Monday, March 7, 2011

[FEMA]

Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED)

Significant National Weather

Midwest:
A rain and snow mix is forecast from the Central Plains to the Great Lakes with possible snow accumulations of two to four inches across portions of eastern Colorado and into south-central Nebraska.Â* Flood Watches and Warnings remain in effect from the Middle Mississippi Valley into the Ohio Valley, as above average temperatures increase the rate of snow melt.Â*
Northeast:
A strong storm over southern New England will move northeastward into the Canadian Maritimes later Monday night. Moderate to heavy rain will develop along the coast of Maine moving into southeastern Canada by Monday afternoon. Flood Watches and Warnings are in effect for much of the Northeast following this weekendâs heavy rain. Mild temperatures combined with heavy rains will lead to rises on rivers and streams, which could result in flooding.
South:
Under high pressure, conditions will remain sunny and dry from the Southern Plains to the Carolinas. A freeze warning remains in effect because of unseasonably cold temperatures in portions of northern Georgia. Temperatures of 28 to 32 degrees will impact the area for most of the early morning hours.
West:
A large area of low pressure will extend from north-central California into the Central Rockies, producing isolated thunderstorms and a wintery mix with heavier snow accumulations in the higher elevations. Strong winds of up to 35 mph, with higher gust are forecast across northern Nevada. Some of these wind gusts could exceed 60 mph.Â*(National Weather Service, Hydrometeorological Prediction Center, and various media sources)

Oil Platform Fire in Gulf of Mexico - Mar 6

On Mar 6, the U.S. Coast Guard National Command Center reported a fire onboard an oil production platform in the Gulf of Mexico, 50 miles south of Grand Isle, La. The two workers assigned to the platform escaped in a life capsule and were rescued by a USCG helicopter.Â* Both workers are reported to be unharmed. The platform, owned by Arena Energy, is located in approximately 200 feet of water. A USCG aircraft has confirmed the fire is out and no oil sheen is visible.Â*Â*(FEMA RVI, NWS)Â*
Levee Breach in Daviess County Indiana - Mar 6

On Mar 6, the National Weather Service issued a flash flood warning for western Daviess County because of a levee failure west of Capehart, Ind. A local official stated that a levee was breached on the East Fork of the White River in an area that is largely agricultural. The levee breach was approximately 20 feet wide. There have been no reports of injuries or any nearby communities being impacted.Â*Â*(FEMA RV, NWS)Â*
Louisiana Severe Weather on Mar 5

There were preliminary reports of six tornado touch downs Mar 5 across southern Louisiana. The most significant impact was from a reported EF-2 tornado that touched down in Rayne, La. (Acadia Parish). There was one unconfirmed fatality and 11 injuries reported. Approximately 100 homes remain barricaded and 40 of the 60 that have been inspected were deemed uninhabitable. The Rayne High School sustained some roof and window damage. The local authorities in Rayne, LA have allowed the approximately 1,500 residents that were previously evacuated to return home.
The Governor did declare a State of Emergency on Mar 5, for severe weather in South Louisiana and it will remain in effect until Apr 3.Â* During the Governorâs visit to survey the impacted areas on Mar 6, he stated âMore will be known about Federal assistance when teams from the State and Federal government assess the damageâ.(NWS, NOAA, FEMA Region VI)Â*
Severe Weather in Hawaii â Mar 4

On Mar 4, a line of strong thunderstorms causing downed trees, power lines, and landslides on Kauai and Oahu. The major brunt of this storm system was felt on Oahu. Strong thunderstorms dropped up to five inches of rain over parts of Oahu with wind gusts of more than 50 mph.
In Oahu County, approximately 300 customers remain without power (down from 14,000). Shortly after the storm, most of the power restoration efforts completely stopped, as utility workers went on strike.
There have been no reports of any significant damage across the remaining Hawaiian Islands.(FEMA RIX, NWS)Â*
Preparations for Midwest Spring Flooding

Current Situation/Outlook:
A large portion of the Midwest extending from northeastern Montana through western Wisconsin and along the Mississippi River south to St. Louis, Mo., is at risk of moderate to major flooding this spring.
(NWS,NOA)

Volcano Activity

Hawaii
On Mar 6, the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory monitoring network detected increased activity within the Kilauea Volcano at 1:42 p.m. HST.Â* Then at 5:15 p.m. HST, an HVO geologist flying over KÄ«laueaâs middle east zone reported an eruption in Napau Crater. This eruption is now known to be located between Napau Crater and Puâu âOâo.
The Kilauea Volcano has been active since 1983 and this activity is viewed as a continuation of that eruption. HVOâs Scientist in Chief has stated that this event is remarkably similar to a 1997 eruption in and near Napau Crater, which lasted less than 24 hours.
No request for FEMA assistance and none is expected.Â*(USGS,Â* Region IX)Â*
Earthquake Activity

Oregon
A magnitude 4.8 and 4.9 earthquake occurred around 4:35 p.m. EST, approximately 200 miles west-northwest of Brandon, Ore., at a depth of 6.3 to 6.8 miles. There have been no reports of damages or injury and no tsunami was generated.
California
A magnitude 4.5 earthquake occurred at 8:46 a.m. EST, offshore of northern California approximately 70 miles west-southwest of Eureka, Calif., at a depth of 1.6 miles. There have been no reports of damages or injury and no tsunami was generated.
International - Solomon Islands
A magnitude 6.6 earthquake occurred at 7:09 p.m. EST, in the Solomon Islands approximately 80 miles west of Kira Kira, Solomon Island, at a depth of 18.6 miles. There have been no reports of damages or injury and no tsunami was generated.(PTWC, WCATC, USGS)Â*
Preliminary Damage Assessments

Joint Preliminary Damage Assessments are underway in the following states: New York, Wisconsin and Washington.
Wildfire Update

No significant activity.Â*(FEMA Region IV)Â*
Disaster Declaration Activity

No new activity (FEMA HQ)


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