Tag Archives: Mississippi Canyon

Monday, August 16, 2010

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Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED)

Significant National Weather

Midwest
Showers and thunderstorms will develop ahead of a cold front moving from the Great Lakes to the Mid-Atlantic and the Northeast. Gusty winds up to 40 mph are expected in the Upper Great Lakes in the vicinity of the Lake Superior shoreline of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Showers and thunderstorms are also possible in the Western Plains, spreading east into the Mississippi Valley by Tuesday and some flash flooding is possible.
South
The southern portion of a slow moving cold front is expected to stall over the lower Mississippi Valley and Southern Plains and bring showers and thunderstorms for the next couple of days. Precipitation will intensify as a low pressure center drifts westward along the gulf coast.
Northeast
Rain and thunderstorm activity is expected to continue for the next few days in the Mid-Atlantic Coast, up to the Hudson River Valley, and into western New England. A few stronger storms with locally heavy rain are also possible.
West
The West will remain mostly dry with dry thunderstorms possible in California, Washington and Oregon Mountains. Showers and thunderstorms are possible in the Rockies and High Plains, with a few stronger storms in eastern Wyoming, eastern Colorado, and northeastern New Mexico. Above average temperatures are expected in the Pacific Northwest, Great Basin, and the Desert Southwest, with record highs possible in parts of Washington and Oregon.
(NOAA and media sources)

Mississippi Canyon 252 Update

The well pressure remains stable and well integrity monitoring is ongoing with sonar surveys and visual inspections. Ambient pressure test continues and drilling remains on hold until the testing is complete and discussion with the science team is complete. Approximately 672 miles of coastline is currently affected and shoreline cleanup efforts continue. Approximately 22 percent (52,395 miles of federal waters) of the Gulf Exclusive Economic Zone remains closed to fishing.
(NIC Daily SitRep Update)

Iowa Flooding- Update

In Iowa, the South Skunk River near Oskaloosa, the Des Moines River at Ottumwa and the Skunk River near Augusta, are expected to remain at major flood stage through Thursday. The Raccoon and Des Moines Rivers in central Iowa have now crested and continue to fall. A high pressure system in the region will keep most of the area dry through Tuesday and allow time for the rivers to recede further. FEMA delivered 25 truckloads of water to Ames, Iowa over the weekend and staged an additional 14 truckloads at the local incident command base. The boil water order for Ames, Iowa was lifted after satisfactory water test results and all additional requests were withdrawn. There are no additional requests for FEMA assistance. FEMA liaisons remain deployed to support the state emergency operations center.
(FEMA Region VII)

Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG)

No activity. (HQ FEMA)

Tropical Weather Outlook

Atlantic, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico:
The remnant of Tropical Depression Five is located over the extreme northern Gulf of Mexico just south of Panama City, Florida. Environmental conditions are forecast to be marginally conducive for development of this system as it moves westward over the northern Gulf of Mexico during the next few days. There is a medium chance, near 50 percent, of this system becoming a tropical cyclone again during the next 48 hours. Locally heavy rainfall and gusty winds are forecast along the northern Gulf Coast from the Florida Panhandle to southern Louisiana through Tuesday.
Eastern Pacific
A broad area of low pressure is located about 325 miles south-southeast of the southern tip of Baja California, Mexico but there is a low chance, about 20 percent, of this system becoming a tropical cyclone during the next 48 hours.
Central Pacific: 
No tropical cyclone activity expected during the next 48 hours. 
(NOAA, JTWC)

Earthquake Activity

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Preliminary Damage Assessments

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Wildfire Update

National Preparedness Level: 2
National Fire Activity as of Sunday, August 15, 2010: 
Initial attack activity: light (107 new fires), new large fires: 4, large fires contained: 0
Uncontained large fires: 7, U.S. States affected: OK, LA, AR, ID, UT, and MT.
(NIFC)

Disaster Declaration Activity

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Fema

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

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Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED)

Significant National Weather

Midwest
Severe thunderstorms with downpours of over an inch of rain are possible as several upper-level disturbances cause widely scattered areas of precipitation along the central and southern Plains. These disturbances will track eastward today bringing the rain and storms into the eastern Plains and middle Mississippi Valley.
South
The remnant of Tropical Depression Five remains disorganized but continues to bring heavy rain to southern portions of Mississippi and southeast Louisiana. Coastal Louisiana may see flooding downpours of up to six inches. A stalling front extending from northwest North Carolina to the Oklahoma-Texas Red River Valley will bring thunderstorm activity, a few brief damaging winds gusts, and over an inch of rainfall.
Northeast
Severe thunderstorms are possible from the mid-Atlantic to the Central Appalachians as the southern portion of a frontal boundary lingers through the day and could bring strong wind gusts and downpours of an inch or more in some areas.
West
The Pacific Northwest may see a few dry thunderstorms from interior Washington to northern California and the fire danger will remain high due to the risk of lightning strikes from these storms. Thunderstorms are possible from Wyoming to Arizona and New Mexico. The Great Basin will see highs near 100, and the Desert Southwest can expect high temperatures from 100 to 120 degrees.
(NOAA and media sources)

