Tuesday, April 5, 2011

[FEMA]

Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED)

Significant National Weather

West
Accumulations of 6-12 inches of snow are forecast for the higher elevations of northern Idaho and Montana and throughout the Central Rockies. A low pressure system will bring snow showers and below normal temperatures across the northern California and Nevada borders overnight with heavy snow accumulations expected over central Nevada.
South
Severe weather will continue to move northeast at a rate of 45-50 mph across the Southeast towards the Mid Atlantic this evening. Rainfall amounts will vary from one tenth to as much as one quarter of an inch per hour. Critical Fire Weather conditions are expected to continue across west and central Texas as a result of the high pressure system off the Gulf producing gusty southerly winds and low relative humidity.
Northeast
Scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms will develop across the northern Virginia early this morning. High wind gusts of 30 to 40 mph are also expected.Â* Thunderstorms capable of producing heavy rainfall and damaging winds are expected across the Mid-Atlantic region extending to New England.Â* This system is projected to move out over the Atlantic by mid afternoon.
Midwest
Spring thaw is producing minor to major flooding across a great deal of the Red River Valley.Â* Warmer temperatures will increase the rate of snow-melt and many of the rivers are forecast to rise by the end of the week.Â* (National Weather Service, Hydrometeorological Prediction Center, and various media sources)Â*
Spring Flood Preparation

Current Situation
Temperatures will continue to warm above freezing accelerating the snow melt threat throughout the week, especially over the southern portion of the Red River Valley.Â*Â*
Level III (Partial Activation) and all other State EOCs remain at normal operations.

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, National PreparednessÂ* 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* (FEMA HQ)Â*
Earthquake Activity

Alaska
On April 4, at 2:20 p.m. EDT, a magnitude 4.5 earthquake occurred approximately 191 miles southwest of Anchorage, AK, at a depth of 41.6 miles. There were no reports of injuries or damages; a tsunami was not be generated.Â* (USGS)

Preliminary Damage Assessments

No new activity (FEMA HQ)
Wildfire Update

Monday, April 4, 2011

• National Preparedness Level: 1
• Initial attack activity: Light (83 new fires)
• New Large Fires: 22
• Large Fires Contained: 5
• Uncontained Large Fires: 28
• Type 2 IMTs Committed: 1
• States affected: GA, TX , OK and NM (NIFC)

Texas (El Cenzio Fire - Webb County)
On April 4, a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) was requested for the El Cenzio Fire burning in Webb County.Â* The fire started on April 4 and has burned in excess of 200 acres of private land.Â* The fire is 0% contained. At the time of the request, the fire was burning in and around El Cenzio, TX (Pop 3,612). Â*The fire was inside city neighborhoods and has destroyed seven homes and was threatening 108 more.Â* An auto repair business and a welding shop were also destroyed and other local businesses threatened.Â* Voluntary evacuations of 100 residents have taken place and one shelter is open.Â*
Oklahoma (Guymon Fire-Texas County)
On Apr 3, FMAG-2879-FM-OK was approved for the Guymon Fire in Texas County. The fire started on Apr 3, and has burned 7,500 acres of private land in the City of Guymon, OK. All evacuations have been lifted.
Colorado (Crystal Fire - Larimer County)
On Apr 3, FMAG-2877-FM-CO was approved for the Crystal Fire in Larimer County. The fire has burned approximately 4,500 acres; 5% contained. All evacuations have been lifted.
New Mexico (White Fire - Lincoln County)
On Apr 3, FMAG-2880-FM-NM was approved for the White Fire burning in Lincoln County. The fire started on Apr 3 and has burned approximately 10,000 acres; 20% contained. All evacuations have been lifted.
Texas (Bates Field Fire - Ector County)
On Apr 3, FMAG-2881-FM-TX was approved for the Bates Field Fire burning in Ector County.Â* The fire started on Apr 3 and has burned in excess of 1,500 acres of private land, the fire is 90 percent contained.Â* All evacuations have been lifted.Â*
Disaster Declaration Activity

Oklahoma
The Governor has requested a Major Disaster Declaration as a result of severe winter storms and snow storms during the period of January 31 to February 5, 2011. The Governor is specifically requesting Public Assistance for 16 counties, Public Assistance, including snow assistance for 16 counties, an additional 24 hours of snow assistance for two counties, Direct Federal Assistance and Hazard Mitigation for all counties in the State.Â*Â* (FEMA HQ)


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