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National Situation Update: Saturday, February 23, 2008

Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED).

National Weather Forecast

West
A weekend storm is expected to move into California, bringing significant rainfall across central and northern parts of the state, with lesser amounts to the south.  A Winter Storm Warning is in effect for the interior northern California mountains this weekend.  Parts of the central Sierra Nevada could see two to four feet of snow this weekend but snow levels will start out above 7000 feet.  Wind gusts may reach 50 mph later in the day around the San Francisco Bay area.  High temperatures should range from the high 40s in Washington to the high 60s in southern California. 

South
Flood Warnings are in effect this weekend for portions of the following southern states: Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida.  Mild conditions are expected across the south until a new storm system arrives next week.
High temperatures should range from the high 40s in Tennessee to the high 70s in Florida. 

Midwest
An area of high pressure should build over the northern Plains today.  The flow of dry air moving into the region should provide mild conditions into early next week.  High temperatures are forecast to range from the 30s in Ohio to the 40s in South Dakota.

Northeast 
Some rain and snow could continue through the day across the northeast but amounts should be minimal.  Temperatures are expected to moderate near seasonal averages by early next week. (NWS, Media Sources)

Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG)

No significant activity to report. (FEMA HQ)

Tropical Weather Outlook

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Earthquake Activity

19 aftershocks have been recorded, ranging from 3.0M to 4.6M, since the 6.0M earthquake near Wells, Nevada.  Three injuries and zero fatalities have been reported.  The State reported 50-60 homes with major damage and 300 with minor damage.  The Salvation Army and The Red Cross are active in sheltering displaced residents; one ARC shelter opened in Elko County, Nevada (NV) with a population of eight.  The Governor of Nevada declared a State of Emergency for the city of Wells and for Elko County.  No Federal assistance has been requested.  The Region IX RRCC stood down at 6:00 p.m. PST Friday and responsibility transitioned to the ERT-A. (USGS, FEMA Region IX)

Preliminary Damage Assessments

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Disaster Declaration Activity

Amendment one was issued on February 22, 2008 for FEMA-1740-IN adding: Allen, Benton, DeKalb, Huntington, Kosciusko, Lake, LaPorte, Newton, Noble, St. Joseph, Starke, and Whitley Counties for Individual Assistance.  (FEMA HQ)