Iowa Flooding- Update

The South Skunk River near Oskaloosa, Iowa, the Des Moines River at Ottumwa, Iowa and the Skunk River near Augusta, Iowa are expected to remain at major flood stage levels through Thursday. FEMA delivered 25 truckloads of water to Ames, Iowa and staged 14 truckloads of water at the incident support base. There are no further requests for FEMA assistance.
(FEMA Region VII)

Mississippi Canyon 252 Update

The well pressure remains stable and well integrity monitoring is ongoing with sonar surveys and visual inspections. Ambient pressure test continues and drilling remains on hold until the testing is complete and discussion with the science team is complete. Approximately 673 miles of coastline is affected and shoreline cleanup efforts continue. Approximately 22 percent, or 52,395 miles, of federal waters in the Gulf exclusive economic zone remain closed to fishing.
(NIC Daily SitRep Update)

Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG)

No activity. (HQ FEMA)

Tropical Weather Outlook

Atlantic, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico: 
The remnant of former Tropical Depression Five is located 35 miles southeast of Gulfport, Miss. There is a medium chance, near 30 percent, of this system becoming a tropical cyclone before moving inland over southeastern Miss. Locally heavy rainfall and gusty winds are forecast along portions of the north-central Gulf of Mexico coast through today.
Central, Eastern and Western Pacific:
Tropical cyclone formation is not expected during the next 48 hours.
 (NOAA)

Earthquake Activity

]At 10:49 p.m. EDT on August 17, 2010, a Magnitude 4.3 earthquake occurred 15 miles northeast of Jackson, Wyo., and 60 miles south-southeast of Old Faithful, Wyo., at a depth of 3.1 miles. There were no reports of damages or injuries.
(USGS)

Preliminary Damage Assessments

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Wildfire Update

National Preparedness Level: 2
National Fire Activity as of Monday, August 16, 2010: 
Initial attack activity: Light (140 new fires), new large fires: 2, large fires contained: 1
Uncontained large fires: 9, U.S. States affected: OR, OK, LA, AR, ID, UT, MT & AK.
(NIFC)

Disaster Declaration Activity

Amendment No. 3 to FEMA-1930-DR-IA makes Jasper, Mahaska, and Polk Counties eligible for the Individual Assistance Program (already designated for Public Assistance).
(HQ FEMA)

Fema

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

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Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED)

Significant National Weather

 Midwest
Severe thunderstorms are possible from the Dakotas to Upper Michigan, bringing the potential for damaging wind gusts, hail, and tornadoes. Kentucky may see more than an inch of rain but the rest of the region should remain dry.
South
The stalled frontal system draped over the South and the remnant of Tropical Depression Five will continue to bring rain and thunderstorms throughout the South.  Downpours of 1 to 4 inches are possible from Louisiana to Tennessee. The southern Plains will see high temperatures between 95 to 103 degrees.  Heat Advisories remain in effect for southeastern Texas, where high humidity will make the temperatures feel between 105 to 115 degrees.
Northeast
The stalled front along the North Carolina-Virginia line will bring heavy rain across the southern Mid-Atlantic Region with downpours up to 5 inches. Upstate New York to New England will remain dry.
West
Dry thunderstorms are forecast from the Cascades to the northern Rockies creating a possibility for wildfires from lightning strikes. The Four Corners states and parts of Nevada and southeast California may see some redeveloping thunderstorms.
(NOAA and media sources)

Mississippi Canyon 252 Update

The well pressure remains stable and well integrity monitoring is ongoing with sonar surveys and visual inspections. Drill Rig III is conducting Blowout Preventer (BOP) testing. Drill Rig II continues rig maintenance and is preparing to temporarily abandon the well. Approximately 674 miles of coastline is impacted and shoreline cleanup efforts continue. Approximately 22 percent, or 52,395 miles, of federal waters of Gulf Exclusive Economic Zone remain closed to fishing.
(NIC Daily SitRep)

Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG)

No activity. (HQ FEMA)

Tropical Weather Outlook

Atlantic, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico: 
A tropical wave located over Hispaniola and portions of the central Caribbean Sea is producing widespread cloudiness and disorganized shower activity. Development of this disturbance, if any, should be slow to occur over the next 48 hours due to unfavorable environmental conditions. There is a low chance, around 10 percent, of this system becoming a tropical cyclone over the next 48 hours.
Central, Eastern and Western Pacific: 
No tropical cyclone activity expected during the next 48 hours.
(NOAA, JTWC) 

Earthquake Activity

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Preliminary Damage Assessments

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Wildfire Update

National Preparedness Level: 2
National Fire Activity as of Tuesday, August 17, 2010: 
Initial attack activity: moderate (201 new fires), new large fires: 0, large fires contained: 3
Uncontained large fires: 6, U.S. States affected: OR, OK, LA, AR, ID, UT, MT & AK
(NIFC)

