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National Situation Update: Thursday, January 3, 2008

Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED).

Significant National Weather

Northeast 
Cold, windy weather is forecast for the northeastern U.S. today. Snowfall should be limited to interior mountains with accumulations of an inch or less.  Temperatures will range from the single digits in northern New York to the low 40s in south-central Virginia.

Midwest 
The Plains and most of the Midwest will remain dry today.  Some snow or freezing drizzle may develop over northern and central Minnesota and northwest Wisconsin throughout the day.  Brisk southwesterly winds are expected over the central Plains, Iowa, Missouri and the Upper Midwest, with temperatures ranging from the 20s to the 40s.  Flood watches remain in effect along the Midwest Rivers due to ice jamming and a warming trend expected this weekend and early next week.

West
Wet and windy weather is forecast from western Washington southward into northern and central California.  The Northwest will experience some light precipitation today in the form of rain, snow, or freezing rain east of the Cascades.  High winds, heavy rain and considerable amounts of mountain snow are anticipated for California on Friday.  High temperatures are predicted to range from the 20s in the Rockies and northern Washington Cascades to the 70s in areas of southwest Arizona.

South 
Cold high pressure will ensure most of the southern U.S. a dry day.  Temperatures will remain below early January averages.  Despite winds in the Southeast weakening considerably, cold breezes will continue over the Florida Peninsula.  High temperatures are forecast to be in the 30s in northeast Arkansas, Tennessee, far western North Carolina, and the northern areas of Alabama and Georgia. (NWS, Media Sources)

Florida Hard Freeze

On December 31, 2007, the National Weather Service (NWS) issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook forecasting freezing temperatures from Tuesday evening through Thursday morning for most of Florida.  The NWS also has advised that "anyone with agricultural interests should take precautions to protect their crops."  The Governor of Florida relaxed commercial vehicle regulation to facilitate crop transportation.  The emergency crop protective plans implemented will help ensure thawed crops are transported to processing sites without delay and reduce the potential of freezing temperatures destroying many of Florida's growing crops.  (NWS, State of Florida, Office of the Governor, Executive Order Number 07-273)

Red Flag Warnings

California: All Red Flag Warnings for southern California have been lifted.

Texas:   Until 6:00 p.m. CST today for a small portion of central Texas; winds at 20 mph with gusts near 30 mph and relative humidity in the upper teens.

Georgia: Until 7:00 p.m. EST today for most of north and central Georgia; relative humidity 15-20 %.

Alabama: Until 6:00 p.m. CST today for central and south Alabama; humidity values below 25% and winds 15-20 mph.

Florida: Until 7:00 p.m. EST today in the Panhandle east to Jacksonville and until 6:00 p.m. in central and south Florida; humidity below 35% winds from 15-25 mph.

Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG)

No new activity to report. (FEMA HQ)

Tropical Weather Outlook

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Earthquake Activity

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Preliminary Damage Assessments

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Disaster Declaration Activity

No new activity (FEMA HQ)