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National Situation Update: Thursday, March 13, 2008

Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED).

Significant National Weather

West:
A front will produce scattered showers and mountain snow from central California east to Colorado.  A tightening gradient associated with the cold front will produce gusty westerly winds of 30 to 45 mph over interior areas of southern California, especially in the mountains and high deserts, where gusts in some areas may reach 60 mph. High temperatures will range from the upper 20s in Yellowstone National Park to the 90s in southwest Arizona.

Midwest:
The front over the the Great Lakes will produce scattered snow showers from North Dakota through the Upper Midwest. Showers and sleet are forecast for southern Michigan through the Ohio Valley into Missouri and Kansas.  High temperatures will range from the upper 20s in northeast North Dakota to the 70s in southeast Kentucky.

South:
A deepening low pressure area is expected to trigger severe thunderstorms over eastern Oklahoma, northeast Texas and western Arkansas. Severe thunderstorm refers to a thunderstorm producing penny size hail, 0.75 inches in diameter or larger, and/or wind gusts to 58 mph or greater, and/or a tornado.  The threat of severe thunderstorms will push eastward into south-central Arkansas, northwest Louisiana and the remainder of northeast Texas tonight.  Gusty winds are forecast for West Texas, especially the Guadalupe Mountains, producing blowing dust and sand. Stronger winds are forecast for tomorrow.  High temperatures will range from the 60s to 80s in south Florida to the 90s along the Rio Grande River in Texas.

Northeast:
The frontal system moving in from the Great Lakes will produce a few showers in New York, Pennsylvania and West Virginia this afternoon. In northern New York, the precipitation will be in the form of snow. This wintery mix will move into New England tonight. High temperatures are forecast to range from near 20 in northern Maine to the 60s in Virginia. (NWS, Media Sources)

Flooding Update

Midwest
Illinois:
The Rock River is at minor flood stage; however, the National Weather Service is forecasting the river to return to near major flood stage by Monday 17, March 2008.  A Flash Flood Warning is in effect for Rock River affecting the counties of Henry, Whiteside and Rock Island due to forecasted precipitation for the next 24 hours.

Northeast:
Flood Warnings have been extended through Friday, March 14, 2008, for the Connecticut counties of Hartford and Middlesex and in Massachusetts for the counties of Middlesex, Worcester, and Norfolk. (NWS)

Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG)

Texas: FMAG-2750-TX was issued for the Arabella Fire near Fort Davis, TX. The fire started on March 11, 2008, and is not contained.  One hundred homes are threatened and if the wind shifts, another 100 homes will be threatened.  One hundred individuals have voluntarily evacuated the area.  This region is under a High Wind Warning until Saturday morning along with a Red Flag Warning until Friday, March 14, 2008.  (FEMA HQ)   

Tropical Weather Outlook

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Earthquake Activity

There was no significant earthquake activity in the United States or its territories during the past 24 hours. 

On March 12, 2008 at 7:23 a.m. EDT, a magnitude 6.5 earthquake struck approximately 75 miles south from Luganville, Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu, at a depth of 12.4 miles.  There were no reports of damage or injuries, and there was no Tsunami generated. (USGS/NEIC/WDC)

Preliminary Damage Assessments

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Disaster Declaration Activity

Missouri: The President signed a Disaster Declaration, FEMA-1748-DR, for severe winter storms and flooding in Missouri occurring February 10-14, 2008. Eighteen counties are eligible for Public Assistance and all jurisdictions in the State of Missouri are eligible to apply for assistance under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. The FCO will be Michael L. Parker. (FEMA HQ)