Disaster Declaration Activity

On August 17, 2010, the President approved a major disaster declaration for Missouri (FEMA-1934-DR) as a result of severe storms, flooding, and tornadoes from June 12 to July 31, 2010. The declaration makes 29 counties eligible for the Public Assistance Program and all counties eligible for the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. Joseph M. Girot was appointed as the Federal Coordinating Officer for this disaster.
(HQ FEMA)

Fema

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Posted on by
Reply

Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED)

Significant National Weather

Midwest
Showers and thunderstorms are forecast across the Midwest, Great Lakes, and Ohio Valley with a few isolated severe storms possible. High temperatures are expected across the Northern and Central Plains into Thursday.
South
Intense heat continues, but isolated thunderstorms could bring brief relief to portions of Arkansas, Tennessee, Kentucky and North Carolina. Heavy rains are forecast across portions of the Florida Peninsula.
Northeast 
Scattered showers and thunderstorms could bring strong winds and hail to portions of New England today. Showers and thunderstorms will develop southward into the Mid-Atlantic region as cooler air enters into the region but severe weather is not likely. Slightly cooler, drier air will bring welcome relief to northern New York and northern New England, but high temperatures and humidity are expected to continue throughout the rest of the region.
West 
Isolated, scattered storms are expected from eastern Washington and Oregon to western Montana. Widespread severe weather is not expected with these storms, although a few could produce locally strong winds. Fire danger will remain high through portions of the Great Basin and a few isolated thunderstorms are possible across the higher terrain of Arizona, Utah, New Mexico, and Colorado through Thursday.
(NOAA and media sources)

Excessive Heat – Forecast and Hazards

NOAA’s National Weather Service Forecast Hazards Assessment indicates that excessive heat conditions will continue in the southern United States during the next three to five days. Heat indices of 105-110 degrees will persist in more than 10 states. The heat index is a measure of how hot it feels when the relative humidity is factored in with the actual air temperature. According to the NWS, heat is actually the number one weather related killer in the United States; ranking higher than floods, lightning, tornadoes, and hurricanes combined. The hazards from excessive heat may include sunburn, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, heat stroke or hyperthermia. Hyperthermia is a condition in which the body absorbs more heat than it can dissipate and is a major threat for children, adults, and pets in enclosed vehicles. With an outside temperature of 80 degrees, temperatures inside a car can rise to 123 degrees in sixty minutes and leaving the windows slightly open does not significantly decrease the heating rate.  For more information regarding the products that the NWS Weather Forecast Offices produce to help prepare and plan for excessive heat, as well as details regarding the hazards and effects, please see the National Weather Service article, “Heat: a Major Killer” on their website:  http://www.weather.gov/om/heat/index.shtml.  
(NOAA)

Mississippi Canyon 252 Update

Well pressure remains stable. Drilling operations are on hold until the passage of Tropical Depression 5. 
On August 10, NOAA reopened 5,144 square miles to finfish harvest only. The area closed to all fishing covers 52,395 square miles or approximately 22% of the Gulf of Mexico exclusive economic zone.
(NIC Daily SitRep Update)

Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG)

No activity. (HQ FEMA)

Tropical Weather Outlook

Atlantic, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico: 
Tropical Depression #5 is located approximately 290 miles east-southeast of the mouth of the Mississippi River moving toward the northwest at 10 mph. On the forecast track, the center of the system will approach the north central Gulf of Mexico by Thursday morning. Slow strengthening is expected and the depression is forecast to become a Tropical Storm later today. Total rainfall accumulations of 3 to 5 inches with isolated maximum amounts of 8 inches are possible from southeastern Louisiana to the western Florida Panhandle through Friday morning. A tropical storm warning is in effect for Destin, Florida to Intracoastal City, Louisiana, including Lake Pontchartrain and New Orleans.
Another well-defined low pressure area is located about 750 miles northeast of the Northern Leeward Islands and is marginally conducive for development. There is a high chance, near 70 percent, of this system becoming a tropical cyclone during the next 48 hours. Finally, there is also a tropical wave located about 625 miles east of the Southern Windward Islands but any development with this system should be slow to occur. There is a low chance, near 10 percent, of this system becoming a tropical cyclone during the next 48 hours.
Eastern Pacific
The remnant low Estelle is located approximately 450 miles south-southwest of the southern tip of Baja California, Mexico moving slowly east-southeastward. Redevelopment of this low is not expected due to strong upper-level winds. Another low pressure area is located about 330 miles west-southwest of Manzanillo, Mexico but as with the other system, development is not likely due to unfavorable upper-level winds. There is a low chance, near 10 percent, of this system becoming a tropical cyclone during the next 48 hours. A third area of disturbed weather is located several hundred miles south of the Gulf of Tehuantepec moving slowly westward to west-northwest. Some slow development is possible and there is a low chance, near 20 percent, of this system becoming a tropical cyclone during the next 48 hours.
Central and Western Pacific: 
No tropical cyclones are expected during the next 48 hours. 
 (NOAA, JTWC) 

