Thursday, August 11, 2011

[FEMA]

Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED)

Missouri River Basin Flooding

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) continues to support the flooding response along the Missouri River Basin. There have been no new levee breaches or overtoppings reported since July 11, 2011.

While floodwaters have receded, they remain high and continue to stress flood control systems; however, the dams are fully functional and operating as designedâthe system is protecting the public from unregulated flows. In order to prepare for the 2012 runoff season, USACE developed a comprehensive drawdown plan for theMissouri River Basin system and will gradually step-down flow rates at all projects through September.

The last Missouri River water gauge is expected to fall below Flood Stage and water levels are forecast to normalize in October. Iowa has 1 shelter open with 4 occupants.

Significant National Weather

South
There is a slight risk of severe thunderstorms across a large portion of the Plains and across Arkansas into the Middle/Lower Mississippi Valley. Storms may produce locally heavy rain, strong wind gusts and some hail. Scattered thunderstorms are also possible across the Florida Peninsula. High temperatures east of the Mississippi River will reach the mid 80s to mid 90s and temperatures west of the Mississippi River will range from 95 to 110 degrrees.
Midwest
Thunderstorms are forecast across the Central and Northern Plains today, with a few storms featuring locally heavy rain. Some storms may produce strong wind gusts and hail.
Northeast
Some lingering showers are possible over the northernmost sections of New England, but dry pleasant conditions are forecast across the rest of the region. High temperatures will reach the 70s across much of Upstate New York and New England, and the 80s across the Mid-Atlantic.
West
Afternoon thunderstorms are forecast today over eastern Montana and northeast Wyoming, with a few storms producing heavy downpours, small hail and gusty winds. Some localized flooding is also possible. Monsoonal thunderstorms will continue across parts of New Mexico and eastern Arizona. High temperatures across the desert Southwest are expected to range from 95 to 110 degrees.
Tropical Weather Outlook

Atlantic / Caribbean /Gulf of Mexico

Area 1
A large area of disturbed weather is associated with a tropical wave and a broad area of low pressure centered about 550 miles west of the southern Cape Verde Islands. This system has changed little in organization during the past several hours. However, environmental conditions appear favorable for gradual development over the next several days. This system has a medium (30%) chance of becoming a tropical cyclone during the next 48 hours as it moves westward at 10 to 15 mph.
Area 2
Disorganized showers and thunderstorms extending from the eastern Gulf of Mexico across the Florida Peninsula into the Atlantic for several hundred miles are associated with a broad trough of low pressure. Any development of this system will be slow to occur as it moves eastward and then northeastward at around 15 mph. This system has a low (10%) chance of becoming a tropical cyclone during the next 48 hours.
Area 3
The remnants of Emily are located about 630 miles south-southeast of Cape Race, Newfoundland, and are moving toward the northeast at about 10 mph. The associated shower activity continues to show some signs of organization. However, environmental conditions are not conducive for significant development as this system moves over cooler waters and begins to interact with a frontal zone. This system has a low (10%) chance of regenerating into a tropical cyclone during the next 48 hours.
Area 4
An area of disturbed weather located about 450 miles southeast of the southern Cape Verde Islands is moving westward at about 15 mph. Slow development of this system is possible over the next couple of days and it has a low (10%) chance of becoming a tropical cyclone during the next 48 hours.

Eastern Pacific
Tropical Cyclone Activity is not expected during the next 48 hours.
Central Pacific
No tropical cyclones are expected through Friday evening.

Earthquake Activity

No new activity (FEMA HQ)
Wildfire Update

Wednesday, August 10, 2011:

• National Preparedness Level: 2
• Initial attack activity: Moderate (280 new fires)
• New Large Fires: 6
• Large Fires Contained: 7
• Uncontained Large Fires: 28
• Type 1 IMT Committed: 1
• Type 2 IMT Committed: 0
• States affected: VA, FL, CO, AR, OK, TX, ID, UT, AZ, NM, OR, NV, WA and CA.

Disaster Declaration Activity

Iowa
On August 9, 2011, the Governor submitted an amended request for a Major Disaster Declaration for the State of Iowa as a result of severe weather that produced hail, heavy rains, high winds, and thunderstorms during the period of July 9-14, 2011.Â* This request amends and replaces the original request dated July 26, 2011. The Governor is specifically requesting Public Assistance, including direct Federal assistance, for 6 counties and Hazard Mitigation statewide.Â*
On August 9, 2011, the Governor requested a Major Disaster Declaration for the State of Iowa as a result of severe storms and torrential rains during the period of July 27-29, 2011.Â* The Governor is specifically requesting Public Assistance, including direct Federal assistance, for Dubuque and Jackson Counties and Hazard Mitigation statewide.
Minnesota
Amendment #1 to FEMA-4009-DR-MN
Effective August 10, 2011, Major Disaster Declaration FEMA-4009-DR-MN for the State of Minnesota, dated July 28, 2011, is amended to include Kanabec County for Public Assistance.
South Dakota
Amendment #6 to FEMA-1984-DR-SDÂ*
Effective August 10, 2011, Major Disaster Declaration FEMA-1984-DR for the State of South Dakota, dated May 13, 2011, is amended to include Brule, Gregory, and Lyman Counties for Public Assistance.

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