Wednesday, February 16, 2011

[FEMA]

Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED)

Significant National Weather

Northeast
Frigid temperatures are forecast for the morning across New York and New England. Morning lows will range from the low and mid 20s in the New York City area to between zero and 20 below zero across the northernmost parts of New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. Warmer temperatures are forecast for later in the day, as the cold area of high pressure moves into the Atlantic.
West
Rain and snow will extend from the West Coast eastward toward the Rockies. The heaviest rain will fall across northern and central California with an additional inch in the coastal range. Heaviest snow is forecast for the higher elevations of the Sierra with accumulations up to four feet, and the mountains of central Idaho with accumulations up to two feet. Strong winds are forecast from the high deserts of Southern California to western Utah, the Rockies and Montana with gusts as high as 60 mph at times. Temperatures will vary from five to 15 degrees below average in the Great Basin and West Coast.
Midwest
Southerly winds are bringing moisture and cloudiness northward creating morning fog and patchy drizzle in the mid-Mississippi and lower Ohio Valleys, and areas of light rain in the Great Lakes. Due to higher than normal temperatures, snow melt will cause a heightened risk for ice jams that may cause localized flooding in the Upper Midwest.
South
Southerly winds and increasing moisture in the air will cause morning low clouds, areas of dense fog, and patchy drizzle from central and eastern Texas and eastern Oklahoma into the Lower Mississippi Valley. The Southern Plains will be breezy with gusts of more than 30 mph. The fire threat will be elevated across western Oklahoma, western Texas, and in parts of the Southeast.Â* (National Weather Service, Hydrometeorological Prediction Center, and various media sources)

Virginia Wildfires

Of the 89 fires, 88 have been contained. The remaining fire, located in the Jefferson National Forest, has burned an estimated 550 acres and is reported to be 30 percent contained.Â* There have been four injuries reported and damages to three homes and six structures.Â* No FEMA assistance has been requested.
Earthquake Activity

No new activity (FEMA HQ)
Preliminary Damage Assessments

Joint Preliminary Damage Assessments are underway in the following states: New Mexico, Missouri and Washington.
Disaster Declaration Activity

No new activity On Feb. 14, 2011, the Governor requested a major disaster declaration for the State of Washington as a result of a Severe Storm, Flooding, Landslides, and Mudslides that occurred during the period of Dec. 8-18, 2010. The Governor specifically requested Public Assistance for seven counties and Hazard Mitigation statewide.Â*(FEMA HQ)Â*


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