Earthquake Activity

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Preliminary Damage Assessments

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Wildfire Update

On August 10, 2010, the President signed major disaster declaration FEMA-1932-DR to provide assistance to Kansas for damages resulting from severe storms, flooding and tornadoes from June 7 to July 21, 2010. The declaration approves Public Assistance for 34 counties will all counties eligible to apply for the Hazard Mitigation Grants Program. The Federal Coordinating Officer for this disaster is Michael R. Scott.
(HQ FEMA)

Disaster Declaration Activity

On August 10, 2010, the President signed major disaster declaration FEMA-1932-DR to provide assistance to Kansas for damages resulting from severe storms, flooding and tornadoes from June 7 to July 21, 2010. The declaration approves Public Assistance for 34 counties will all counties eligible to apply for the Hazard Mitigation Grants Program. The Federal Coordinating Officer for this disaster is Michael R. Scott.
(HQ FEMA)

Fema

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Posted on by

Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED)

Significant National Weather

Midwest
Severe thunderstorms with downpours of over an inch of rain are possible as several upper-level disturbances cause widely scattered areas of precipitation along the central and southern Plains. These disturbances will track eastward today bringing the rain and storms into the eastern Plains and middle Mississippi Valley.
South
The remnant of Tropical Depression Five remains disorganized but continues to bring heavy rain to southern portions of Mississippi and southeast Louisiana. Coastal Louisiana may see flooding downpours of up to six inches. A stalling front extending from northwest North Carolina to the Oklahoma-Texas Red River Valley will bring thunderstorm activity, a few brief damaging winds gusts, and over an inch of rainfall.
Northeast
Severe thunderstorms are possible from the mid-Atlantic to the Central Appalachians as the southern portion of a frontal boundary lingers through the day and could bring strong wind gusts and downpours of an inch or more in some areas.
West
The Pacific Northwest may see a few dry thunderstorms from interior Washington to northern California and the fire danger will remain high due to the risk of lightning strikes from these storms. Thunderstorms are possible from Wyoming to Arizona and New Mexico. The Great Basin will see highs near 100, and the Desert Southwest can expect high temperatures from 100 to 120 degrees.
(NOAA and media sources)

Iowa Flooding- Update

The South Skunk River near Oskaloosa, Iowa, the Des Moines River at Ottumwa, Iowa and the Skunk River near Augusta, Iowa are expected to remain at major flood stage levels through Thursday. FEMA delivered 25 truckloads of water to Ames, Iowa and staged 14 truckloads of water at the incident support base. There are no further requests for FEMA assistance.
(FEMA Region VII)

Mississippi Canyon 252 Update

The well pressure remains stable and well integrity monitoring is ongoing with sonar surveys and visual inspections. Ambient pressure test continues and drilling remains on hold until the testing is complete and discussion with the science team is complete. Approximately 673 miles of coastline is affected and shoreline cleanup efforts continue. Approximately 22 percent, or 52,395 miles, of federal waters in the Gulf exclusive economic zone remain closed to fishing.
(NIC Daily SitRep Update)

Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG)

No activity. (HQ FEMA)

Tropical Weather Outlook

Atlantic, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico: 
The remnant of former Tropical Depression Five is located 35 miles southeast of Gulfport, Miss. There is a medium chance, near 30 percent, of this system becoming a tropical cyclone before moving inland over southeastern Miss. Locally heavy rainfall and gusty winds are forecast along portions of the north-central Gulf of Mexico coast through today.
Central, Eastern and Western Pacific:
Tropical cyclone formation is not expected during the next 48 hours.
 (NOAA)

Earthquake Activity

]At 10:49 p.m. EDT on August 17, 2010, a Magnitude 4.3 earthquake occurred 15 miles northeast of Jackson, Wyo., and 60 miles south-southeast of Old Faithful, Wyo., at a depth of 3.1 miles. There were no reports of damages or injuries.
(USGS)

Preliminary Damage Assessments

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Wildfire Update

National Preparedness Level: 2
National Fire Activity as of Monday, August 16, 2010: 
Initial attack activity: Light (140 new fires), new large fires: 2, large fires contained: 1
Uncontained large fires: 9, U.S. States affected: OR, OK, LA, AR, ID, UT, MT & AK.
(NIFC)

Disaster Declaration Activity

Amendment No. 3 to FEMA-1930-DR-IA makes Jasper, Mahaska, and Polk Counties eligible for the Individual Assistance Program (already designated for Public Assistance).
(HQ FEMA)

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Posted on by

Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED)

