From 5:30-6 p.m. EDT, NASA Television will air excerpts of an interview with Dr. Michael Duncan, who is leading a NASA team to Chile. NASA has been asked by the Chilean government through the U.S. Department of State to provide technical advice that might assist the trapped miners at the San Jose gold and copper mine near Copiapo, Chile.Go to Source
West:
A strong low pressure system will push into the Pacific Northwest. The tight pressure gradient will produce gusty winds in central Washington and Oregon. Winds will gust to 35 mph and Blowing Dust Advisories will be in effect during afternoon and evening hours. Precipitation will be limited to showers and thunderstorms across the higher elevations of the Pacific Northwest and the Southwest. Critical Fire Weather and associated Red Flag warnings are in effect from northern California to western Washington and east to the Dakotas during afternoon and evening hours, due to gusty winds and low humidity. High temperatures will exceed 100 degrees in the Central valley of California and the Desert Southwest.
Midwest:
A large ridge of high pressure will keep the region dry today and tomorrow. The Central Plains will be hot with highs reaching the 90s in most locations.
South:
A stationary front across the Gulf Coast will continue to produce showers and thunderstorms. Fortunately, the heaviest precipitation will remain offshore. The tail end of the cold front will produce rain and rain showers over the Carolinas. (NOAA’s National Weather Service, the Hydrometeorological Prediction Center and media sources)
Northeast:
The region will be generally dry, but a cold front will produce a few showers across parts of northwest Pennsylvania, Upstate New York and New England.
California – Post Fire – near Lebec, Kern County
A FMAG was approved at 8:00 p.m. EDT, Aug 24, 2010 for the Post Fire located near Fraizer Park, Kern County, California. Approximately, 1,500 acres consumed and 0% contained. About 400 residents evacuated from Fraizer Park (Population: 2,800) and 25 structures are threatened. (HQ FEMA)
Atlantic, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico:
Hurricane Danielle
At 5:00 a.m. EDT, the center of Hurricane Danielle was located about 795 miles east of the At 5:00 a.m. EDT, the center of Hurricane Danielle was located 860 miles southeast of Bermuda (795 mi east-northeast of San Juan Puerto Rico). Danielle is moving toward the northwest near 16 mph and this general motion is expected to continue with a gradual decrease in forward speed over the next couple of days. Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 105 mph, with higher gusts. Danielle is a Category Two Hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane wind scale. Some additional strengthening is forecast during the next 48 hours and Danielle could become a major hurricane by tonight or Friday. Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 40 miles from the center, and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 175miles.
Tropical Storm Earl
At 5:00 a.m. EDT, the center of Tropical Storm Earl was located approximately 695 miles west of the southernmost Cape Verde Islands. Earl is moving toward the west-northwest near 16 mph. This motion is expected to continue during the next 48 hours. Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 45 mph, with higher gusts. Additional strengthening is forecast during the next couple of days and Earl is expected to become a hurricane by late Friday or early Saturday. Tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 60 miles from the center.
Eastern Pacific:
Hurricane Frank
At 5:00 a.m. EDT, the center of Hurricane Frank was located about 380 miles south-southeast of the southern tip of Baja California, Mexico. Frank is moving toward the west-northwest near 14 mph and this general motion is expected to continue for the next day or so. A reduction in forward speed is likely to occur on Friday. Maximum sustained winds are near 80 mph, with higher gusts. Frank is a Category One Hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Scale. Some strengthening is forecast today, and a gradual weakening trend is expected to begin on Friday as Frank moves over cooler waters. Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 15 miles from the center and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 70 miles.
Central Pacific:
No tropical cyclone activity is expected through Thursday evening.
Western Pacific:
No activity.(NOAA, NWS, HPC, National Hurricane Center, Central Pacific Hurricane Center, and the Joint Typhoon Warning Center)
No new activity (FEMA HQ)
No new activity (FEMA HQ)
National Preparedness Level: 2
National Fire Activity as of Wednesday, August 25, 2010:
Initial attack activity: light (158 new fires), new large fires: 4, large fires contained: 1
Uncontained large fires: 20, U.S. States affected: CA, OR, WA, ID, MT, HI &WY (NIFC)
California – Post Fire – near Frazier Park, CA (Kern County)
An FMAG was approved on Aug 24, 2010 for the Post Fire located near Frazier Park, CA in Kern County. The Governor declared a State of Emergency for Kern County on Aug 25, 2010. Approximately 1,000 acres were consumed and about 60% contained. All mandatory evacuations have been lifted. (HQ FEMA)
No new activity (FEMA HQ)
West:
Isolated showers and thunderstorms are forecast across the Desert Southwest from Southern California to New Mexico, especially during the evening hours. Record and near record temperatures are expected along the entire West Coast. Inland areas will have temperatures from the 90s to as high as 110 degrees in the inland valleys. Excessive Heat Warnings are in effect for Southern California and the Desert Southwest through this evening. Red Flag Warnings will remain in effect throughout the day in Washington, Oregon and Idaho.
