Wednesday, November 24, 2010

[FEMA]

Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED)

Significant National Weather

West
Widespread snow and snow showers, in some areas up to a foot or more, are expected from the Central Rockies to the Four Corners area. The addition of gusty winds will bring blizzard conditions over the Central Rockies and into the Central Plains. The Pacific Northwest will see clear skies, but chilly temperatures in the 30s and below while temperatures across northern and central California will drop to freezing or near freezing.Â*
Midwest
Temperatures will remain cold from the Northern Plains to the Upper Mississippi Valley as the storm sweeping in from the West brings snow and single digit temperatures to the Northern and Central Plains. To the south, the Middle Mississippi and Ohio River valleys will be rainy with some areas of severe weather. Critical Fire Weather conditions are forecast for the Texas Panhandle and adjacent portions of New Mexico, Colorado, Oklahoma and Kansas as low relative humidity and dry conditions continue.
Northeast
Other than some areas of snow in New England, the Mid-Atlantic and most of New England will be relatively clear. Gusty west winds will develop across the Northeast tonight behind a frontal boundary with sustained winds expected in the 10 to 20 mph range with gusts from 25 to 40 mph.
South
Rain and thunderstorms are anticipated across much of the Gulf Coast states, Tennessee Valley, and the Southern Appalachians.
(NOAA and media sources)

Western Winter Storms

In the Northwestern U.S., a major winter storm began on November 22, 2010, and continues today. The storm brought strong winds, heavy snow, and temperatures near zero. FEMA Regions IX and X remain at a Watch/Steady State and there are no reported unmet needs and no requests for FEMA assistance. In the Pacific Northwest, numerous schools and government offices remain closed due to weather conditions. On Tuesday, roads, highways, airports, and interstates were closed due to snowfall, freezing temperatures, and near-whiteout conditions. In Seattle, WA, more than 100,000 customers lost electrical power but restoration efforts continue and currently there are approximately 40,000 customers without power. During the peak of the storm, heavy snows in the Sierra Nevada foothills (as low as 2,500 feet elevation) caused temporary road closures and additional power outages. Today, some roadways have re-opened due to improving conditions but icy roads are expected to be a travel issue through Thursday.
(NOAA, FEMA Regions XI, X, FEMA HQ)

Tropical Weather Outlook

Atlantic, Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico
Tropical cyclone formation is not expected during the next 48 hours.

Central, Eastern, and Western Pacific
Tropical cyclone formation is not expected during the next 48 hours.
(NOAA, JTWC)

Earthquake Activity

On November 23, a 4.7 magnitude earthquake occurred at 11:34 pm EST occurred in the Pacific Ocean, 95 miles southeast of Honolulu, HI, at a depth of 11 miles. There are no reports of damages or injuries.
(USGS)

Preliminary Damage Assessments

No new activity (FEMA HQ)
Wildfire Update

National Wildfire Fire activity as of Tuesday, November 23, 2010:
National preparedness: level 1, initial attack activity: light (70 new fires), new large fires: 0
Large fires contained: 0, uncontained large fires: 1, U.S. States affected: GA
(NIFC)
Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG)Â*
No activity.
(HQ FEMA)

Disaster Declaration Activity

No new activity (FEMA HQ)


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