Monday, May 2, 2011

[FEMA]

Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED)

Significant National Weather

South:
Severe thunderstorms capable of producing damaging wind gusts and hail are possible from east Texas to Tennessee.Â* Rain accumulations of one to four inches are forecast from southeast Oklahoma into western Tennessee, bringing the potential for flash flooding to an already saturated area. The additional rainfall raises the potential for continued river flooding across the Mississippi River Basin.Â*Â*
Midwest:
Rain and thunderstorms in the Ohio Valley will bring the possibility of an additional 1-3 inches of rain.Â* Flash flooding and worsening river flood conditions continue across the Ohio River Valley.Â*Â*
Northeast:
The potential for severe thunderstorms exists in southwestern Pennsylvania, western Maryland and West Virginia.Â* Clear and sunny skies are expected for the remainder of the Northeast.Â*Â*Â*
West:
Rain showers and higher elevation snow will continue for portions of the Southern Rockies. A new storm system enters the northwest on Tuesday, bringing showers and upper elevation snow to the region.Â* Windy conditions continue in the southwest and the fire danger remains high across parts of southern California, Arizona and New Mexico.Â*(National Weather Service, Hydrometeorological Prediction Center, and various media sources).Â*
Severe Weather Outbreak â April 25-28

On April 25 -28, severe weather moved across the Southeast producing over 300 preliminary tornado reports and significant damage in AR, AL, GA and MS.
Alabama
FEMA-3319-EM-AL was signed on April 27, 2011. As of May 1, roughly 236 fatalities (a revised more accurate count) have been confirmed with 2,219 injured and 7 missing.Â*There were 7 Disaster Recovery Centers DRCs scheduled to open on May 1 and 9 are scheduled to open today, May 2. A total of 20 DRCs may be implemented and up to 11 additional DRCs may open during the week. 390,168 customers (16% of the State) without power as of 4:00 p.m. EDT May 1.

The American Red Cross ARC reports 17 shelters open with 661 occupants as of May 1. There was extensive damage reported at the Huntsville-Madison County Executive Airport. The water systems in the town of Gurley and Madison County remain inoperable. The Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant near Decatur, AL achieved a cold shut down on April 27th and remains on back-up generator power for cooling. Approximately 2,280 National Guard have been activated across the state. The state priorities remain pretty much unchanged (Search and Rescue, debris removal, power restoration, commodities, and long term/temporary housing). Their critical needs have been identified as ice, tarps, water, fuel, meals & temporary facilities for First Responders.
Mississippi
As of May 1, less than 1,000 customers remain without power. A total of 35 fatalities and 176 injuries have been reported. There were 540 homes, 170 mobile homes, & 62 businesses are damaged or destroyed.
Approximately 350 homes, 63 mobile homes & 12 businesses were reported to have minor damage.
As of May 1, there is one Disaster Recovery Center operational in Smithville and the ARC reports 2 shelters are open with 20 occupants.

Georgia
FEMA-1973-DR-GA was on signed April 29. As of May 1, the total number of fatalities stands at 15 with 115 injuries reported. The Georgia Search and Rescue in Raybon County will close operations on May 2. All SAR activities have been completed. Approximately 300 homes and businesses have been destroyed. Damage to several hospitals in Floyd County has been reported and one hospital remains on backup power. The water system in Dade County is inoperable due to power outages, which resulted in the issuance of a boiled water advisory. The schools in Floyd and Dade Counties have received roof damage and efforts to reopen the schools are underway.
5,038 customers remain without power. The ARC reports 4 shelters open with 27 occupants as of May 1.
Kentucky
.On April 28, the Governor of Kentucky requested a major disaster declaration for severe storms, flooding, strong winds and tornadoes. There was one confirmed fatality. There were 11 homes, 6 commercial buildings & 1 church reported to have major damage or destroyed. As of May 1, the ARC reports 3 shelters open with 27 occupants.
Tennessee
There are 34 confirmed fatalities and 94 injuries. As of May 1, the DOE reports 39,733 customers without power. The ARC reports 10 shelters open with 84 occupants as of May 1. There are numerous homes damaged or destroyed, and schools are closed until further notice.
North Carolina
FEMA-1969-DR was declared April 19, 2011. The American Red Cross ARC reports 1 Shelter open with 170 occupants as of May 1. There have been no injuries or fatalities reported.
Texas
Fire weather conditions improved slightly for a few days, resulting in no new large fires reported in Texas. Firefighters continue to battle carryover fires, but most activity is now at least 75% contained on all fires from previous days. Elevated fire weather conditions are expected again Tuesday in west Texas.
Louisiana
The Governor declared a State of Emergency on April 29 due to the anticipated river crests along the Mississippi River. Less than 1,000 customers without power. There are no requests for FEMA assistance.
Arkansas
A total of 11 storm related fatalities and 12 injuries were reported. The DOE reports 7,554 customers without power as of 4:00 p.m. EDT May 1.Â*
Virginia
The Virginia Governor declared a State of Emergency April 28 in response to severe weather that affected the commonwealth beginning April 27.Â*There have not been any requests for FEMA assistance.
New York State
The Governor declared a State of Emergency for 7 counties due to damage from severe weather and flooding that began on April 26-28, 2011. Widespread flooding continues in northern New York, where record levels are expected in 9 locations. Three rivers (Lake Champlain, Sacandaga, and Schroon) in Eastern and Northern New York are currently at Major Flood Stage. Flood Watches and Warnings will remain in effect through May 3.
The American Red Cross reports; 3 shelters open with 5 occupants as of May 1. There have not been any requests for FEMA assistance.
Midwest Spring Flooding