Midwest:
A cold front stretching from the Great Lakes to Texas continues to move across the region. There is limited moisture associated with this front, so only isolated showers and thunderstorms are in the forecast as the front crosses the Ohio Valley. Temperatures behind the front will be much cooler than experienced in recent weeks. Highs will range from the 60s to the lower 80s.
South:
The cold front extending from the Midwest will produce showers and thunderstorms across Texas. The threat will be limited to gusty winds and heavy precipitation. The front across the southeast will produce scattered showers and thunderstorms from the Big Bend area of Florida to North Carolina.
Northeast:
A low-pressure system off the New England Coast will continue to produce precipitation from the Mid-Atlantic to New England. (NOAA’s National Weather Service, the Hydrometeorological Prediction Center and media sources)
California – Post Fire – near Lebec, Kern County
A FMAG was approved at 8:00 p.m. EDT, Aug 24, 2010 for the Post Fire located near Fraizer Park, Kern County, California. Approximately, 1,500 acres consumed and 0% contained. About 400 residents evacuated from Fraizer Park (Population: 2,800) and 25 structures are threatened. (HQ FEMA)
Atlantic, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico:
Hurricane Danielle
At 5:00 a.m. EDT, the center of Hurricane Danielle was located about 795 miles east of the northern Leeward Islands (1,000 miles east of San Juan, Puerto Rico). Danielle is moving toward the west-northwest near 17 mph. A turn toward the northwest with a decrease in forward speed is expected during the next couple of days. The maximum sustained winds have increased to near 85 mph, with higher gusts. Danielle is a Category 1 Hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson scale. Additional strengthening is forecast during the next 48 hours.
Area 1
A broad area of low pressure located about 200 miles west-southwest of the southernmost Cape Verde Islands is accompanied by a large area of cloudiness and showers. Although there has been little change in the organization of the associated shower activity over the past few hours, environmental conditions remain conducive for the formation of a tropical depression during the next couple of days. There is a high chance (90 percent) of this system becoming a tropical cyclone during the next 48 hours as it moves west-northwestward near 15 mph.
Area 2
A surface trough over the central Gulf of Mexico is producing disorganized cloudiness and a few thunderstorms. Development, if any, of this system is expected to be slow to occur as it drifts westward or west-southwestward. There is a low chance (10 percent) of this system becoming a tropical cyclone during the next 48 hours.
Eastern Pacific:
Tropical Storm Frank
At 5:00 a.m. EDT, the center of Tropical Storm Frank was located about 200 miles south-southeast of Manzanillo, Mexico. Frank is moving toward the west-northwest near 9 mph. This general motion is expected to continue through Friday. On this track, Frank will continue to move away from the southwestern coast of Mexico. Maximum sustained winds are near 70 mph, with higher gusts. Some strengthening is possible and Frank could be a hurricane later today.
Central Pacific:
No tropical cyclone activity is expected through Thursday evening.
Western Pacific:
No activity.(NOAA, NWS, HPC, National Hurricane Center, Central Pacific Hurricane Center, and the Joint Typhoon Warning Center)
No new activity (FEMA HQ)
No new activity (FEMA HQ)
National Preparedness Level: 2
National Fire Activity as of Tuesday, August 24, 2010:
Initial attack activity: light (158 new fires), new large fires: 4, large fires contained: 6
Uncontained large fires: 18, U.S. States affected: CA, OR, WA, ID, MT, NV, CO &WY (NIFC)
No new activity (FEMA HQ)
System 96L in the far eastern Atlantic had a 90 percent chance of becoming the seventh tropical depression at 2 p.m. EDT today, August 24.Go to Source
NASA and Alliant Techsystems Inc. (ATK) will conduct a full-scale test of a five-segment, first-stage solid rocket motor at 11:05 a.m. EDT, Tuesday, Aug. 31.Go to Source
Midwest
Rain and thunderstorms are forecast today over the central U.S. bringing more river flooding to Iowa. By late today, thunderstorms will extend from northern Wisconsin and Minnesota down to northeast Kansas. A few of the storms could become severe, with large hail and gusty winds. Areas from the Great Lakes to the Ohio Valley will remain dry. The Southern Plains will see high temperatures of over 100, with the Ohio Valley seeing high temperatures in the 90s.
