Wednesday, October 27, 2010
 

Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED)

Significant National Weather

Midwest:
The severe storm system that impacted the region yesterday continues to move into Canada. Blizzard conditions are expected to continue today in Montana and North Dakota. Rain in northern Minnesota will turn to snow by this evening, even possibly as far south as Minneapolis/St. Paul. Strong winds will continue to impact the Great Lakes region.
West:
Strong winds and rain will continue for the Pacific Northwest and northern Rocky Mountains through this afternoon. Snow accumulations of 6 to 12 inches are possible at elevations above 5,500 feet in the northern Rockies and snow showers are likely above 4,000 feet in Washington and Oregon.
South:
A cold front will approach the Region today; scattered to isolated thunderstorms are possible.
Northeast:
The severe storms in the Midwest yesterday moved into the Northeast and could still bring thunderstorms and damaging wind gusts to the Mid-Atlantic this morning.
(NOAA and media sources)
Midwest Severe Weather Outbreak

On October 25, 2010, severe weather across the Midwest brought thunderstorms, high winds and tornado activity. There were reports of downed trees and power lines, power outages, and damages to homes and buildings throughout the region. No shelters were opened and there have been no requests for FEMA assistance.
(FEMA Region V)

Tropical Weather Outlook

Atlantic, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of MexicoÂ*
A low pressure area is located about 1,200 miles northwest of the northernmost Cape Verde Islands. Upper-level winds are becoming less conducive for development so there is a low chance, around 10 percent, of this system becoming a subtropical or tropical cyclone during the next 48 hours.
A second area of disorganized showers and thunderstorms is located several hundred miles northeast of the Northern Leeward Islands. This system has a low chance, near 10 percent, of becoming a subtropical cyclone during the next 48 hours.
Eastern Pacific
A small low pressure area is located about 1,000 miles southwest of the southern tip of Baja, California. Development of this disturbance, if any, should be slow to occur as it moves westward at about 10 mph. There is a low chance, near 10 percent, of this system becoming a tropical cyclone during the next 48 hours.
Central and Western Pacific
No tropical cyclones are expected during the next 48 hours.
(NOAA, JTWC)
Earthquake Activity

No new activity (FEMA HQ)
Wildfire Update

Wildfire National Preparedness: Level 1
National Fire Activity as of Tuesday, October 26, 2010:
Initial attack activity: moderate (298 new fires), new large fires: 6, large fires contained: 3
Uncontained large fires: 7, U.S. States Affected: MS, LA, FL, KY, VA & TX.
(NIFC)
Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG)
No activity.
(HQ FEMA)

Disaster Declaration Activity

On October 26, 2010, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico received a major disaster declaration (DR-1946) as a result of damages from severe storms, flooding, mudslides, and landslides associated with Tropical Storm Otto from October 4-8, 2010. The declaration makes 17 municipalities eligible for the Public Assistance Program and all municipalities eligible for the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. The Federal Coordinating Officer for this disaster is Justo Hernandez. (FEMA HQ)
Stay informed of FEMA's activities online: videos and podcasts available at www.fema.gov/medialibrary and www.youtube.com/fema; follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/fema and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/fema


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