National Situation Update: Sunday, February 3, 2008
Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED).
Significant National Weather
Midwest:
Freezing drizzle in the morning over parts of Kansas and Missouri. By afternoon, light snow will spread into Iowa and northern Illinois, with a narrow zone of sleet or light freezing rain possible over northern Missouri. Sunday night into Monday morning, a zone of light snow, sleet, and freezing rain will fan out through the Great Lakes, possibly including parts of Chicago's northern suburbs and the Detroit metro.
A potential from 1 to as much as 4 inches of rain over parts of the Ohio and mid-Mississippi Valleys, possibly triggering more river flooding. Temperatures will range from the low 60s in southern Missouri to the 30s in Wisconsin and Michigan.
Northeast:
A weak high pressure will bring mostly to partly sunny skies to much of the region. High temperatures will range from the 20s in northern Maine to the 50s and a few low 60s in Virginia.
South:
Showers and thunderstorms are expected from the Upper Texas and Louisiana Gulf Coasts northward into the Mid-South region. Highs in the 60s and 70s from the Carolinas to Texas, with low 80s possible in Miami, Orlando, and Tampa.
West:
Rain and snow will continue to soak much of the West. Amounts of 0.5 to 1 inch rainfall are expected in Los Angeles and San Diego proper with up to 3 inches in the foothills. Snow elevation levels will drop during the day, perhaps to 3500 feet. Strong winds gusting at times over 50 mph, blizzard conditions are possible in the Southern California Mountains. Heavy snow in the Sierra, with another several feet of snow expected through early Monday. Winter storm/heavy snow warnings and watches cover all of northern and southeast Arizona, as well as northern/western New Mexico, the mountains of Colorado, and much of Utah, including the Salt Lake Valley.(NWS, FEMA Region X, Media Sources)
Northwest Winter Storm
Washington:
Washington (WA) Governor declared a State of Emergency in 16 counties of Eastern Washington as a result of recent significant snowfall. WA State EOC remains activated at Phase II, with ESF-1 (Transportation) activated to support interstate highway closures. One shelter opened in Cheney, WA (Spokane County) with no occupants; served 100+ hot meals. Snow Advisory has been issued for areas in Washington State through February 4, 2008. No requests for Federal assistance.
Idaho:
Idaho Governor declared a statewide State of Emergency as a result of recent significant snowfall. State EOC is activated at Phase III Emergency Operations. State has requested National Guard assistance for snow removal in Bonner County. Winter Storm Warning remains in effect until 10 am today.
No requests for federal assistance. (NWS, FEMA Region X, Media Sources)
Texas Fires
Texas Governor has certified that 184 counties are currently threatened by extreme fire hazard. Critical fire weather is forecast for the southern Panhandle, the South Plains and West Texas. Wind gusts of 20-40 mph and low relative humidity are the primary threat conditions. As of February 2, 2008, the Texas Forestry Service (TFS) reported 78 fires covering 50,579 acres and Volunteer Fire Departments reported 243 fires covering 33,054 acres. Texas State Operations Center (Emergency Operations) remains activated to Level I in support of the wildfires, and fire containment is improving in 17 counties. TX SOC activated 12 aircraft from Texas Military Forces.
TFS established Fire Base at Granbury; two Air Attack aircraft on station. Two additional UH-60 helicopters, from the state of Louisiana, arrived in Grand Prairie to additional fire suppression resources.
Texas Department of Transportation is providing fuel for fire fighting apparatus, a maintainer, a bulldozer, 21 other vehicles, 29 personnel and two portable dynamic message signs. There has been no request for Federal Assistance. (FEMA Region VI, TX EOC)
Midwest Flooding Update
Michigan:
A Flood Warning continues for Grand River near Comstock Park (Kent County) due to ice jamming.
At 7:00 p.m. CST on February 2, 2008, the level was at 14.9 feet (flood stage 12 feet). The river will fall below flood stage early Thursday, February 7, 2008. (NWS)
Indiana:
A Flood Warning continues for the Kankakee River at Davis Route 30 affecting La Porte, Starke, and St. Joseph Counties and at Shelby affecting Lake and Newton Counties. (NWS)
Illinois:
A Flood Warning continues for the Illinois River affecting Fulton, Mason, Brown, Cass, Morgan and Schuyler Counties until tomorrow morning. (NWS)
Mill Valley Sewage Release
Marin County, California (CA) partially activated its Emergency Operations Center in response to the accidental release of 2.7 million gallons of primary and secondary treated sewage and storm water into the Corte Madera Creek and Richardson Bay on January 31, 2008. On February 1, 2008, the California Department of Public Health Drinking Water program determined there was no adverse impact to any public drinking water systems. Department of Fish and Game is assisting Marin County with water sampling efforts in the impacted area. Investigative and mitigation efforts are ongoing. (FEMA Region IX FEMA MOC BOTHELL, Media Sources)
Deep Creek Dam Leak
A leak was discovered at the anchor point of the Deep Creek Dam early Friday morning February 1, 2008. The Brookfield Power plant was temporarily shut down while the dam was inspected. Maryland Department of the Environment has determined there is no danger from the dam for the next 30 days.
Projected repairs will take approximately 48 hours to complete. Deep Creek Dam is in the extreme western part of Maryland in Garrett County. (FEMA Region III)
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)
Last Modified: Monday, 04-Feb-2008 07:50:31 EST