Thursday, February 10, 2011

[FEMA]

Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED)

Significant National Weather

SouthÂ*
One to four inches of snow are expected by early this morning across portions of the Southeast and the southern Mid-Atlantic. Rain, changing to light snow is forecast across northern North Carolina, northern South Carolina and southeast Virginia. Light rain will develop over other portions of the Southeast today, with thunderstorms possible over the Florida Peninsula. An arctic air mass continues to spread south and eastward, resulting in significant freeze conditions from the Texas Gulf Coast to the Florida Panhandle and lower Tennessee Valley. Wind chills from 15 to 30 degrees below zero are expected as far south as Deep South Texas.
Northeast
Heavy lake-effect snow is expected east of Lake Ontario, especially across the Tug Hill Plateau, where more than 30 inches may fall by Friday. High temperatures will be in the teens from western New York to Northern New England.
Midwest
Much of the Midwest will be dry today with the exception of light snow in North Dakota and snow showers across much of the Great Lakes area. Several inches of snow are forecast for parts of Michigan and the Upper Peninsula could see more than six inches. Areas south of Lake Superior and east of Lake Michigan are expected to receive some lake-effect snow. High temperatures will only reach the teens across the Great Lakes. Wind chills from 15 to 30 degrees below zero are expected across the region through this morning.
West
Across the Northern Rockies and eastern Montana light snow and high winds are possible. Offshore wind gusts of up to 60 mph continue to create Santa Anna winds in the mountains, canyons and passes east of Los Angeles. Winds and low relative humidity will result in an increased fire risk across southern California.Â*(National Weather Service, Hydrometeorological Prediction Center, and media)Â*
Explosion and Evacuation in Pennsylvania

An explosion, possibly caused by a gas line leak, occurred at a private residence in the city of Allentown, Pa., Feb. 9 at 10:45 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency reports eight homes destroyed, three businesses received minor to moderate damage and the Gross Tower Senior Center received minor damage. Local media is reporting at least eight homes on fire. Approximately 500 evacuees were moved by bus to Agriculture Hall at the Fair Grounds, located half a mile from the scene. A majority (80%) of the evacuees were from Gross Towers, a senior residence high rise. Firefighters and UGI (utility company) are on scene. Once the area has been determined safe evacuees from Gross Towers will be returned to their residence. The American Red Cross has been notified and is en-route. Two civilians were transported to a local hospital and one firefighter was injured as a result of a fall. PPL (Power Company) shut down power in the area, causing an estimated 100 people to be without power. No critical care facilities were affected. No unmet needs have been reported and there are no requests for federal assistance. At approximately, 4:30 a.m. the gas line was secured and evacuees are being brought back to their homes. Local fire departments have extinguished the fire and fire crews are in overhaul. Six residents remain unaccounted for.Â*(FEMA Region III)Â*
Earthquake Activity

A magnitude 4.7 earthquake occurred Feb. 10, 2011, at 4:39 a.m. Eastern Standard Time on the Alaska Peninsula, approximately 52 miles north of Larsen Bay and 251 miles southwest of Anchorage, Alaska. The earthquake occurred at a depth of 43.9 miles. There have been no reports of damage or injury associated with this quake and no tsunami was generated.(USGS, West Coast & Alaska Tsunami Warning Center)Â*
Preliminary Damage Assessments

Joint Preliminary Damage Assessments are underway in Connecticut and Massachusetts.
(FEMA Region I)

Disaster Declaration Activity

On February 8, 2011 the Governor of New York requested a major disaster declaration for the State of New York as a result of a severe winter storm and snowstorm during the period of December 26-27, 2010. The Governor is requesting Public Assistance, including snow assistance, for Bronx, Kings, Nassau, Queens, Rensselaer, and Richmond counties; Public Assistance for Nassau and Suffolk counties; and Hazard Mitigation statewide.Â*Â*(FEMA)Â*


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