The oppressive heat gripping the Mississippi valley and portions of the Midwest will begin to weaken a little over the weekend.
South
The remnants of Tropical Depression Five will bring increased moisture to the region as it moves northward from the Gulf Coast. Heavy rain will move from Louisiana to inland areas over the weekend.
Scattered thunderstorms are forecast from Louisiana eastward to the Carolinas. Louisiana and Mississippi could see locally heavy rain and localized flooding. The recent heat wave in the region will diminish due to clouds and precipitation, but humidity will remain high and may bring heat indices ranging from 110 to 115 degrees.
Northeast
Scattered thunderstorm activity will continue across the mid-Atlantic region while Upstate New York will see less precipitation. Much of New England will remain dry.
West
A cold front is shaping up over the Intermountain West this morning and is expected to make its way into the central plains during the day. Parts of Idaho, Montana and northern Wyoming will see showers and cool temperatures today. Elevations above 7,000 feet in northwestern Montana may see one to three inches of snow. The higher elevations of southeast Arizona and New Mexico will see isolated thunderstorm activity. High temperatures will increase and move across the Southwest over the weekend and will spread up through central California and the Pacific Northwest. The Desert Southwest will see highs up to 110 degrees, with Death Valley seeing highs of 120 degrees. The West Coast will see highs only in the 60s.(NOAA’s National Weather Service, the Hydro meteorological Prediction Center and media sources)
A line of severe storms affected the Maryland, Virginia, and Washington D.C. metro area early Thursday morning, August 12, 2010. A second line of storms moved through the area early in the evening. The storms produced heavy rain, quarter-sized hail, and damaging winds in excess of 60 mph.
The storms caused widespread power outages, flash flooding, downed trees, motorists stranded in high water, and several building collapses due to downed trees crashing through buildings.
The storms caused delays for commuter rail and buses due to power outages (traffic signals not working) and downed trees and debris blocking tracks and roadways. One subway station was closed due to power outage and flooding inside the station. There were over 100,000 without power across the entire region at the height of the storm. As of 1:00 a.m. EDT this morning, 43,000 customers remain without power.
Over the past few days, a nearly stationary frontal system over Iowa brought strong thunderstorms and heavy rain to a large portion of central Iowa from near Oskaloosa (Mahaska County) to Sac City (Sac County). Since August 8, three to eight inches of rain have fallen, causing river and flash flooding in many locations in central Iowa. More rain and additional flooding is forecast through the weekend. The areas of most concern are along the Skunk, Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers. Along these rivers, five river gauges are at major flood stage with four expected to remain at major flood stage over the next 48 hours. A few gauges are expected to crest at or near record flood stage. Agricultural levees along the Skunk and Des Moines Rivers remain at risk due to the continuing heavy rainfall. Two water treatment plants surrounded by levees, one at Ames and the other at Oskaloosa, also remain at risk. Major impacts from these thunderstorms have been power outages, residential flooding, numerous downed trees, and road closures. Five highways have been closed due to flooding and approximately 1,000 customers remain without power (down from 8,000). There is one confirmed storm-related fatality and numerous injuries have been reported. Region VII Regional Watch is at Level III (Monitoring) with extended hours, 6:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. CDT. Two FEMA LNOs have been deployed to the Iowa EOC.
Well pressure remains stable and is decreasing at a rate of 5 psi per hour. Drilling operations have been on hold until the passage of the remnants of Tropical Depression Five. Approximately 669 miles of coastline is currently oiled in AL, FL, LA, MS, and TX. Shoreline cleanup efforts continue. 52,395 miles of Gulf Exclusive Economic Zone remains closed to fishing. Approximately 78% of the Gulf of Mexico federal waters are open to commercial fishing. (NIC Daily SitRep Update, DHS SLB Deepwater Horizon Response, JIC Ongoing Administration-Wide Response)
No activity. (HQ FEMA)
Atlantic, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico:
Remnants of Tropical Depression Five
At 2:00 a.m. EDT, a broad area of low pressure associated with the remnants of Tropical Depression Five remains located near the coast of southern Mississippi. The low is expected to produce locally heavy rains and occasionally gusty winds in squalls as it moves inland over the next 24 to 48 hours. There is a LOW chance (near 0%) of this system re-developing into a tropical cyclone over the next 48 hours. Localized flooding is possible over southern Louisiana and coastal Mississippi.
