the State of Mississippi on May 8, 2008, for severe storms and flooding that occurred on March 20 and continuing. Individual Assistance (IA) is designated for Bolivar, Warren, Washington, and Wilkinson Counties, and Hazard Mitigation statewide. The Federal Coordinating Officer (FCO) is Michael L. Parker.

The Governor of Kentucky is requesting a major disaster declaration for Public Assistance (PA) for 17 counties and Hazard Mitigation for the entire Commonwealth as a result of flooding that occurred March 18 to April 11.

The Governor of Arkansas is requesting a major disaster declaration for IA for six counties and Hazard Mitigation statewide as a result of flooding, severe thunderstorms, and tornadoes beginning on May 2, and continuing. Direct Federal assistance is also requested.

Three Major Disaster Declarations were amended for the State of Missouri, appointing Michael L. Karl as the FCO and terminating the appointment of Michael L. Parker for the following disasters:
Amendment # 1 to FEMA-1742-DR-MO, Declared Feb 5, 2008.
Amendment # 1 to FEMA-1748-DR-MO, Declared March 12, 2008.
Amendment # 6 to FEMA-1749-DR-MO, Declared March 19, 2008.
Amendment # 8 to Major Disaster Declaration FEMA-1751-AR was approved on May 8, adding Desha County for Public Assistance, already designated for Individual Assistance. (FEMA HQ)

Thursday, May 8, 2008

Thu, 08 May 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED)

National Weather Forecast

South:
Moderate rain and thunderstorms are forecast over the Carolinas, northern Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, and sections of Arkansas. Thunderstorms could be severe in western South Carolina, eastern Tennessee, northern Georgia, most of Alabama and eastern and southern Mississippi. A Red Flag Warning will be in effect 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. EDT for northeast Florida due to low relative humidity and warm temperatures. High temperatures in Texas will be above average; however, the rest of the south will be seasonal.

Midwest:
Scattered showers and thunderstorms are forecast for southern Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, eastern Missouri and the Great Plains. Flash Flood Warnings are in effect until early this morning for southeastern Kansas, and western Missouri.

Northeast:
Southern New England will see some early morning rain. A slow-moving front will bring moderate rain and isolated thunderstorms throughout the day to Pennsylvania, New Jersey and northwest Virginia.
High temperatures will range from the 50s in northern Maine to the 80s in southeast Virginia.

West:
Rain and some thunderstorms will extend from Washington State to Colorado. High temperatures are forecast to range from the 40s in the northern and central Rockies to the 90s in the Sonora and Mojave Deserts. The Pacific Northwest will peak in the 50s and 60s. (NWS)

Maine Flood Recovery

Recovery operatons continue from severe storms and flooding on April 28, 2008, and continuing. Maine identified 22 flooded homes in Penobscot County and has asked FEMA to expand Individual Assistance (IA) Preliminary Damage Assessments (PDAs) to include this county. FEMA is sending teams that include the Small Business Administration to meet with county officials this week and conduct the PDA. IA PDAs for Aroostook County have already been completed. (Region II)

Toxic Spill Update - Contra Costa County, CA

The California Office of Emergency Services (CA OES) Coastal Duty Officer advised that approximately 3,000 gallons of the chemical Toluene and water mixture have been recovered by the cleanup contractor since the spill into San Pablo Bay was discovered Monday. Cleanup operations will be completed today May 8. (CA OES)

Mississippi Valley Flooding

FEMA Regional Offices, State EOCs, and the NRCC continue to monitor Flood Warnings and Watches in the Mississippi River Valley. (Region IV, Region V, Region VI RRCC, National Weather Service, FEMA HQ)

Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG)

Nothing significant activity reported. (FEMA HQ)

Tropical Weather Outlook

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Earthquake Activity

A magnitude 4.3 earthquake occurred offshore near the Alaska Peninsula at 5:45 p.m. EDT on May 7. The quake was located 47 miles SSW from Sand Point, Alaska, and 610 miles SW of Anchorage, Alaska, at a depth of 34 miles. There are no reports of damages or injuries, and no tsunami watches or warnings were issued.
(USGS, FEMA HQ)

Preliminary Damage Assessments

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Wildfire Update

National Preparedness Level: 2
States reporting large fires: California (1), Florida (4), New Mexico (2), Texas (2).
National Fire Activity as of Wednesday, May 7:
Initial attack activity: Light (128 new fires)
New large fires: 3
Large fires contained: 2
Uncontained large fires: 9
Weather Discussion: Dry and windy conditions are expected to continue in southeast New Mexico and west Texas today. Another weak storm system will produce gusty winds for the southern Great Basin, northwest Arizona, and southeast California. Relative humidity (RH) will begin to improve over the Southeast; however, RH levels will still remain rather low. (National Interagency Fire Center, National Incident Information Center, NOAA/NWS Storm Prediction Center, NGB)

New Mexico
Trigo Fire (Torrance County) has burned 13,680 acres and is 60% contained. Eighty nine structures are reported destroyed. (National Interagency Coordination Center, Inciweb)

Disaster Declaration Activity

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Wednesday, May 7, 2008

Wed, 07 May 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED)

National Weather Forecast

South:
Rain and thunderstorms are forecast for the southern Plains and northeast Texas to western Arkansas and northwest Louisiana; however, high pressure will keep the Mississippi River Valley dry.

