Wednesday, February 29, 2012

[FEMA]

Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED)

Significant National Weather:

West:Â*
Heavy rain, up to two inches, and strong winds are expected today along coastal Oregon and Northern California. The rain will turn to heavy snow as the storm moves inland especially in higher terrain. Accumulations over two feet are possible from the Cascades down into the Northern Sierras. Lighter precipitation is expected east of the Continental Divide.
Midwest:
Significant winter storm with blizzard conditions will continue to expand across the Northern Plains and Upper Mississippi Valley into the Great Lakes. Heavy winds, blowing snow, and reduced visibility will continue to impede travel. Gradual weakening is expected as the storm moves eastward. Snowfall accumulations are forecast to be moderate to heavy with over a foot possible from the Dakotas eastward. Freezing rain and sleet are possible in southern Minnesota and Wisconsin. Many areas may change from one precipitation type to another as the storm progresses. Significant ice accumulations are possible from central Wisconsin eastward into the Mid-Atlantic and New England. South of the winter storms, severe thunderstorms will continue in the Middle Mississippi Valley into the Ohio and Tennessee valleys today and tomorrow. Red Flag Warnings are in effect for southeastern Kansas through this afternoon.
South:
A weak cold front will begin moving into the region late this morning with scattered showers and thunderstorms across the Gulf States. Strong winds and low relative humidity are expected to continue across portions of Texas and New Mexico; Red Flag Warnings and Critical Fire Areas remain in effect through this evening.
Northeast:
Winter storms will move through the Great Lakes and into the Northeast this morning. Snow, sleet and freezing rain are possible north of New York City. Heavy rain is possible over the Tennessee Valley with more than an inch expected. The system will exit the Northeast on Thursday.
Midwest Severe Storms (Feb. 28-29)

Severe thunderstorms resulted in multiple unconfirmed tornado touchdowns across the Central Plains. Tornados were reported in Nebraska, Kansas, and Missouri. Tornado watches and warnings continue today for portions of the Central Plains, Ohio and Tennessee Valleys. No significant damages or injuries were reported from the tornado in Nebraska. Damage assessments for tornado/tornados in Missouri are ongoing. Sporadic power outages have been reported due to downed trees and power lines.
Missouri
Strong winds and/or unconfirmed tornado touchdowns have been reported in Adair, Barton, Barry, Stone, St. Louis, Taney, Green, Pulaski, Laclede, Dallas and Cedar Counties. Some road closures have been reported in St. Louis County due to downed power lines.
Adair CountyÂ*
Significant structural damage has been reported to buildings, homes, numerous downed trees, and power lines in the county. No injuries or fatalities have been reported.
Cedar County
The Stockton Airport reportedly received extensive damage to several aircraft and storage areas.
Green/Dallas County
Several buildings, hotels and apartment complexes were reported damaged in the Cities of Buffalo and Branson. One unconfirmed fatality, one serious injury and 14 minor injuries in Buffalo have been reported. An additional injury was reported in Branson.
Laclede County
Damage has been reported at a mobile home park near Bennett Springs State Park.
Pulaski County
Several homes and commercial structures reported damaged. No fatalities or injuries reported.
State and Local Response:
The State EOC is not activated. Laclede County EOC is activated.
Kansas
Harveyville (Wabaunsee County)
A tornado touchdown reported in Harveyville, Kan., pop 250. resulted in significant damages to local homes and infrastructure. There are reports of one fatality, ten injuries, and one person critically injured.
Federal, State and Local Response:
The Governor of Kansas declared a State of Emergency on Feb. 28 and the Kansas State Emergency Operation Center is Partially Activated. Kansas Task Force-2 was deployed to assist in search and rescue operations. The American Red Cross established a shelter at Harveyville High School with unknown occupants.
FEMA Region VII remains at Watch/Steady State. There are no requests for FEMA assistance.

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.
Tropical Weather Outlook

No new activity (FEMA HQ)
Earthquake Activity

No new activity (FEMA HQ)
Disaster Declaration Activity

No new activity (FEMA HQ)


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