Eastern Pacific:
Area of Disturbed Weather (1)
At 2:00 a.m. EDT, shower and thunderstorm activity associated with an area of disturbed weather is located 150 miles west-southwest of Acapulco, Mexico. Although conditions appear favorable for tropical storm formation, land interaction could inhibit development of this system by the weekend. There is still a high chance (70%) of this system becoming a tropical cyclone over the next 48 hours as it moves slowly northwestward.
Central Pacific:
No tropical cyclones are expected through Saturday, August 14, 2010.
Western Pacific:
No tropical cyclone activity affecting United States Territories.(NOAA, NWS, HPC, National Hurricane Center, Central Pacific Hurricane Center, and the Joint Typhoon Warning Center)
At 7:54 a.m. EDT on August 12, 2010, a magnitude 7.1 earthquake occurred 90 miles east of Ambato, Ecuador at a depth of 131 miles. There were no reports of serious injury, or damage and no tsunami was generated.(USGS)
No new activity (FEMA HQ)
National Preparedness Level: 2
National Fire Activity as of Thursday, August 12, 2010:
Initial attack activity: Light (177 new fires)
New large fires: 1
Large fires contained: 4
Uncontained large fires: 6
States Affected: ID, CA, MT, WY, OK, and TX. (NIFC)
Amendment No. 4 to FEMA-1925-DR-KY for the State of Kentucky was approved on August 12 and adds three counties for Individual Assistance and one county for Public Assistance.
The JFO for FEMA-1901-DR-ND has been approved to close at close of business on August 27, 2010.
The JFO for FEMA-3309-EM-ND has been approved to close at close of business on August 27, 2010.
Midwest
Rain and thunderstorms are forecast today over the central U.S. bringing more river flooding to Iowa. By late today, thunderstorms will extend from northern Wisconsin and Minnesota down to northeast Kansas. A few of the storms could become severe, with large hail and gusty winds. Areas from the Great Lakes to the Ohio Valley will remain dry. The Southern Plains will see high temperatures of over 100, with the Ohio Valley seeing high temperatures in the 90s.
The oppressive heat gripping the Mississippi valley and portions of the Midwest will begin to weaken a little over the weekend.
South
The remnants of Tropical Depression Five will bring increased moisture to the region as it moves northward from the Gulf Coast. Heavy rain will move from Louisiana to inland areas over the weekend.
Scattered thunderstorms are forecast from Louisiana eastward to the Carolinas. Louisiana and Mississippi could see locally heavy rain and localized flooding. The recent heat wave in the region will diminish due to clouds and precipitation, but humidity will remain high and may bring heat indices ranging from 110 to 115 degrees.
Northeast
Scattered thunderstorm activity will continue across the mid-Atlantic region while Upstate New York will see less precipitation. Much of New England will remain dry.
West
A cold front is shaping up over the Intermountain West this morning and is expected to make its way into the central plains during the day. Parts of Idaho, Montana and northern Wyoming will see showers and cool temperatures today. Elevations above 7,000 feet in northwestern Montana may see one to three inches of snow. The higher elevations of southeast Arizona and New Mexico will see isolated thunderstorm activity. High temperatures will increase and move across the Southwest over the weekend and will spread up through central California and the Pacific Northwest. The Desert Southwest will see highs up to 110 degrees, with Death Valley seeing highs of 120 degrees. The West Coast will see highs only in the 60s.(NOAA’s National Weather Service, the Hydro meteorological Prediction Center and media sources)
A line of severe storms affected the Maryland, Virginia, and Washington D.C. metro area early Thursday morning, August 12, 2010. A second line of storms moved through the area early in the evening. The storms produced heavy rain, quarter-sized hail, and damaging winds in excess of 60 mph.
The storms caused widespread power outages, flash flooding, downed trees, motorists stranded in high water, and several building collapses due to downed trees crashing through buildings.
The storms caused delays for commuter rail and buses due to power outages (traffic signals not working) and downed trees and debris blocking tracks and roadways. One subway station was closed due to power outage and flooding inside the station. There were over 100,000 without power across the entire region at the height of the storm. As of 1:00 a.m. EDT this morning, 43,000 customers remain without power.
