Wednesday, August 18, 2010

[FEMA]

Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED)

Significant National Weather

Â*Midwest
Severe thunderstorms are possible from the Dakotas to Upper Michigan, bringing the potential for damaging wind gusts, hail, and tornadoes. Kentucky may see more than an inch of rain but the rest of the region should remain dry.
South
The stalled frontal system draped over the South and the remnant of Tropical Depression Five will continue to bring rain and thunderstorms throughout the South.Â* Downpours of 1 to 4 inches are possible from Louisiana to Tennessee. The southern Plains will see high temperatures between 95 to 103 degrees.Â* Heat Advisories remain in effect for southeastern Texas, where high humidity will make the temperatures feel between 105 to 115 degrees.
Northeast
The stalled front along the North Carolina-Virginia line will bring heavy rain across the southern Mid-Atlantic Region with downpours up to 5 inches. Upstate New York to New England will remain dry.
West
Dry thunderstorms are forecast from the Cascades to the northern Rockies creating a possibility for wildfires from lightning strikes. The Four Corners states and parts of Nevada and southeast California may see some redeveloping thunderstorms.
(NOAA and media sources)

Mississippi Canyon 252 Update

The well pressure remains stable and well integrity monitoring is ongoing with sonar surveys and visual inspections. Drill Rig III is conducting Blowout Preventer (BOP) testing. Drill Rig II continues rig maintenance and is preparing to temporarily abandon the well. Approximately 674 miles of coastline is impacted and shoreline cleanup efforts continue. Approximately 22 percent, or 52,395 miles, of federal waters of Gulf Exclusive Economic Zone remain closed to fishing.
(NIC Daily SitRep)

Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG)

No activity. (HQ FEMA)

Tropical Weather Outlook

Atlantic, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico:Â*
A tropical wave located over Hispaniola and portions of the central Caribbean Sea is producing widespread cloudiness and disorganized shower activity. Development of this disturbance, if any, should be slow to occur over the next 48 hours due to unfavorable environmental conditions. There is a low chance, around 10 percent, of this system becoming a tropical cyclone over the next 48 hours.
Central, Eastern and Western Pacific:Â*
No tropical cyclone activity expected during the next 48 hours.
(NOAA, JTWC)Â*
Earthquake Activity

No new activity (FEMA HQ)
Preliminary Damage Assessments

No new activity (FEMA HQ)
Wildfire Update

National Preparedness Level: 2
National Fire Activity as of Tuesday, August 17, 2010:Â*
Initial attack activity: moderate (201 new fires), new large fires: 0, large fires contained: 3
Uncontained large fires: 6, U.S. States affected: OR, OK, LA, AR, ID, UT, MT & AK
(NIFC)

Disaster Declaration Activity

On August 17, 2010, the President approved a major disaster declaration for Missouri (FEMA-1934-DR) as a result of severe storms, flooding, and tornadoes from June 12 to July 31, 2010. The declaration makes 29 counties eligible for the Public Assistance Program and all counties eligible for the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. Joseph M. Girot was appointed as the Federal Coordinating Officer for this disaster.
(HQ FEMA)



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