Thursday, April 7, 2011

[FEMA]

Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED)

Significant National Weather

West
A storm over the northwest will move southeastward to the Northern Rockies, southward to central California and inland to parts of the Great Basin today, producing rain and higher elevation snow. Snow will continue to develop over portions of the Northern High Plains southward across the Northern/Central Rockies and into the Great Basin and parts of California. Rain will also develop along portions of the southern California coast on Friday. Winds will increase from the Southwest to the southern High Plains through the weekend. The wind, along with low humidity levels, will cause high fire danger levels in New Mexico, Texas, and Colorado.
Midwest
Showers and thunderstorms will develop over portions of the Northern/Central High Plains tonight. Showers and thunderstorms will develop over parts of the Central Plains and Middle Mississippi Valley, moving eastward into the Tennessee Valley on Friday. Some of these storms may be severe. Temperatures will rise well into the 50s over the next two days, accelerating the snowmelt while increasing the overland flooding threat.Â*
South
A front extending from the Mid-Atlantic Southwestward to the Southern Plains will produce rain over portions of the Central Plains/Middle Mississippi Valley today. By Thursday evening an area of light to moderate rain will develop over portions of the Middle Mississippi Valley/Ohio Valley and move eastward into the Mid-Atlantic by Friday evening. Red flag warnings remains in effect through Thursday evening for southwest and south central New Mexico and far west Texas.
Northeast
Clouds and precipitation are clearing out, although a few lingering showers are possible today over southern New Hampshire and southwest Maine. Light scattered rain is forecast for New York City. A wintry mix in the higher elevations is forecast, however due to warmer temperatures snow accumulations will be minimal in the Poconos.(National Weather Service, Hydrometeorological Prediction Center, and various media sources).Â*
Spring Flood Preparation

Current Situation
The spring thaw and runoff continues across the northern portion of North Dakota and Minnesota, where moderate to major flooding is occurring or forecast on many rivers.
Minnesota
On April 06, 2011, the Governor of the State of Minnesota signed Executive Order 11-11, declaring a State of Emergency for 46 counties and Tribal Nations impacted by spring flooding. The Minnesota State EOC is activated at Level II (Full State Activation) and is coordinating with counties in advance of flooding activity. The state of Minnesota has requested joint PDAs for the Public Assistance Program for 20 counties located in the Minnesota River Basin. Joint PDAs are scheduled to begin on Tuesday, April 12, 2011.Â*(FEMA Region V)
Southeast Severe Weather of April 4-5 - FINAL

On Monday, April 4, 2011, a strong frontal system produced a severe weather outbreak and brought widespread wind damage to numerous states across the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic regions. The Louisiana Emergency Operations Center (EOC) remains Level III (Crisis Action Team) and the Governor of Louisiana declared a State of Emergency for severe weather. The Tennessee EOC is at Level IV (Localized Emergency) and the Commonwealth of Kentucky EOC is at Level I (EOC standard with hot standby) in response to the severe weather. Sporadic power outages continue in many areas affected by the storm; and restoration efforts continue. State and local officials are conducting damage assessments. There has been no request for FEMA assistance.(FEMA Regions IV, VI)Â*
Earthquake Activity

No new activity (FEMA HQ)
Wildfire Update

Â*Wednesday, April 6, 2011

• National Preparedness Level: 1
• Initial attack activity: Light (153 new fires)
• New Large Fires: 6
• Â*Large Fires Contained: 14
• Uncontained Large Fires: 17
• Type 1 IMTs Committed: 1
• Type 2 IMTs Committed: 1
• States affected: CO, KS, NM, GA, TX, OK, MO and ARÂ*(NIFC)

Wildfire Activity
Oklahoma (Jones /Spencer Fire-Oklahoma County)
On April 6, a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) was approved for the Jones/Spencer Fire burning in Oklahoma County. The fire started on April 6, 2011, and has burned in excess of 1,500 acres of private land and is 0% contained.. The fire is burning in and around the cities of Jones (population 5,385) and Spencer (population 7,069), Oklahoma. The fire has destroyed four homes, and is threatening 120 more, as well as local ranching and agricultural operations. There was a voluntary evacuation of 65 persons and one shelter is in operation.
Colorado (Crystal Fire - Larimer County)
FMAG-2877-FM-CO was approved on April 3. The fire has burned approximately 3,200 acres; 45% contained. 15 homes, several businesses and vehicles have been destroyed. No injuries or fatalities have been reported.
New Mexico (White Fire - Lincoln County)
FMAG-2880-FM-NM was approved on April 3. The State EOC is activated to Level III (Partial Activation). The fire started on Apr 3 and has burned approximately 10,341 acres; 50% contained.
5 homes destroyed. All evacuations have been lifted.Â* (FEMA Regions VI & VIII)Â*
Disaster Declaration Activity

No new activity (FEMA HQ)


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