Over the past few days, a nearly stationary frontal system over Iowa brought strong thunderstorms and heavy rain to a large portion of central Iowa from near Oskaloosa (Mahaska County) to Sac City (Sac County). Since August 8, three to eight inches of rain have fallen, causing river and flash flooding in many locations in central Iowa. More rain and additional flooding is forecast through the weekend. The areas of most concern are along the Skunk, Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers. Along these rivers, five river gauges are at major flood stage with four expected to remain at major flood stage over the next 48 hours. A few gauges are expected to crest at or near record flood stage. Agricultural levees along the Skunk and Des Moines Rivers remain at risk due to the continuing heavy rainfall. Two water treatment plants surrounded by levees, one at Ames and the other at Oskaloosa, also remain at risk. Major impacts from these thunderstorms have been power outages, residential flooding, numerous downed trees, and road closures. Five highways have been closed due to flooding and approximately 1,000 customers remain without power (down from 8,000). There is one confirmed storm-related fatality and numerous injuries have been reported. Region VII Regional Watch is at Level III (Monitoring) with extended hours, 6:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. CDT. Two FEMA LNOs have been deployed to the Iowa EOC.
Well pressure remains stable and is decreasing at a rate of 5 psi per hour. Drilling operations have been on hold until the passage of the remnants of Tropical Depression Five. Approximately 669 miles of coastline is currently oiled in AL, FL, LA, MS, and TX. Shoreline cleanup efforts continue. 52,395 miles of Gulf Exclusive Economic Zone remains closed to fishing. Approximately 78% of the Gulf of Mexico federal waters are open to commercial fishing. (NIC Daily SitRep Update, DHS SLB Deepwater Horizon Response, JIC Ongoing Administration-Wide Response)
No activity. (HQ FEMA)
Atlantic, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico:
Remnants of Tropical Depression Five
At 2:00 a.m. EDT, a broad area of low pressure associated with the remnants of Tropical Depression Five remains located near the coast of southern Mississippi. The low is expected to produce locally heavy rains and occasionally gusty winds in squalls as it moves inland over the next 24 to 48 hours. There is a LOW chance (near 0%) of this system re-developing into a tropical cyclone over the next 48 hours. Localized flooding is possible over southern Louisiana and coastal Mississippi.
Eastern Pacific:
Area of Disturbed Weather (1)
At 2:00 a.m. EDT, shower and thunderstorm activity associated with an area of disturbed weather is located 150 miles west-southwest of Acapulco, Mexico. Although conditions appear favorable for tropical storm formation, land interaction could inhibit development of this system by the weekend. There is still a high chance (70%) of this system becoming a tropical cyclone over the next 48 hours as it moves slowly northwestward.
Central Pacific:
No tropical cyclones are expected through Saturday, August 14, 2010.
Western Pacific:
No tropical cyclone activity affecting United States Territories.(NOAA, NWS, HPC, National Hurricane Center, Central Pacific Hurricane Center, and the Joint Typhoon Warning Center)
At 7:54 a.m. EDT on August 12, 2010, a magnitude 7.1 earthquake occurred 90 miles east of Ambato, Ecuador at a depth of 131 miles. There were no reports of serious injury, or damage and no tsunami was generated.(USGS)
No new activity (FEMA HQ)
National Preparedness Level: 2
National Fire Activity as of Thursday, August 12, 2010:
Initial attack activity: Light (177 new fires)
New large fires: 1
Large fires contained: 4
Uncontained large fires: 6
States Affected: ID, CA, MT, WY, OK, and TX. (NIFC)
Amendment No. 4 to FEMA-1925-DR-KY for the State of Kentucky was approved on August 12 and adds three counties for Individual Assistance and one county for Public Assistance.
The JFO for FEMA-1901-DR-ND has been approved to close at close of business on August 27, 2010.
The JFO for FEMA-3309-EM-ND has been approved to close at close of business on August 27, 2010.
NASA will host a media event at 10:30 a.m. EDT on Thursday, Aug. 26, at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida for the arrival of the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer (AMS).
When NASA’s Aqua satellite flew over System 97W in the Northwestern Pacific Ocean on July 19 at 0417 UTC (12:17 a.m. EDT), it captured temperature data on some very high thunderstorms and strong convection happening inside.