Significant National Weather

 Midwest
Severe thunderstorms are possible from the Dakotas to Upper Michigan, bringing the potential for damaging wind gusts, hail, and tornadoes. Kentucky may see more than an inch of rain but the rest of the region should remain dry.
South
The stalled frontal system draped over the South and the remnant of Tropical Depression Five will continue to bring rain and thunderstorms throughout the South.  Downpours of 1 to 4 inches are possible from Louisiana to Tennessee. The southern Plains will see high temperatures between 95 to 103 degrees.  Heat Advisories remain in effect for southeastern Texas, where high humidity will make the temperatures feel between 105 to 115 degrees.
Northeast
The stalled front along the North Carolina-Virginia line will bring heavy rain across the southern Mid-Atlantic Region with downpours up to 5 inches. Upstate New York to New England will remain dry.
West
Dry thunderstorms are forecast from the Cascades to the northern Rockies creating a possibility for wildfires from lightning strikes. The Four Corners states and parts of Nevada and southeast California may see some redeveloping thunderstorms.
(NOAA and media sources)

Mississippi Canyon 252 Update

The well pressure remains stable and well integrity monitoring is ongoing with sonar surveys and visual inspections. Drill Rig III is conducting Blowout Preventer (BOP) testing. Drill Rig II continues rig maintenance and is preparing to temporarily abandon the well. Approximately 674 miles of coastline is impacted and shoreline cleanup efforts continue. Approximately 22 percent, or 52,395 miles, of federal waters of Gulf Exclusive Economic Zone remain closed to fishing.
(NIC Daily SitRep)

Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG)

No activity. (HQ FEMA)

Tropical Weather Outlook

Atlantic, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico: 
A tropical wave located over Hispaniola and portions of the central Caribbean Sea is producing widespread cloudiness and disorganized shower activity. Development of this disturbance, if any, should be slow to occur over the next 48 hours due to unfavorable environmental conditions. There is a low chance, around 10 percent, of this system becoming a tropical cyclone over the next 48 hours.
Central, Eastern and Western Pacific: 
No tropical cyclone activity expected during the next 48 hours.
(NOAA, JTWC) 

Earthquake Activity

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Preliminary Damage Assessments

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Wildfire Update

National Preparedness Level: 2
National Fire Activity as of Tuesday, August 17, 2010: 
Initial attack activity: moderate (201 new fires), new large fires: 0, large fires contained: 3
Uncontained large fires: 6, U.S. States affected: OR, OK, LA, AR, ID, UT, MT & AK
(NIFC)

Disaster Declaration Activity

On August 17, 2010, the President approved a major disaster declaration for Missouri (FEMA-1934-DR) as a result of severe storms, flooding, and tornadoes from June 12 to July 31, 2010. The declaration makes 29 counties eligible for the Public Assistance Program and all counties eligible for the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. Joseph M. Girot was appointed as the Federal Coordinating Officer for this disaster.
(HQ FEMA)

Monday, August 16, 2010

Posted on by

Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED)

Significant National Weather

Midwest
Showers and thunderstorms will develop ahead of a cold front moving from the Great Lakes to the Mid-Atlantic and the Northeast. Gusty winds up to 40 mph are expected in the Upper Great Lakes in the vicinity of the Lake Superior shoreline of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Showers and thunderstorms are also possible in the Western Plains, spreading east into the Mississippi Valley by Tuesday and some flash flooding is possible.
South
The southern portion of a slow moving cold front is expected to stall over the lower Mississippi Valley and Southern Plains and bring showers and thunderstorms for the next couple of days. Precipitation will intensify as a low pressure center drifts westward along the gulf coast.
Northeast
Rain and thunderstorm activity is expected to continue for the next few days in the Mid-Atlantic Coast, up to the Hudson River Valley, and into western New England. A few stronger storms with locally heavy rain are also possible.
West
The West will remain mostly dry with dry thunderstorms possible in California, Washington and Oregon Mountains. Showers and thunderstorms are possible in the Rockies and High Plains, with a few stronger storms in eastern Wyoming, eastern Colorado, and northeastern New Mexico. Above average temperatures are expected in the Pacific Northwest, Great Basin, and the Desert Southwest, with record highs possible in parts of Washington and Oregon.
(NOAA and media sources)

Mississippi Canyon 252 Update

The well pressure remains stable and well integrity monitoring is ongoing with sonar surveys and visual inspections. Ambient pressure test continues and drilling remains on hold until the testing is complete and discussion with the science team is complete. Approximately 672 miles of coastline is currently affected and shoreline cleanup efforts continue. Approximately 22 percent (52,395 miles of federal waters) of the Gulf Exclusive Economic Zone remains closed to fishing.
(NIC Daily SitRep Update)

Iowa Flooding- Update

In Iowa, the South Skunk River near Oskaloosa, the Des Moines River at Ottumwa and the Skunk River near Augusta, are expected to remain at major flood stage through Thursday. The Raccoon and Des Moines Rivers in central Iowa have now crested and continue to fall. A high pressure system in the region will keep most of the area dry through Tuesday and allow time for the rivers to recede further. FEMA delivered 25 truckloads of water to Ames, Iowa over the weekend and staged an additional 14 truckloads at the local incident command base. The boil water order for Ames, Iowa was lifted after satisfactory water test results and all additional requests were withdrawn. There are no additional requests for FEMA assistance. FEMA liaisons remain deployed to support the state emergency operations center.
(FEMA Region VII)

Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG)

No activity. (HQ FEMA)

Tropical Weather Outlook

Atlantic, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico:
The remnant of Tropical Depression Five is located over the extreme northern Gulf of Mexico just south of Panama City, Florida. Environmental conditions are forecast to be marginally conducive for development of this system as it moves westward over the northern Gulf of Mexico during the next few days. There is a medium chance, near 50 percent, of this system becoming a tropical cyclone again during the next 48 hours. Locally heavy rainfall and gusty winds are forecast along the northern Gulf Coast from the Florida Panhandle to southern Louisiana through Tuesday.
Eastern Pacific
A broad area of low pressure is located about 325 miles south-southeast of the southern tip of Baja California, Mexico but there is a low chance, about 20 percent, of this system becoming a tropical cyclone during the next 48 hours.
Central Pacific: 
No tropical cyclone activity expected during the next 48 hours. 
(NOAA, JTWC)

Earthquake Activity

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Preliminary Damage Assessments

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Wildfire Update

National Preparedness Level: 2
National Fire Activity as of Sunday, August 15, 2010: 
Initial attack activity: light (107 new fires), new large fires: 4, large fires contained: 0
Uncontained large fires: 7, U.S. States affected: OK, LA, AR, ID, UT, and MT.
(NIFC)

Disaster Declaration Activity

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Posted on by

Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED)

Significant National Weather

Midwest
Showers and thunderstorms are forecast across the Midwest, Great Lakes, and Ohio Valley with a few isolated severe storms possible. High temperatures are expected across the Northern and Central Plains into Thursday.
South
Intense heat continues, but isolated thunderstorms could bring brief relief to portions of Arkansas, Tennessee, Kentucky and North Carolina. Heavy rains are forecast across portions of the Florida Peninsula.
Northeast 
Scattered showers and thunderstorms could bring strong winds and hail to portions of New England today. Showers and thunderstorms will develop southward into the Mid-Atlantic region as cooler air enters into the region but severe weather is not likely. Slightly cooler, drier air will bring welcome relief to northern New York and northern New England, but high temperatures and humidity are expected to continue throughout the rest of the region.
West 
Isolated, scattered storms are expected from eastern Washington and Oregon to western Montana. Widespread severe weather is not expected with these storms, although a few could produce locally strong winds. Fire danger will remain high through portions of the Great Basin and a few isolated thunderstorms are possible across the higher terrain of Arizona, Utah, New Mexico, and Colorado through Thursday.
(NOAA and media sources)

Excessive Heat – Forecast and Hazards

NOAA’s National Weather Service Forecast Hazards Assessment indicates that excessive heat conditions will continue in the southern United States during the next three to five days. Heat indices of 105-110 degrees will persist in more than 10 states. The heat index is a measure of how hot it feels when the relative humidity is factored in with the actual air temperature. According to the NWS, heat is actually the number one weather related killer in the United States; ranking higher than floods, lightning, tornadoes, and hurricanes combined. The hazards from excessive heat may include sunburn, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, heat stroke or hyperthermia. Hyperthermia is a condition in which the body absorbs more heat than it can dissipate and is a major threat for children, adults, and pets in enclosed vehicles. With an outside temperature of 80 degrees, temperatures inside a car can rise to 123 degrees in sixty minutes and leaving the windows slightly open does not significantly decrease the heating rate.  For more information regarding the products that the NWS Weather Forecast Offices produce to help prepare and plan for excessive heat, as well as details regarding the hazards and effects, please see the National Weather Service article, “Heat: a Major Killer” on their website:  http://www.weather.gov/om/heat/index.shtml.  
(NOAA)

Mississippi Canyon 252 Update

Well pressure remains stable. Drilling operations are on hold until the passage of Tropical Depression 5. 
On August 10, NOAA reopened 5,144 square miles to finfish harvest only. The area closed to all fishing covers 52,395 square miles or approximately 22% of the Gulf of Mexico exclusive economic zone.
(NIC Daily SitRep Update)

Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG)

No activity. (HQ FEMA)

