Friday, October 7, 2011

[FEMA]

Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED)

Significant National Weather

WestÂ*
A powerful early winter storm will continue to move east of the Northern and Central Rockies late today producing a wintry mix of rain, snow and strong winds across the West. Snow may exceed a foot in higher elevations. Rain and scattered thunderstorms are possible over portions of Washington, Oregon and Montana. Many locations will experience below normal temperatures up to 20 degrees.
Midwest
Heavy rain and thunderstorms, including strong winds, are forecast for the Northern, Central, and Southern Plains, western Great Lakes and the Middle Mississippi Valley.
SouthÂ*
Severe storms are expected across western Oklahoma and Texas. Some storms may become severe with hail and isolated tornadoes possible. Light rain showers are forecast for the Texas coast. Rain and strong winds are anticipated for eastern Florida.
NortheastÂ*
Frost and freeze warnings are expected for portions of New England, New York and Pennsylvania; however, a warm front will move the cold Canadian air out of the area this afternoon. Sunny and clear conditions are expected through the weekend.

Tropical Weather Outlook

Atlantic / Caribbean / Gulf
Hurricane Philippe (Category 1)
As of 5:00 a.m. EDT, Hurricane Philippe was located about 535 miles east-southeast of Bermuda and moving east-northeast at 17 mph. This motion should continue today with a turn back toward the northeast on Saturday. Maximum sustained winds are near 90 mph with higher gusts. Some gradual weakening should begin today and Philippe is forecast to become a post-tropical in the next 24 to 48 hours. Hurricane storm-force winds extend outward up to 25 miles and tropical storm force winds extend outward 90 miles. There are no coastal watches or advisories in effect.
Eastern Pacific
Hurricane Irwin (Category 1)
As of 5 a.m. EDT, Hurricane Irwin was located about 910 miles southwest of Baja Calif., Mexico and moving west-northwest at 10 mph. A turn toward the northwest and north-northwest a significant decrease in forward speed is expected through tonight followed by a turn toward the east on Saturday. Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 80 mph with higher gusts. Additional strengthening is forecast during the next 48 hours. Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 15 miles and Tropical storm-force winds extend outward up to 85 miles.
Tropical Storm Jova
As of 5 a.m. EDT, Tropical Storm Jova was located approximately 520 miles southwest of Manzanillo, Mexico and moving west-northwest at 12 mph. A turn toward the northwest and north-northwest with a decrease in forward speed is expected today and tonight followed by a turn toward the north-northeast on Saturday. Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 50 mph with higher gusts. Additional strengthening is forecast during the next 48 hours and Jova could become a hurricane on Saturday. Tropical storm-force winds extend outward up to 70 miles.
Area 1 (Invest 99E)
As of 2:00 a.m. EDT, an area of disturbed weather is located several hundred miles south of the Gulf of Tehuantepec. Upper-level winds appear somewhat conducive for slow development as it moves westward at 5-10 mph. This system has a low (20 percent) chance of becoming a tropical cyclone during the next 48 hours. There are no coastal watches or advisories in effect.
Central Pacific
No tropical cyclones are expected through Saturday evening.
Western Pacific
There are no tropical cyclones threatening U.S. territories.

Earthquake Activity

No new activity (FEMA HQ)
Wildfire Update

Thursday, Oct. 6, 2011:Â*
National Preparedness Level: 2
Initial attack activity: Light (57 new fires)
New Large Fires: 4
Large Fires Contained: 2
Uncontained Large Fires: 12
States Affected: Nevada, California, Texas, Arizona, Oklahoma, Idaho, Minnesota, South Dakota, Nebraska and Oregon

Disaster Declaration Activity

No new activity (FEMA HQ)


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