Midwest
A front stalled from Nebraska to the Ohio River Valley will bring high humidity and thunderstorm complexes. Some of the thunderstorms could become severe, with damaging wind gusts, hail, and rainfall possibly reaching 3 to 4 inches. Flash flooding is possible in Iowa and Illinois. Missouri will see highs in the 90s with Kansas seeing highs of up to 100 degrees – 15 degrees above average.
Northeast
A cold front moving into New York, Pennsylvania, and western New England will bring thunderstorms, some possibly becoming severe, with damaging wind gusts, hail, and local downpours of 1 to 2 inches possible. New York City to Norfolk, Virginia, will see highs in the low to mid 90s with high humidity.
South
An upper-level disturbance lingering over the South will bring scattered thunderstorms from southeast Texas to Tennessee and North Carolina. Downpours could reach several inches of rain in a few areas, but the likelihood of these thunderstorms becoming severe will be low. The region will remain very humid with highs in the 90s. Northern Texas and the Oklahoma Panhandle could see highs of over 100 degrees.
West
Isolated thunderstorms are forecast from Montana to Arizona and New Mexico. The likelihood of these storms becoming severe will be low, but rainfall could locally reach a half inch in eastern Montana and northeast Wyoming. The Southwest will continue to see temperatures 5 to 15 degrees above average with highs in the 90s and low 100s in the lower elevations of Colorado, New Mexico and Utah, and reaching 100 to 125 degrees in the Desert Southwest. The Central Valley of California and inland areas of southern California will see highs of over 100 degrees. (NOAA’s National Weather Service, the Hydrometeorological Prediction Center and media sources)
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Climactic Data Center (NCDC), the combined global land and ocean surface temperature made last month the warmest June on record, and was the warmest April-June and year-to-date (January-June) periods on record. NCDC conducts a monthly state of the climate global analysis that provides a snapshot of the climate system around the globe. According to June’s report, this was the fourth consecutive month that the combined global land and ocean surface temperature was the warmest on record for that month. NCDC’s monthly analysis is based on records going back to 1880. For more information please see the full NOAA report at: www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2010/20100715_globalstats.html or the full NCDC monthly analysis is available at: www.ncdc.noaa.gov/sotc/?report=global
Overview
The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico will host the XXI Central American and Caribbean (CACG) Games from July 17 – August 1, 2010. Opening ceremonies commenced Jul y18 at 5:30 p.m. EDT. Athletic events will proceed as originally scheduled. Approximately 5,000 athletes from 32 countries will be competing in 47 sporting events scheduled in multiple venues. CACG officials expect up to 100,000 visitors for the Games.Temporary Flight Restrictions have been established for the opening and closing CACG ceremonies.
Federal/FEMA Response
FEMA Region II is at Level III (24/7) for the duration of the Games. Caribbean Area Division personnel will staff the Multiagency Coordination Center (MACC) in Puerto Rico.
Situational Update:
The situation is currently stable with low-laying areas down-river from Falcon Dam in Major Flood stage. Outflows of Falcon Reservoir are holding steady at 60,000 CFS and will remain at this rate for several days. The Rio Grande River at Rio Grande City remains at Major Flood Stage, but appears to have crested and is slowly receding. The river was at 56.27 feet at 11:15 p.m. EDT on July 18. The Rio Grande River at Laredo has is at Moderate Flood Stage, and at Columbia Bridge at Minor Flood Stage, and continues to recede.
The pool at the Falcon reservoir has reached 309.28 feet MSL (above record stage) as of 3:15 a.m. EDT on July 18. Flood operations continue at the Amistad and Falcon reservoirs. Releases from the dams are expected to continue for the next several days. Mandatory evacuations continue for the subdivisions in the City of Roma and in the City of Los Ebanos (Hidalgo County) and lower elevation neighborhoods near Falcon Lake. Voluntary evacuations continue in the cities of La Joya, Penitas and La Gruella. Five American Red Cross shelters remain open with 102 occupants. The Hidalgo area has four shelters on standby incase the river rises. The shelters in Laredo were scheduled to be closed on July 18, and the shelters in Rio Bravo are scheduled to be closed July 19. The Texas SOC remains at Level II (Escalated Response Conditions).
