Wednesday, November 30, 2011

[FEMA]

Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED)

Significant National Weather:

Northeast
Heavy rain currently moving across Maine will exit into Canada this afternoon, with scattered showers lingering through this evening. High temperatures across the Northeast are forecast to range from the low 30s to the 40s, while some portions of the central Appalachians may see highs in the 50s. Light snow and rain showers are expected across upstate New York, with accumulations of several inches possible in the mountains.
Midwest
A strong cold front organizing over the Great Basin today will produce a large area of light snow over the Northern and Central Rockies. Strong high pressure will move in behind the front, resulting in clearing skies and much colder temperatures on Thursday.
West
Snow and windy conditions are forecast for the Pacific Northwest. High winds in California are expected to reach 50 to 70 mph causing Red Flag Warnings and extreme fire conditions. The cold air will allow snow in the higher terrain of Arizona, New Mexico and the Southern Rockies.
South
Snow showers are expected to end by mid-day across the southern Appalachians. High pressure continues to dominate the Southeast, with below normal temperatures across much of the Region. Freeze Watches are in effect for much of northern Florida and southern Georgia, as lows temperatures near freezing are expected through early morning. (NOAA, National Weather Service and media sources)
2011 Atlantic Hurricane Season Ending

The 2011 Atlantic hurricane season officially ends Wednesday, having produced a total of 19 tropical storms of which seven became hurricanes, including three major hurricanes. This level of activity matched NOAA’s predictions and continues the trend of active hurricane seasons that began in 1995.
The 19 tropical storms represent the third-highest total (tied with 1887, 1995, and 2010) since records began in 1851 and is well above the average of 11. However, the number of hurricanes and major hurricanes is only slightly above the average of six and two, respectively. This year’s totals include a post-storm upgrade of Tropical Storm Nate to hurricane status, and the addition of a short-lived, unnamed tropical storm that formed in early September between Bermuda and Nova Scotia. This unnamed storm, along with several other weak, short-lived named storms, could have gone undetected without modern satellite technology.

</p>

&ldquo;Although the 2011 hurricane season has ended, our need to prepare for disasters hasn't,&rdquo; said Craig Fugate, administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency. &ldquo;Being prepared for all kinds of hazards, from hurricanes to blizzards to tornadoes, is a year-round activity. We encourage all members of the team, especially the public, to continue to prepare for emergencies by staying informed of forecasted weather events, making an emergency plan, and building your emergency preparedness kit. Visit Ready.gov to learn more.&rdquo;
NOAA will issue its initial outlook for the 2012 hurricane season in May just prior to the official start of the season on June 1.
Additional details are available at: www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2011/20111128_endofhurricaneseason_2011.html

Space Weather:

No space weather storms were observed for the past 24 hours and no space weather storms are predicted for the next 24 hours.Â* (SWPC)Â*
Tropical Weather Outlook

Atlantic / Caribbean / Gulf:
Area 1

As of 1:00 am, EST, Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2011, surface observations indicated that an area of low pressure centered about 350 miles northeast of the northern Leeward Islands had become better defined. Associated shower activity remained disorganized and upper-level winds remained unfavorable for significant development. This system has a low (20 percent) chance of becoming a tropical or subtropical cyclone during the next 48 hours as it moves generally northward at around 15 mph.
Eastern Pacific: Tropical cyclone formation is not expected during the next 48 hours.
Central/Western Pacific: No tropical cyclone activity. (NOAA, HPC, NHC, CPHC, and the JTWC)
Earthquake Activity

A magnitude 6.0 earthquake occurred at 7:27 p.m. EST on Nov. 29, 2011, about 94 miles west northwest of Luzon, Philippines at a depth of 9.1 miles. There have been no reports of damage or injury and no tsunami was generated.Â*(USGS)Â*
Preliminary Damage Assessments

Joint Preliminary Damage Assessments are underway in Texas.
Disaster Declaration Activity

No new activity (FEMA HQ)


More...