Flooding will continue across portions of southern Illinois and Indiana. The flooding has impacted numerous local and state roads, agricultural land and some residential areas.
Illinois
A state operated Unified Area Command (UAC) has been established in Marion, IL.
Cairo, IL
The Cairo Mayor issued a mandatory evacuation of all residents, other than first responders, to be completed by 2400 CDT Saturday April 30, 2011.Â* The Illinois State Police (ISP) reported today, Sunday May 1, 2011, that 95% of the population of Cairo has evacuated and as of 1500 CDT only about 100 residents remain. Â*ISP has officers at the city entrance logging people going back and forth to track total and location of all remaining residents.Â*This is not because of any change in conditions but rather precautionary because of the limited egress from the city if the levee should fail.Â*
Indiana
A total of thirteen counties have declared a state of emergency.
Missouri
On May 1, the USACE Mississippi Valley Division (MVD) commander General Walsh authorized the movement of the barges from Wickliffe to the Birds Point Levee to lay and charge the explosives. When underway, it will take about three hours to position the tow and 18-21 hours to load the pipes.Â* After the explosives are charged, and a final authorization to breach the levee is issued, it will take 2-6hrs for the blasting to commence. It will take the USACE 3hrs to tow the barges down the river to begin preparation on the creation of inflow/outflow crevasse #1 and#2. There is a 24hr window for the Floodway to fill and some buffer time from the 1500ft opening in the levee that is already in place.
There are storms in the area, and the USACE must maintain a distance of 15 miles from lightning which could slow down the process of creating inflow/outflow crevasse #1 and#2.
The final authorization to breach the levee has not been granted. Major flooding is expected in record levels in Southeast Missouri tonight through Wednesday.Â*The Missouri Department of Transportation reported 250 road closures in the southeastern portion of the state. Six shelters open with 6 occupants. Missouri has completed flood preparations. USACE will continue to monitor the situation.Â* There are requests for FEMA assistance or commodities.
Earthquake Activity

No new activity (FEMA HQ)
Wildfire Update

Sunday, May 1, 2011
National Preparedness Level: 1
Initial attack activity: Light (51 new fires)
New Large Fires: 6
Large Fires Contained: 8
Uncontained Large Fires: 27
Type 1 IMTs Committed: 2
Type 2 IMTs Committed: 3
States affected: TX, FL, AZ, MN, CO, KS and NM (NIFC)
Wildfire Activity
Sisk Road Fire - TX (Archer and Wichita Counties)
A fire was reported on April 29, 2011 in Archer and Wichita Counties, TX. An FMAG-2905-FM-TX was approved on April 30. The fire has burned over 200 acres around Lake Wichita and is 90% contained. (FEMA HQ)
Disaster Declaration Activity

Tennessee
On May 1, 2011, the President signed Major Disaster Declaration FEMA-1974-DR for the State of Tennessee for Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-line Winds, and Associated Flooding beginning
April 25 â 28 2011. The declaration approves Individual Assistance for four counties, Public Assistance for four counties in the State of Tennessee for emergency work and repair or replacement of disaster damaged facilities and debris removal and emergency protective measures (Categories A and B), and Hazard Mitigation statewide.
Alabama
Effective May 1, 2011, Amendment #4 amended FEMA-1971-DR-AL, dated April 28, 2011, adds 12 counties for Individual Assistance (already designated for debris removal and emergency protective measures (Categories A+B) including direct Federal Assistance under the Public Assistance program.
Mississippi
Effective May 1, 2011, Amendment #1 amended FEMA-1972-DR-MS, dated April 29, 2011, adds four counties for Individual Assistance and four counties for debris removal and emergency protective measures, (Categories A and B), including direct federal assistance under the Public Assistance Program.
Georgia
Effective May 1, 2011, Amendment #2 amended FEMA-1973-DR-GA, dated April 29, 2011, adds four counties for Individual Assistance already designated for debris removal and emergency protective measures, (Categories A and B), including direct federal assistance under the Public Assistance Program.
(FEMA HQ)


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