Monday, April 4, 2011

[FEMA]

Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED)

Significant National Weather

West
Moderate to heavy rain is forecast along the eastern slopes of the Oregon and Washington Cascades with over a foot of snow at higher elevations ending Tuesday.Â* The rain combined with rapid snow melt will increase the flood and mud slide threats across the region.
Â*
Midwest
Widespread thunderstorms are expected from the Middle Mississippi Valley into the Ohio Valley through the early morning hours. Storms are expected to be severe with damaging winds, large hail and some isolated tornadoes.Â* Minor, moderate and major flooding continues across the Red River Valley for the foreseeable future.Â* Warmer temperatures will increase the rate of snow-melt and many of the rivers are forecast to flood, especially in the southern basin.
South
Today, there is a slight risk of severe thunderstorms from the Gulf coast to the Tennessee Valley.Â* A severe weather outbreak is expected with numerous severe thunderstorms capable of producing damaging winds, large hail and few tornadoes are possible.Â* In addition, heavy rainfall amounts of 1 and 2 inches are forecast to produce localized flash flooding.Â* Red Flag Warnings will remain in effect through this evening from the Desert Southwest to the Carolinas, due to above average temperatures and low relative humidity.
Northeast
A high pressure system will keep most of New England and the Mid-Atlantic dry and cold.
Thunderstorms will be possible tonight and early Tuesday across the Mid-Atlantic region. These storms will be capable of producing damaging wind gusts and heavy rain that could lead to flash flooding.Â* (National Weather Service, Hydrometeorological Prediction Center, and various media sources)Â*
Spring Flood Preparation

Current Situation
As temperatures warm behind the weekend storm, snow melt of from the existing snow pack will send additional water into area streams, creeks and rivers continuing the flood threat throughout the week.
Wildfire Activity - Regions VI & VIII

Colorado (Crystal Fire- Larimer County)
On April 3, a Fire Management Assistance Grant was approved for the Crystal Fire wildfire in Larimer County. The fire started on April 3 and burned approximately 4,500 acres and is 5% contained. A Type III Incident Management Team took over management of the fire this morning and a Type I IMT is expected on April 4th. Approximately 300 homes were threatened.Â* Approximately 300 residents were evacuated, but they are being allowed to return home.
Kansas (Grassland Fire â Grant, Stevens and Haskell County)
On April 3, a FMAG was approved for the Grassland Fire burning in the counties of Grant, Stevens and Haskell.Â* The fire started on April 3 and has burned approximately 9,000 acres of State and private land. The entire fire is now 90 to 95 percent contained.Â* There have been 2 mobile homes and 1 house that were lost in the fire in Haskell County. Evacuations have been lifted and residents are being allowed to return home.Â* No injuries or deaths have been reported.Â*
New Mexico (White Fire â Lincoln County)
On April 3, a FMAG was approved for the White Fire burning in Lincoln County.Â* The fire started on April 3 and has burned in excess of 2,500 acres of private land.Â* The fire is 0 percent contained.Â* Approximately 450 homes are threatened in and around Ruidoso Downs (Pop 1,824).Â* The fire threatened multiple communities, a water treatment plant, cold water fisheries, power lines, endangered species (spotted owl), wildlife, multiple businesses, and historical sites.Â* Voluntary evacuations of 600 residents have taken place and two shelters are currently in operation.Â* Five homes had been destroyed at the time of the request.Â*
Texas (Bates Field Fire - Ector County)
On April 3, a FMAG was approved for the Bates Field Fire burning in Ector County.Â* The fire started on April 3 and has burned in excess of 2,500 acres of private land.Â* The fire is 0 percent contained.Â* At the time of the request, the fire was threatening 300 homes in and around Odessa, TX (Pop 99,940).Â* The fire threatened two subdivisions, a power plant, a water/sewer treatment plant, and numerous oil facilities.Â* Voluntary evacuations of 250 residents have taken place.Â* There are no shelters open and no homes had been destroyed at the time of the request.Â*
Oklahoma (Guymon Fire â Texas County)
On April 3, a FMAG was approved for the Guymon Fire burning in Texas County.Â* The fire started on April 3 and has burned 7,500 acres of private land.Â* The fire is 0 percent contained.Â* At the time of the request, the fire was threatening 150 homes in and around Guymon, Oklahoma (Pop 10,472).Â* The fire threatened local businesses, including the Sea Board Processing center which employs 2,000 residents.Â* Voluntary evacuations of 525 residents have taken place and two shelters are currently in operation.Â* Twelve homes had been destroyed at the time of the request.Â*
Japan Recovery â Support Operations

The National IMAT Blue Support Cell remains activated supporting the EPAâs air monitoring mission.Â* Region X Response Division including IMAT staff, NationalÂ* PreparednessÂ*Â* Radiological Emergency Preparedness Program, and Mission Support Divisions are supporting the National IMAT and EPA in air monitoring in response to the Japanese emergency.Â*Â*(FEMA HQ)Â*
Wildfire Update

Sunday, April 4, 2011

• National Preparedness Level: 1
• Initial attack activity: Light (43 new fires)
• New Large Fires: 4
• Large Fires Contained: 1
• Uncontained Large Fires: 11
• Type 2 IMTs Committed: 1
• States affected: GA, TX , OK and NM (NIFC)

Disaster Declaration Activity

No new activity (FEMA HQ)


More...