Tuesday, April 12, 2011

[FEMA]

Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED)

Significant National Weather

Midwest
An area of high pressure will keep the majority of the region sunny and dry.Â* Another Critical Fire Weather day is anticipated across the Central Plains through this evening, with the low relative humidity and strong winds.
West
A low pressure system moving across the Central Great Basin will produce lower elevation rain and mountain snow, Wyoming could receive up to an additional two to four inches of snow. Across the Desert Southwest above average temperatures, strong winds and dry conditions will continue today. This weather condition will extend from portions of California up through the Texas Panhandle.
South
A cold front will move across the Carolinas today, bringingÂ* showers and thunderstorms to the Mid-Atlantic. The severe thunderstorms that moved across Alabama and into Georgia may produce hail and damaging winds gusts of 70 mph or greater in Virginia, Maryland and Delaware today.Â* The Gulf Coast states will be sunny and dry.
Northeast
Showers and thunderstorms are forecast for the Mid Atlantic up through New England until mid morning.Â* A minimal risk of thunderstorms is expected across portions of Pennsylvania, New York and New Jersey.Â* (National Weather Service, Hydrometeorological Prediction Center, and various media sources).
Severe Weather

FEMA Region V
On April 10, a line of storms triggered tornado warnings, strong winds and large hail across Wisconsin. As a result, there were six unconfirmed and one confirmed tornado touched down across the state. Wisconsin power companies are reporting approximately 7,000 customers are without power. In Merrill (Lincoln County), gas and power have been shut off to the area and crews are attempting to restore services. There is one shelter open with an unknown number of occupants. Local damage assessments continue, but there are no requests for FEMA assistance.
On April 11, residents along the Wisconsin River in Sauk and Columbia counties were being urged to evacuate. The Sauk County Emergency Management officials have requested that all residents near the Levee Road area evacuate due to rising water approaching the roadway. The river is expected to crest later this week. There are no requests for FEMA assistance.
Midwest Spring Flooding

Widespread spring snow melts areal and ravine flooding continues along the Red River and its tributaries. Light rain is forecast for Tuesday afternoon and evening. Rain amounts will be less than a tenth of an inch.
Earthquake Activity

No new activity (FEMA HQ)
Preliminary Damage Assessments

One Joint IA PDA began on April 11, in Pulaski County, Virginia as a result of the tornado touchdown on April 8.Â*
Joint PA PDAs have been requested for 20 counties in the State of Minnesota for Spring Flooding.Â*(FEMA HQ)
Wildfire Update

Monday, April 11, 2011

• National Preparedness Level: 1
• Initial attack activity: Moderate (128 new fires)
• New Large Fires: 4
• Large Fires Contained: 2
• Uncontained Large Fires: 19
• Type 1 IMTs Committed: 2
• Type 2 IMTs Committed: 0
• States affected: CO, NM, TX, OK, MO, GA, and FL (NIFC)

Wildfire Activity
Swenson Fire (Stonewall, Knox and King County, TX)
On April 9, a Fire Management Assistant Grant (FMAG) was approved for the Texas Swenson Fire that continues to burn in three counties (Stonewall, Knox and King). Approximately 71,000 acres burnedand it is 25 % contained.
Rockhouse Fire (Presido County, TX)
On April 9, a FMAG was approved for the Rockhouse Fire near Fort Davis, TX, (population 1,041). Â* Approximately 25,000 acres burned on private land and it the fire 10 percent contained.
Hickman Fire (Midland County, TX)
On April 9, a FMAG was approved for the Hickman Fire in Midland County.Â* Approximately 16, 500 acres burned and it is 98 percent contained.


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