Thursday, August 5, 2010

[FEMA]

Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED)

Significant National Weather

West:Â*
Flash flooding will remain a possibility in the Four Corners region especially across western Colorado and northern New Mexico. There is also a slight risk of severe thunderstorms over northeastern Colorado, southwestern Nebraska, and northwestern Kansas. Red Flag fire risk conditions are in effect in Idaho as isolated dry thunderstorms are possible from eastern Oregon into central Idaho. High temperatures in the 90-100 degree range will persist in the Desert Southwest and dry, hot conditions will continue across much of southern and central California and into southern Nevada.Â*
Midwest:
A cold front will extend from southern Oklahoma into Tennessee and provide relief from the recent excessive heat. Ahead of this front, a broad area of instability will bring numerous thunderstorms, some of which may become supercells in western Nebraska and northwestern Kansas. The threat of severe thunderstorms continues across portions of the Middle Mississippi and Ohio Valleys. Dangerous heat and humidity continues across portions of southern Oklahoma and eastern Texas with high temperatures surpassing 100 degrees.
South:
An excessive heat warning was issued for portions of the Lower Mississippi and Tennessee Valleys where temperatures exceeding 115 degrees are possible. Scattered thunderstorms are forecast across the Southeast today.Â*
Northeast:
A cold front will extend from southern Oklahoma into Tennessee then northeasterly into New England by this afternoon. Ahead of this front, a broad area of strong instability will exist and numerous thunderstorms are expected. The Mid-Atlantic and New England regions are at risk for severe thunderstorms, hail, and high winds by this afternoon.Â*Â*
(NOAA and media sources)

Mississippi Canyon 252 Update

FEMA is providing personnel and equipment support. Static kill operations are complete and the oil flow remains secured. The National Incident Commander has given BP permission to cement the well.Â* Approximately 650 miles of coastline is impacted and approximately 57,539 square miles in the Gulf of Mexico remain closed to fishing.Â*Â*
(NIC Daily SitRep Update)

Tropical Weather Outlook

Atlantic, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico:Â*
The remnants of Tropical Storm Colin is now a broad area of low pressure a few hundred miles north of the Leeward Islands moving northwest at 20 to 25 mph. Satellite images indicate that the associated cloud pattern continues to show signs of organization but surface observations suggest that it lacks a well-defined circulation. Although upper-level winds are not favorable for significant development, the system has the potential to regain tropical storm status later today or on Friday. There is a medium chance, 40 percent, of this system becoming a tropical cyclone during the next 48 hours. In addition to Colin, a tropical wave exists over the western Caribbean Sea that may develop further during the next day or two before it moves over Central America. There is a low chance, 20 percent, of this system becoming a tropical cyclone during the next 48 hours.
Eastern PacificÂ*
An area of low pressure located 100 miles south-southwest of Puerto Escondido, Mexico appears conducive for development at any time during the next day or so. There is a high chance, 70 percent, of this system becoming a tropical cyclone during the next 48 hours.
Central and Western Pacific:Â*
No tropical cyclones are expected during the next 48 hours.Â*
(NOAA, JTWC)

Earthquake Activity

A 4.8 magnitude earthquake occurred Wednesday, Aug 4, at 8:04 p.m. EDT approximately 20 miles east northeast of Jackson, Wyo., at a depth of 3.1 miles. There are no reports of significant damage or injury.Â*
(USGS)

Preliminary Damage Assessments

No new activity (FEMA HQ)
Wildfire Update

Rooster Rock Fire â Deschutes National ForestÂ*
This fire in central Oregon has burned approximately 5,500 acres and is currently 30% contained.Â* Approximately 30 homes nearby were evacuated as a precaution. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
National Preparedness Level: 2
National Fire Activity as of Wednesday, August 4, 2010:Â*
Initial attack activity: light (159 new fires), new large fires: 2, large fires contained: 2
Uncontained large fires: 8, U.S. States affected: WA, OR, CA, ID, MT, WY, CO, AK & AR
(NIFC)

Disaster Declaration Activity

Amendment #1 for FEMA-1923-DR-WY was approved on August 4, 2010 adding Platte County for Public Assistance.
Amendment #2 for FEMA-1922-DR-MT was approved on July 30, 2010 closing the incident period for the disaster effective July 30, 2010.Â*
(HQ FEMA)Â*Â*Â*Â*



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