Federal/FEMA Response:
FEMA Region VI RRCC is at Watch/Steady State and monitoring the situation. (FEMA Region VI, DHS/NOC Steady State Incident Report, TX SOC SITREP, media sources)
Severe thunderstorms are forecast to continue due to a stalled front extending from Nebraska to the Ohio River Valley. Severe thunderstorms that occurred in the Midwest between July 17-18 caused 13 tornadoes, strong winds, and golf ball-sized hail. No significant damages or fatalities were reported and there were only minor injuries. Flood Warnings remain in effect for portions of Illinois, Kansas, Missouri and southeast Nebraska. Excessive Heat Warnings remain in effect for portions of Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas.(NOAA/North Central River Forecast Center)
As the result of severe weather and flooding in Kentucky, the Kentucky EOC is activated at Level I (EOC standard with hot standby mode and the ECI in 24 hour operations). Region IV RRCC is at Watch/Steady State and will continue to monitor this event. A local state of emergency was declared for Pike and Shelby Counties and additional counties may be added. Over 200 homes may be eligible for assistance due to residential flooding. There were two confirmed fatalities. The National Guard is preparing to send assets to Pike County to assist in security missions. The Mountain Water District Water Plant’s raw water intake is out of service and may take several days to repair. Several communities will be without water for up to a week, impacting from 3,500 to 4,000 customers. Water is being delivered to Pike County for distribution. Three shelters and a special needs shelter are open, with an unknown number of occupants. No Federal assistance has been requested.
Federal/State Response:
FEMA is providing personnel and equipment support. Florida EOC is at Level I (Full Activation); Louisiana and Alabama EOCs remain at Level III (Partially Activated); the Mississippi EOC is at Level IV (Normal Operations), Texas EOC is at Level II (Escalated Response Conditions).
Situational Update:
The National Incident Command confirms no oil is flowing from the well. The well integrity remains satisfactory. Pressure has increased to 6,782 pounds per square inch on the three ram capping stack – an increase of 1-2 PSI per hour. Seismic testing results show no anomalies were detected. Two seismic runs and several acoustic passes were scheduled for July 18.
Booming and skimming operations continue as weather permits. One in situ burn was conducted on July 18, but no sub-sea or aerial dispersants were used. More than 827 thousand barrels of oil and 1.8653 million cubic feet of gas have been recovered to date.
Relief Well Drilling – Drill Rig DIII: Depth is 12,618 feet below sea floor. Drill Rig DII: Depth is 10,743 feet below sea floor.
Landfall & Impacts:
Coastline impact has increased to approximately 616 miles, impacting AL, FL, LA, MS, and TX. Mobile Incident Command Post (ICP) remains in Port St. Joe, Florida to help speed any potential response efforts along the Florida Panhandle. 83,927 square miles (35%) of Gulf Federal waters are closed to fishing. (NIC Daily Situation Update, DHS NOC SLB, Deepwater Horizon Response and FL Situation Report)
FMAG 2828-FM-WA was approved on Jul y18, 2010 for the Cowiche Mills Fire in unincorporated land west of Yakima south of Cowiche and north of Tampico, in Yakima County, Washington. Approximately 7,000 acres have been burned and the fire is zero percent contained. 150 primary residences in the Yakima County subdivisions of Summit View, Summit Extension, Marble, and Tillman (total population 1,500), are threatened. Voluntary evacuations are in place, and 600 residents have evacuated. (FEMA HQ)
Atlantic, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico:
A tropical wave in the vicinity of the Leeward Islands is moving west-northwestward at 10 to 15 mph. Any development of this disturbance will be slow to occur and there is a low chance (20%) of this system becoming a tropical cyclone during the next 48 hours. This system could bring gusty winds and locally heavy rainfall to the Leeward Islands, Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Haiti and the Turks and Caicos Islands over the next 48 hours.
Another tropical wave over the central Caribbean Sea, Jamaica, and the Cayman Islands, is moving westward at 10 to 15 mph. Some slow development of this system is possible and there is a low chance (20%) of this system becoming a tropical cyclone during the next 48 hours.
Eastern and Central Pacific:
No tropical cyclone activity expected in the next 48 hours.
Western Pacific:
No systems affecting U.S. interests. (NOAA, NWS, NHC, CPHC JTWC)
No new activity (FEMA HQ)
No new activity (FEMA HQ)
National Preparedness Level: 2
National Fire Activity as of Sunday, July 18, 2010:
Initial attack activity: Light (142 new fires)
New large fires: 3
Large fires contained: 1
Uncontained large fires: 10
States affected: WA, CA, AK, CO, MT and UT (NIFC)
No new activity (FEMA HQ)