Tropical Weather Outlook

Atlantic, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico: 
Tropical Depression #5 is located approximately 290 miles east-southeast of the mouth of the Mississippi River moving toward the northwest at 10 mph. On the forecast track, the center of the system will approach the north central Gulf of Mexico by Thursday morning. Slow strengthening is expected and the depression is forecast to become a Tropical Storm later today. Total rainfall accumulations of 3 to 5 inches with isolated maximum amounts of 8 inches are possible from southeastern Louisiana to the western Florida Panhandle through Friday morning. A tropical storm warning is in effect for Destin, Florida to Intracoastal City, Louisiana, including Lake Pontchartrain and New Orleans.
Another well-defined low pressure area is located about 750 miles northeast of the Northern Leeward Islands and is marginally conducive for development. There is a high chance, near 70 percent, of this system becoming a tropical cyclone during the next 48 hours. Finally, there is also a tropical wave located about 625 miles east of the Southern Windward Islands but any development with this system should be slow to occur. There is a low chance, near 10 percent, of this system becoming a tropical cyclone during the next 48 hours.
Eastern Pacific
The remnant low Estelle is located approximately 450 miles south-southwest of the southern tip of Baja California, Mexico moving slowly east-southeastward. Redevelopment of this low is not expected due to strong upper-level winds. Another low pressure area is located about 330 miles west-southwest of Manzanillo, Mexico but as with the other system, development is not likely due to unfavorable upper-level winds. There is a low chance, near 10 percent, of this system becoming a tropical cyclone during the next 48 hours. A third area of disturbed weather is located several hundred miles south of the Gulf of Tehuantepec moving slowly westward to west-northwest. Some slow development is possible and there is a low chance, near 20 percent, of this system becoming a tropical cyclone during the next 48 hours.
Central and Western Pacific: 
No tropical cyclones are expected during the next 48 hours. 
 (NOAA, JTWC) 

Earthquake Activity

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Preliminary Damage Assessments

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Wildfire Update

On August 10, 2010, the President signed major disaster declaration FEMA-1932-DR to provide assistance to Kansas for damages resulting from severe storms, flooding and tornadoes from June 7 to July 21, 2010. The declaration approves Public Assistance for 34 counties will all counties eligible to apply for the Hazard Mitigation Grants Program. The Federal Coordinating Officer for this disaster is Michael R. Scott.
(HQ FEMA)

Disaster Declaration Activity

On August 10, 2010, the President signed major disaster declaration FEMA-1932-DR to provide assistance to Kansas for damages resulting from severe storms, flooding and tornadoes from June 7 to July 21, 2010. The declaration approves Public Assistance for 34 counties will all counties eligible to apply for the Hazard Mitigation Grants Program. The Federal Coordinating Officer for this disaster is Michael R. Scott.
(HQ FEMA)

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

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Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED)

Significant Weather

Northeast 
Thunderstorms will increase across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic. Some of the thunderstorms in the Mid-Atlantic could contain damaging wind gusts and small hail. Downpours will quickly produce localized rainfall over 1 inch.
South 
Thunderstorms are forecast from Arkansas and the Tennessee Valley into the Southeast. Rainfall could top 4 inches in some areas, causing flash flooding. Some of the thunderstorms may be severe with damaging wind gusts and small hail, especially across the Carolinas, north Georgia, north Alabama and northeast Mississippi. Highs will range from 5 degrees or so above average bringing near 100 degree temperatures to portions of Texas.
West 
Gusty winds and an elevated fire danger will linger across Montana and Wyoming Tuesday due to a stationary cold front. The west will be mainly dry with only a few thunderstorms possible across the Four Corner states and in the mountains of central and Southern California. Temperatures will vary from between 5 and 15 degrees below average in the Northwest to between 5 and 10 degrees above average in Colorado and New Mexico. Near-average heat with highs between 100 and 120 is forecast for the Desert Southwest.
Midwest
Two fronts will influence the weather across the Midwest Tuesday. A weakening front in the Ohio Valley will continue to produce thunderstorms; these storms are capable of bringing several inches of rain in a short time, producing flash flooding. A few of the storms could be severe with strong wind gusts. Severe thunderstorms with damaging wind gusts, large hail and tornadoes will develop from the Dakotas and northern Nebraska into Minnesota and northwest Iowa bringing the possibility of flash flooding. Michigan to the central Plains will be dry today. Highs will range from 5 to 10 degrees above average for western Kansas bringing near 100 degree temperatures.
(NOAA and media sources)

Flooding on the Rio Grande River, Texas Update

The Rio Grande River reached record flood levels at 11 feet above flood stage at the international Columbia Bridge area and remains at major flood stage levels in Laredo and Rio Grande City, Texas. Rivers and reservoirs are showing a steady decrease of water levels and hot and dry conditions are expected next week. Flood operations are expected to continue at the Amistad and Falcon reservoirs for the next two weeks. FEMA Region VI Regional Response Coordination Center continues to be active at Level III (7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. CDT). The Region is coordinating with the National Weather Service and the Texas Division of Emergency Management. There have been no requests for Federal assistance.
(FEMA Region VI)

Midwest – Des Moines River Basin Flooding

Water continues to recede along the Des Moines, Iowa, Wapsipinicon, and Skunk Rivers in Iowa, the Illinois River in Illinois, and the Mississippi River in Iowa, Illinois and Missouri. The Des Moines River is at major flood stage in Ottumwa, Iowa and it will remain at that level for at least a week due to releases from the Saylorville and Red Rock Reservoirs.
(NOAA)

Mississippi Canyon 252 Update

FEMA is providing personnel to the National Integration Center and additional Logistics and External Affairs support to the Federal On-Scene Coordinator. FEMA leads the Social Services and Small Business Interagency Working Group (Claims and Benefits). Booming, skimming and in situ burning continues as weather permits. The spill has impacted approximately 553 miles of coastline and the Gulf of Mexico exclusive economic zone closed to commercial and recreational fishing remains approximately 34%. or 81,181 square miles.
(NIC Daily Situation Update)

Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG)

No activity.(FEMA HQ)

Tropical Weather Outlook

Atlantic, Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico and Western and Central Pacific: 
No tropical cyclone activity expected in the next 48 hours.

