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National Situation Update: Friday, January 25, 2008

Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED).

Significant National Weather

West
Heavy rains and mountain snow are forecast over northern and central California from Monterey and the San Francisco Bay area to the Siskiyou, Mount Shasta and northern half of the Sierra.  The coastal range and portions of the Sierra could receive as much as eight inches of rain.  Flooding and mudslides are possible.  A separate cold front will sweep into the Northwest over the weekend.

South
A strong west-to-east jet stream continues to cover the South even as much colder air enters the region.  Rain is expected from southern Texas into Louisiana.  Temperatures will range from the 20s and 30s in the southern Plains to the 70s in South Florida.

Northeast
The coastal storm developing off the Mid-Atlantic States tonight will bypass much of the Northeast as it heads out toward the Atlantic.  Friday's weather will be quiet across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states with below average highs ranging from the single digits in northern Maine to the 30s and 40s in Virginia.

Midwest
As the cold air begins to retreat from the region today, a return flow from the Gulf of Mexico, combined with a weak clipper storm, should bring some light snow from portions of the northern Plains to the Upper Midwest.  A zone of freezing rain is forecast for portions of Oklahoma and Arkansas.
Temperatures will range from the 20s in Michigan to the low 50s in Kansas. (NWS)

Midwest Flooding Update

Indiana
Flood Warnings have been extended 24 hours for the Kankakee River at Shelby, Indiana.  Minor flooding is occurring; however, the Tippecanoe, Iroquois and Wabash Rivers are finally below flood stage.

Illinois
Flood Warnings have been extended for an additional 24 hours for the Kankakee (near Wilmington), Rock and the Illinois Rivers.  Ice jams are forecast to continue causing minor to moderate flooding for these rivers until Friday evening. (FEMA Region V, NWS)

Colorado Oil Facility Explosion

At approximately 12:45 p.m. MST on January 24, 2008, an explosion occurred at the Conquest Oil Disposal facility in LaSalle, CO.  Reports from Colorado DEM indicate that as of 5:00 p.m. MST the fire has burned itself out.  Local fire departments are remaining on the scene.   The tank that holds 720 barrels of water was in the process of separating out the water and oil; however the process was not complete when the explosion occurred.  The material that remained in the tank is what fueled the fire.  It appears to have been an accidental explosion.  There will be no further reports on this incident unless additional information is obtained.  Early reports indicate that there were five possible injuries; however it is unknown at this time to what extent the injuries are.  Three of the individuals were transported to a local medical facility.  Region VIII is in contact with CO DEM and is monitoring the situation. There has been no request for State assistance at this time. (FEMA Region VIII)

New Jersey Tanker Ship Collision

At 2:00 p.m. EST on January 24, 2008 the USCG - New York reported a collision in Newark Bay between the Merchant Vessel (M/V) Orange Sun, with a cargo of orange juice, and a dredge ship. 

The USCG reports the Dredge NY has been dewatered and is stable.  The Orange Sun, assisted by four tugs, was directed to move to Berth 24, Port Newark.  Port Newark has reopened, according to the USCG.  There are no reports of injuries or HAZMAT.   No further pollution reported.  (FEMA Region II)

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

Indiana
The Governor of Indiana has requested a Major Disaster Declaration as a result of severe storms and flooding beginning on January 7, 2008.  Individual Assistance was requested for nine counties and Hazard Mitigation statewide. 

Kansas
The Governor of Kansas has requested a Major Disaster Declaration as a result of severe winter storms for the period of December 6-19, 2007.  Public Assistance was requested for 60 counties and Hazard Mitigation statewide.

Missouri
The Governor of Missouri has requested a Major Disaster Declaration as a result of severe winter storms for the period of January 7-10, 2008.  Individual Assistance was requested for 13 counties, Public Assistance for nine counties, direct Federal assistance and Hazard Mitigation statewide. (FEMA HQ)