Thursday, March 31, 2011

[FEMA]

Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED)

Significant National Weather

Midwest
Rain and snow are forecast across the Dakotas and western Minnesota. Rain showers will move from the Central Plains into the Mississippi and Ohio Valleys. The Great Lakes area and the Southern Plains will remain dry.
South
Rain showers will continue in the Southeast, with the exception of areas west of the Mississippi River, which will be mainly dry. Thunderstorms will continue in southern Georgia and much of Florida; some severe across central Florida. Rain and snow are forecast over higher elevations of the Virginias.
Northeast
Rain and snow are forecast to continue over much of the Northeast. The system is forecast to rapidly intensify early this afternoon. Strong northeasterly winds and heavy snow are forecast from eastern New York through New England. Much of the area may receive more than three inches of snow but totals in excess of 12 inches are possible in higher elevations.
West
Rain and snow showers continue in the Northwest and the northern and central Rockies. The danger of an avalanche remains high across the Cascade and Olympic Ranges. Light rain and snow are forecast across Montana. Much of the Pacific Northwest, including southern Montana to Colorado will experience windy conditions; gusts could exceed 40 mph in these areas.Â* (National Weather Service, Hydrometeorological Prediction Center, and various media sources)Â*
Severe Weather

Â*A severe storm system moved across the Southeast from March 29-30; thunderstorms expected to continue in Georgia and Florida today.
Mississippi
Four counties in central Mississippi were impacted on March 29 and the National Weather Service is determining if a tornado hit Simpson County. Wind and heavy rain closed more than 18 roads due to debris, flooding and damage. Three homes and three farm buildings were destroyed and more than 40 homes received minor to major damage. Open sources reported eight homes flooded in Scott County. Local damage assessments are ongoing. There were no reports of injuries, and no assistance has been requested.
Florida
High winds reportedly caused downed trees and power lines resulting in sporadic power outages across several counties in central Florida; total number of outages unknown. Flights were temporarily grounded at Orlando International Airport. Multiple homes received minor to major damages.Â* Local damage assessments are ongoing. There were no reports of injuries and no assistance has been requested.

Japan Recovery - Support Operations

National IMAT Activations
The National Incident Management Assistance Team-East Support Cell remains activated supporting the EPAâs air monitoring mission.
Region X Response Division including IMAT staff, NP REP Program, and Mission Support Divisions are supporting the National IMAT and EPA in air monitoring in response to the Japanese emergency.Â*Â*(FEMA HQ)

Spring Flood Preparation

Current Situation
The recent cold air intrusion has resulted in an increased risk of ice jams for the next couple weeks as the upcoming melt begins or continues to break up the ice. A storm system is forecast to bring significant precipitation (rain and snow) with accumulating snowfall this weekend.Â* The higher amounts (0.50 to 1.25 inches) will occur across central and southern Minnesota and Wisconsin to southern Michigan. The extended weather forecast indicates below normal temperatures across Region V for the next week. Highs will be in the upper 30s to lower 40s through the end of the week. Temperatures will warm into the 40s on Saturday but fall back into the mid 30s to lower 40s on Sunday. Significant snowfall is expected through tomorrow across the Mountains of Wyoming, Colorado, southern North Dakota and Montana, particularly the Tetons of Wyoming. Flood warnings continue for streams in the north central portions of Montana, the James and Souris Rivers in North Dakota, and the Big Sioux, James, Des Moines and Redwood Rivers in South Dakota. Souris River - Probabilities to reach major flood levels at Minot, N.D., increased from around 5-10 percent to 15-20 percent.
In South Dakota, snowmelt will likely return toward the end of next week, this will likely cause a second crest on the Upper Mississippi and its tributaries, as well as the James and Big Sioux Rivers.Â* (FEMA Region V, VII, VIII, USACE, NOAA)Â*
Earthquake Activity

No new activity (FEMA HQ)
Wildfire Update

Wednesday March 30, 2011

• National Preparedness Level: 1
• Initial attack activity: Light (122 new fires)
• New large fires: 0
• Large fires contained: 2
• Uncontained large fires: 12
• Type 2 IMTs committed: 2

States Affected: Georgia, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Texas (NIFC)


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