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National Situation Update: Thursday, November 8, 2007

Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED).

California Wildfires Support Update

The Pasadena JFO reports 23 fires with two fires not yet 100% contained (Poomacha and Santiago).  The Poomacha Fire is 98% contained with full containment expected November 10, 2007.  The Santiago Fire is 96% contained with full containment expected November 8, 2007.  As of November 7, 2007, there are 1,269 personnel still involved in fire fighting efforts.  The Chino Mobilization Center closed on November 6, 2007.  The American Red Cross (ARC) reports that one ARC managed shelter remains open with a total population of two individuals. (JFO Situation Status Summary, Pasadena, CA)

National Weather

South
Temperatures will remain below seasonal means in the Southeast, but rise to above-average levels in much of Oklahoma and Texas.  Temperatures during the day will range from the 50s in eastern Tennessee, northern Georgia, North Carolina and northern South Carolina to 80s across western Texas.  The South will remain dry, with a slight chance of showers along the east coast of Florida and in south Texas.

Northeast
Scattered light rain or snow showers could develop in western New York state and northwest Pennsylvania.  Temperatures will have highs at most locations in the 30s and 40s; much of Virginia, however, should remain in the 50s.

West
There will be scattered showers from northern Washington State into far northeast Montana.  The temperatures will have highs in the 40s in the northern Cascades of Washington and parts of the northern Rockies to 60s in the Great Basin and much of California.

Midwest
A weak low pressure area will cause some light rain and snow showers around the Great Lakes.  Another disturbance may cause scattered light rain or snow showers over parts of the Dakotas.  High temperatures are expected to range from the 30s in northeast North Dakota, northern Minnesota and parts of far northern Michigan to the 70s in western Kansas.(NOAA, media sources)

Fuel Spill Upgraded in San Francisco Bay

A container ship bound for China struck a tower of the west span of the San Francisco's Bay Bridge on Wednesday morning, puncturing the vessel's hull and causing approximately 58,000 gallons of medium grade fuel oil to be discharged into the bay. Four beaches on both sides of the bridge - Baker, Fort Point, China, and Crissy Field -- were closed, according to the U.S. Coast Guard. 
Throughout the day, U.S. Coast Guard crews worked to surround the spill with floating boom, removing at least 8,000 gallons with skimmer ships and absorbent pads.  The effect on wildlife was unknown by late Wednesday night. Other responding agencies include the California Office of Spill Prevention and Response, and the California Department of Fish and Game.  Transportation officials said part of the fender would need to be replaced around the bridge tower abutment, but the incident did not damage the bridge and traffic continued to flow. (Region IX and Media Sources)

Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG)

No new activity to report. (FEMA HQ)

Tropical Weather Outlook

Atlantic - Caribbean Sea - Gulf of Mexico
Previously reported shower activity associated with a non-tropical low pressure area about 430 miles south-southwest of the Azores has diminished.
Elsewhere, tropical cyclone formation is not expected during the next 48 hours.

Eastern and Central Pacific:
Tropical cyclone formation is not expected during the next 48 hours.

Western Pacific:
No current tropical cyclone warnings affecting U.S. interests. (NOAA, National Hurricane Center, Central Pacific Hurricane Center and the Joint Typhoon Warning Center)

Earthquake Activity

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Preliminary Damage Assessments

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Disaster Declaration Activity

No new activity (FEMA HQ)