The thunderstorms will contain strong winds, large hail, and could potentially turn into tornadoes. A Red Flag Warning will be in effect from 12:00 noon until 6:00 p.m. EDT today in eastern and southern Florida due to warm temperatures and low relative humidity.

Midwest:
Heavy rain is expected eastward from the Plains to southern Missouri and southeast Kansas. Some areas may see from three to five inches of rain.

The Great Lakes region will see some rain and strong winds with more scattered activity down to the Ohio Valley. High temperatures will range from the 40s near Lake Superior to the upper 70s and 80s in Kentucky.

West:
The West Coast will be primarily dry; however, some scattered thunderstorms may occur around the Sierra Nevada region. Much of the Southwest will be dry but windy as low pressure moves away.

Red Flag Warnings exist for southeast New Mexico, far west Texas, and southern Utah until late tonight due to strong winds and low relative humidity that will create critical fire weather conditions.

Northeast:
Some rain is anticipated in the western sections of New York and Pennsylvania. (NWS)

Toxic Spill

A toxic solvent was released from a manufacturing plant near San Francisco Bay on Monday, May 5.

According to the California Department of Fish and Game, approximately 3,300 gallons of the solvent toluene was released. Contra Coast County had briefly issued a shelter in place order Monday for about 1,500 residences when the substance was discovered. Federal (USCG), state, and local responders are on scene and cleanup is under way and should be complete on May 7. (Region IX, media sources)

Mississippi Valley Flooding

Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG)

Nothing significant activity reported. (FEMA HQ)

Virginia Earthquake

A small earthquake occurred in the Washington, DC area about 1:30 p.m. EDT Tuesday. The epicenter was about one mile from Springfield, VA or about 13 miles away from Washington, DC. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) estimated its magnitude at 2.0, at a depth of 3.7 miles.

Arlington and Fairfax counties officials reported receiving dozens of calls from residents concerned about what they were hearing or feeling. There have been no reports of damage or injury.

According to USGS and emergency management officials, earthquakes of this magnitude are normally single events, and aftershocks do not normally occur; however the possibility cannot be eliminated.

Virginia contains two named seismic zones: the Giles County Seismic Zone centered along the New River, about 20 miles west-northwest of Blacksburg, and the Central Virginia Seismic Zone, extending west from Richmond toward Charlottesville and the Blue Ridge Mountains.

The most recent earthquake recorded in northern Virginia was a 2.5-magnitude earthquake near Manassas on Sept. 29, 1997, according to USGS.

There was a 2.1 magnitude earthquake in the Baltimore area on Feb. 23, 2005, and there was a series of small seismic events in March and April 1993 in Columbia, MD, according to USGS.

The largest recorded earthquake with an epicenter in Virginia was on May 31, 1897, near Giles County. The magnitude 5.9 earthquake could be felt from Lynchburg, VA west to Bluefield, WV, and south to Bristol, TN. (USGS, media sources)

Earthquake Activity

A magnitude 4.5 earthquake occurred May 6 at 3:39 p.m. EDT, off the coast of Oregon. The earthquake was 98 miles west of Bandon, OR, at a depth of 6.2 miles. There were no reports of damages or injuries and no tsunami advisory or warning was generated.

Earthquakes continue near the community of Verdi-Mogul, NV.

A magnitude 2.0 earthquake occurred in Northern Virginia, Tuesday, May 6 at 1:30 p.m. EDT, 13 miles west southwest from Washington, DC, near Springfield, VA, at a depth of 3.7 miles. There were no reports of injuries or damage. (USGS, FEMA HQ)

Wildfire Update

National Preparedness Level: 2
States reporting large fires: Florida (4), New Mexico (2), Texas (2).
National Fire Activity as of Tuesday, May 6:
Initial attack activity: Light (224 new fires)
New large fires: 1
Large fires contained: 1
Uncontained large fires: 7
Weather Discussion: A low pressure system moving over southern Arizona will bring strong winds to southern and eastern New Mexico and west Texas. Thunderstorms will also develop with this system. Low relative humidity will continue in the Southeast. (National Interagency Fire Center, National Incident Information Center, NOAA/NWS Storm Prediction Center, NGB)

New Mexico
Trigo Fire (Torrance County) has burned 13,680 acres and is 60% contained. (InciWeb)
A total of 80 structures have been reported destroyed. (National Interagency Coordination Center)
Joint Preliminary Damage Assessments (PDAs) began on Tuesday, May 6.

Disaster Declaration Activity

No new activity to report. (FEMA HQ)