Friday, March 18, 2011

[FEMA]

Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED)

Japan Earthquake and Tsunami â FEMA Response

Urban Search and Rescue (US&R)
Two U.S. Urban Search and Rescue Teams (VA-TF1 from Fairfax County, VA and CA-TF2 from Los Angeles County, CA) are participating with search and rescue teams from the UK and China to conduct searches in Kamaishi City, Iwate Prefecture, Japan utilizing canines and listening devices to detect survivors.
National IMAT Activations Â*
FEMA activated a National Incident Management Assistance Team Support Cell composed of the National IMAT-East and National-IMAT-Central personnel. The Cell is providing logistical, technical and contingency planning support for U.S. EPAâs air monitoring mission, coordinating FEMA activities in support of the U.S. response to Japan, and monitoring potential impacts on the United States. A FEMA Liaison is deployed to the EPA EOC.
The IMAT Support Cell is supporting U.S. EPAâs mission to transport, establish and sustain operational US EPA air monitoring capability by facilitating the deployment of radiological air monitors. Nine radiological air monitors are deployed to the following locations: Guam (1); Northern Mariana Islands (1); Hawaii (2); Dutch Harbor USCG Station, Alaska (1); Nome, Alaska (1); Juneau, Alaska (1); and Anchorage, Alaska (2). All units are expected to be operational and providing initial data by March 20. In addition, four radiological air monitors remain on standby in Portland, OR and two monitors are on standby in Seattle, WA.
Significant National Weather

Northeast
Precipitation is expected from northern New York to northern New England falling initially in the form of wet snow before changing over to rain. Wind gusts could reach 50 mph around Boston.
South
Warm and dry conditions will continue through the weekend. Day time temperatures will remain well above normal with mild overnight low temperatures expected. Afternoon winds will become increasingly breezy the next couple of days.
Midwest
Spring-like conditions continue today across the eastern U.S. and parts of the Midwest, from the Upper Great Lakes, Middle Mississippi Valley and Central Plains. A cold front moving eastward over the Northern Plains and back into the southwest will bring scattered showers and thunderstorms to portions of the Great Lakes and Northeast on Saturday.
West
Coastal rains and high elevation snow, with heavy snow accumulations possible, are forecast across the Pacific Northwest and northern California and into the Intermountain West through the weekend.Â*(National Weather Service, Hydrometeorological Prediction Center, and various media sources)
Spring Thaw - River Ice Flooding Update

