Thursday, April 21, 2011

[FEMA]

Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED)

Significant National Weather

Midwest
Scattered thunderstorms, some severe, are likely across parts of southeast Kansas today.
Rain and snow showers continue across the Dakotas.Â* Flood Warnings continue for portions of North Dakota and from the Great Lakes to the Ohio Valley.
West
Thunderstorms are forecast across parts of Nevada, Utah and Idaho.Â* Some of these storms may be severe with heavy rain and accumulations up to 6 inches possible in some areas.Â* Critical fire weather conditions exist for portions of New Mexico, Colorado and Arizona.Â* Red Flag Warnings have been issued for these areas.
South
Thunderstorms will be scattered across the South today.Â* Some thunderstorms could be severe, producing large hail, damaging winds and heavy rain.Â* Critical fire weather conditions exist for western Texas. Red Flag Warnings have been issued for these areas.
Northeast
Rain and snow showers will linger over northern New York and northern sections of Maine early today.Â* Windy conditions will continue across Upstate New York and New England.Â* Winter Storm Warnings are in effect for portions of northern Maine.
Midwest Severe Weather - Final

A line of severe thunderstorms moved from the Southern Plains through the Mid-MS Valley and into the OH Valley overnight on April 19, spawning damaging winds, hail and reports of several tornadoes. There were 18 (14 confirmed) tornadoes reported in Illinois and Ohio, 11 in Missouri and 1 in Kentucky.
Tropical Weather Outlook

Atlantic, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico
Area 1
A low pressure area located about 460 miles northeast of San Juan Puerto Rico has developed some shower and thunderstorm activity near its center.Â* In addition, satellite data and ship reports indicate gale-force winds are occurring north of the center.Â* Slow development of this system is possible during the next couple of days as it moves west-northwestward at about 10 mph.Â* There is a low chance (20 percent) of this system developing into a subtropical or tropical cyclone before conditions become less favorable in about 48 hours.Â*Â*(NOAA, NWS, NHC, CPHC JTWC)

Earthquake Activity

No new activity (FEMA HQ)
Wildfire Update

Wednesday, April 20, 2011
National Preparedness Level: 1
Initial attack activity: Light (227 new fires)
New Large Fires: 3
Large Fires Contained: 8
Uncontained Large Fires: 27
Type 1 IMTs Committed: 2
States affected: TX, OK, FL, AR, MS, LA & NM (NIFC)
Wildfire Activity
Texas
PK Complex Fire (4 combined fires) - Palo Pinto, Young and Stephens counties, TX
FMAG-2888, FMAG-2893 and FMAG-2895 have all been approved for this fire complex. The fire has burned 147,973 acres and is 25% contained. Over 600 homes are threatened and 160 have been destroyed.Â* Fire activity has died down with the rise in relative humidity values and favorable wind conditions; there is also a 30% chance of rain in the area.
Wildcat Fire (Coke and Tom Green Counties, TX)
FMAG-2892 was approved on April 15, 2011. The fire has burned 158,867 acres and is 10% contained. All evacuations have been lifted for this area. Two structures have been destroyed. (Texas Forest Service)
Disaster Declaration Activity

Mississippi
On April 20, the Governor requested a Major Disaster Declaration for the State of Mississippi as a result of severe storms and tornadoes on April 15, 2011.Â* The Governor is specifically requesting IA for Greene, Hinds, and Kemper Counties and Hazard Mitigation statewide.
Minnesota
On April 20, the Governor requested a Major Disaster Declaration for the State of Minnesota as a result of severe storms and flooding beginning on February 14, 2011, and continuing.Â* The Governor is specifically requesting Public Assistance, including direct Federal assistance, for 20 counties and Hazard Mitigation statewide.Â* (FEMA HQ)Â*


More...