Sunday, December 25, 2011

[FEMA]

Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED)

Significant National Weather:

West:
A series of fast moving storms are forecast to bring rain and mountain snow across the Pacific Northwest today through the beginning of the week. High pressure over the Central Great Basin and off the California coast will continue to bring sunny and clear conditions throughout California and the Southwest.
Midwest:
Snow forecast primarily for the Upper Peninsula of Michigan today. Rain and snow forecast for portions of Middle Mississippi and Ohio Valleyâs on Monday. Temperatures are forecast to be near normal over the Great Lakes region.
Northeast:
Snow forecast for the interior Northeast and Northern New England today with clearing forecast on Monday. Rain and snow expected Tuesday over portions of the Northeast.
South:
Snow forecast to linger today, tapering off tonight over the Texas Panhandle. Light to moderate rain forecast for much of the Deep South and portions of Arkansas today through Monday. Scattered rain expected over potions the Southeast region through Tuesday. Mostly clear conditions forecast across the Mid-Atlantic region today with rain developing over North Carolina on Tuesday.
AAA Tips for Winter Driving

The danger from winter weather varies across the country. Nearly all Americans, regardless of where they live, are likely to face some type of severe winter weather at some point. Winter storms can range from a moderate snow over a few hours to a blizzard with blinding, wind-driven snow that lasts for several days. Many winter storms are accompanied by dangerously low temperatures and sometimes by strong winds, icing, sleet and freezing rain. Severe weather can be especially dangerous for automobile travel during the holiday season.
If you are traveling over this Christmas holiday, AAA offers some tips for your winter driving:

• Avoid driving while you're fatigued. Getting the proper amount of rest before taking on winter weather tasks reduces driving risks.
• Never warm up a vehicle in an enclosed area, such as a garage.
• Make certain your tires are properly inflated.
• Never mix radial tires with other tire types.
• Keep your gas tank at least half full to avoid gas line freeze-up.
• If possible, avoid using your parking brake in cold, rainy and snowy weather.
• Do not use cruise control when driving on any slippery surface (wet, ice, sand).
• Always look and steer where you want to go.
• Use your seat belt every time you get into your vehicle.

If you will be traveling long distances:

• Watch weather reports prior to a long-distance drive or before driving in isolated areas. Delay trips when especially bad weather is expected. If you must leave, let others know your route, destination and estimated time of arrival.
• Always make sure your vehicle is in peak operating condition by having it inspected before your trip
• Keep at least half a tank of gasoline in your vehicle at all times.
• Pack a cellular telephone plus blankets, gloves, hats, food, water and any needed medication in your vehicle.
• If you become snow-bound, stay with your vehicle. It provides temporary shelter and makes it easier for rescuers to locate you. Don't try to walk in a severe storm. It's easy to lose sight of your vehicle in blowing snow and become lost.
• Don't over exert yourself if you try to push or dig your vehicle out of the snow.
• Tie a brightly colored cloth to the antenna or place a cloth at the top of a rolled up window to signal distress. At night, keep the dome light on if possible. It only uses a small amount of electricity and will make it easier for rescuers to find you.
• Make sure the exhaust pipe isn't clogged with snow, ice or mud. A blocked exhaust could cause deadly carbon monoxide gas to leak into the passenger compartment with the engine running.
• Use whatever is available to insulate your body from the cold. This could include floor mats, newspapers or paper maps.
• If possible run the engine and heater just long enough to remove the chill and to conserve gasoline.

Drive safely and enjoy your Holiday! www.ready.gov/winter, www.aaaexchange.com/main/Default.asp?CategoryID=3&SubCategoryID=55
Space Weather:

No space weather storms were observed during the past 24 hours and no space weather storms are predicted for the next 24 hours.Â*
Tropical Weather Outlook

No new activity (FEMA HQ)
Earthquake Activity

No new activity (FEMA HQ)
Wildfire Update

As of Friday, December 23, 2011:
National Preparedness Level: 1 Initial attack activity: Light (203 new fires)
New Large Fires: 1 Large Fires, Contained: 1, Uncontained, Large Fires: 0, Type 1 Incident Management Teams Committed: 0, Type 2 IMTs Committed: 0
States affected: TexasÂ*

Disaster Declaration Activity

No new activity (FEMA HQ)


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