For the third consecutive year, forecasters predict major flooding along the Red River of the North, which forms the state line between eastern North Dakota and northwest Minnesota. Warm temperatures will continue to cause snowmelt and ice jams in Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota. The National Weather Service Hydrologic Information Center reports a large portion of the North Central US is at risk of moderate to major flooding this spring. Heavy late-summer and autumn precipitation have left soils saturated and streams running high before the winter freeze-up. NWS models show this yearâs snowpack contains a water content ranked among the highest of the last 60 years, which is similar to the past two years. This threat area extends from northeastern Montana through Wisconsin and along the Mississippi River south to St. Louis, Mo., St. Paul, Minn. has approximately a 95 percent chance of exceeding Major Flood Stage (17 feet). Secondary flood walls are in place to protect the St. Paul Downtown Airport. For more information see the Ice Jam Database: rsgis.crrel.usace.army.mil/icejam/Â*(USACE)
FEMA
A National Incident Support Base is established in Arden Hills, Minn., in preparation for the Upper Midwest flooding. There are currently no requests for FEMA assistance.
USACEÂ*
The US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is monitoring in anticipation of potential flooding. The USACE received two requests for advance measures (preparations) in the Minnesota Region and continues to coordinate with personnel in the Mississippi River Division.
Region I
Vermont: Moose River ice jam flooding was reported in St. Johnsbury near the confluence with the Passumpsic. One home was evacuated and basement flooding is occurring in others.
Maine: Roads were closed and some homes were flooded due to an ice jam on the Penobscot River from Chester to Lincoln, but waters have receded. Jams on the East Branch of the Penobscot River near Grindstone and the Middle Branch Stream near Brownville are causing high water levels. No flooding is occurring, but the jams are being observed carefully for potential changes. Stage is being affected by ice jams on the Kennebec River near Augusta. No unmet needs and no request for FEMA assistance. (NWS, FEMA Region I)
Region IV
All State Emergency Operation Centers (EOC) remain at normal operations (Monitoring), except the following: Tennessee EOC is activated to Level 4 (Localized Emergency) in response to the severe weather that began moving through the Southeast on Feb. 27, 2011. Flood warnings remain in effect for parts of Alabama, Kentucky, Mississippi and Tennessee. No states have requested any FEMA assistance. No unmet needs and no request for FEMA assistance. (NWS, FEMA Region IV)
Region V
FEMA Region V is reporting a complex and potent spring storm system may affect the region on Sunday and Monday, with rain in the south and snow in the north. Minnesota State Emergency Operations Center is partially activated to monitor the potential spring flooding. The Ohio River at Cairo (Alexander County) is at major flood stage and is expected to crest later tonight, one half foot above flood stage. No significant impacts have been reported. The Ohio River at Grand Chain (Pulaski County) is at major flood stage and is expected to crest tomorrow at two feet above flood stage. No significant impacts have been reported. The Illinois River is at moderate flood stage at Havana (Mason County) and at Beardstown (Cass County) and is expected to recede to minor flood stage by the end of the week. No significant impacts have been reported. No unmet needs and no request for FEMA assistance. (NWS, FEMA Region V)
Region VI
Minor Flooding issues: Flood Warnings for the North Platte River affecting Lincoln, Keith and Garden Counties in Nebraska and the Little Sioux in northwest Iowa. Flood Watch for the northwest corner of Iowa due to snow melt affecting the James and Big Sioux Rivers which flow into the Missouri River for the next 10 to 14 days. Ongoing Flood Warnings along the Mississippi River in southeast Missouri. No unmet needs and no request for FEMA assistance. (NWS, FEMA Region VI)
Region VIII
South Dakota: Missouri: Flood Warnings continue for the White river; major flooding occurring. Flood Watch for James River, Vermillion, Big Sioux, Rock River, Little Sioux, Little Missouri, Moreau and Split Rock Creek. Montana: The Musselshell River in Ft. Peck and Western Garfield Counties is under a flood warning and expected to remain so until Friday afternoon. A subdivision near the mouth of the Musselshell River is surrounded by water, and the 79 trail road is covered. Major ice jams remain on the Musselshell River North of Mosby, with flash flooding being a possibility. Montana: An earthen dam breached and water is collecting behind ice jams located on the Big Dry Creek River, outside the town of Jordan, Montana (Garfield County). Public infrastructure in the town of Jordan is threatened. Montana Disaster and Emergency Services requested two four inch pumps, and 8,000 sand bags from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. These resources are located in Ft. Peck, Mt., approximately 45 miles to the south. (USACE)Montana: Flood Warning for the Little Missouri River in Carter County and small streams in parts of the North Central and North West. Flood Warning are in effect for the Yellowstone River due to ice jamming. No unmet needs and no request for FEMA assistance. (NWS, FEMA Region VIII)
Region X
Idaho: Snowmelt Flooding â A Flood Warning was lifted as the Weiser River dropped below flood stage this morning near Weiser in Washington County, west-central Idaho. The river is expected to continue receding into next week and lowland flooding of riverside streets is also receding without significant impact. U.S. Highway 95 was flooded and closed for twelve hours yesterday. Oregon: A Flood Warning has been issued for the Coquille River at Coquille in Coos County, southwest Oregon. The river was expected to crest yesterday afternoon and recede into next week. Some farmland flooding is possible today.Washington: A Flood Warning will remain in effect through tonight for the Skokomish River near Potlatch in Mason County. The river is currently dropping below flood stage and expected to recede into next week. No unmet needs and no request for FEMA assistance. (NWS, FEMA Region X)
Preliminary Damage Assessments

Joint Preliminary Damage Assessments are underway in the following states: New Jersey, Tennessee, Oklahoma, California, Washington and Oregon.


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