Eastern Pacific: 
There are showers and thunderstorms associated with a broad area of low pressure a few hundred miles southwest of the gulf of Tehuantepec.

Although these storms diminished over the last few hours, upper-level winds are marginally conducive for further development and there is a 30 percent chance of it becoming a tropical cyclone during the next 48 hours. During the next couple of days the system is expected to move west-northwestward at about 10 mph.  
 (NOAA, JTWC)

Earthquake Activity

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Preliminary Damage Assessments

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Wildfire Update

National Preparedness Level: 2
National Fire Activity as of Monday, July 12, 2010: 
Initial attack activity: light (168 new fires), new large fires: 3, Large fires contained: 2
Uncontained large fires: 5, U.S. States affected:  WA, AK, NM, CO, and ID
(NIFC)

Disaster Declaration Activity

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Monday, July 12, 2010

Posted on by

Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED)

Significant Weather

Northeast 
Thunderstorms will begin to increase across parts of the Mid-Atlantic today due to a low pressure front in the Ohio Valley. The storms become severe in West Virginia and southwest Virginia, producing some damaging wind gusts. Heavy rain in some areas is possible. Temperatures varying from near average to 10 degrees above average are expected today.
South 
The front in the lower Midwest will provide thunderstorms across the South from northwest Texas through Arkansas and the Tennessee Valley, into the Southeast. Some of the thunderstorms will turn severe, producing damaging wind gusts. Heavy rain up to 4 inches in some areas is possible.
West 
A windy cold front will move through the Northwest today making the fire threat high from Washington to Montana and southward into Nevada and Utah. Winds could gust over 50 mph from Washington to just east of the Continental Divide. Temperatures will range from 10 degrees below average across Washington and northwest Oregon to 60’s west of the Cascades. Thunderstorms are possible for northern and eastern Montana, eastern sections of Wyoming and Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, and the southern Sierra. A few showers are forecast for Washington and Northern Oregon Cascades.
Midwest
Thunderstorms will continue to develop along and ahead of a front that is moving across the Midwest through the central and northern Plains. Severe thunderstorms are possible in southern Michigan, the Ohio Valley, southern Missouri and southern Kansas. Damaging wind gusts, hail and a few tornadoes are possible. Downpours could exceed 3 or 4 inches in a few locations. Thunderstorms are possible; some severe, in the western Dakotas later in the day.
(NOAA)

Flooding on the Rio Grande River, Texas – Update

More than 20 inches of rain fell near the Texas-Mexico border during the past few weeks as Tropical Storm Alex and Tropical Depression-Two moved into northeastern Mexico. The rain flowed into the Rio Grande River Basin causing major flooding on both sides of the border. The Rio Grande River is at record flood levels in the Texas cities of Laredo (18 feet above flood stage) and Rio Grande City (7 feet above flood stage). The crest along the Rio Grande River is forecast to reach Rio Grande City, Texas by Sunday at over 55 feet (5 feet above flood stage).

Flood operations are expected to continue at the Amistad and Falcon reservoirs for the next two weeks. Releases began July 9 from the Falcon Dam which has not been used for operational flood release since 1992. The rate of release is within the capacity of the U.S. portion of the lower Rio Grande Flood Control Project that extends from Piñatas to the Gulf of Mexico.

FEMA Region VI Regional Response Coordination Center continues to be active at Level III (7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. CDT). The Region is coordinating with the National Weather Service and the Texas Division of Emergency Management. There have been no requests for Federal assistance.
(FEMA Region VI)

Midwest – Des Moines River Basin Flooding – Update

Water continues to recede along the Des Moines, Iowa, Wapsipinicon, and Skunk Rivers in Iowa, the Illinois River in Illinois, and the Mississippi River in Iowa, Illinois & Missouri. The Mississippi, Illinois and Missouri Rivers remain at moderate flood stage and many locations and are expected to remain at that level for the next 48 hours. The Des Moines River at Ottumwa, Iowa remains at major flood stage and is expected to remain at that level for at least the next week even with releases from two reservoirs. Rain and thunderstorm activity is expected through midweek.
(NOAA)

Mississippi Canyon 252 Update

FEMA is providing personnel to the National Integration Center and additional Logistics and External Affairs support to the Federal On-Scene Coordinator. FEMA leads the Social Services and Small Business Interagency Working Group (Claims and Benefits). Booming, skimming and in situ burning continues as weather permits. The spill has impacted approximately 540 miles of coastline thus far. The Gulf of Mexico exclusive economic zone closed to commercial and recreational fishing remains at 81,181 square miles or approximately 34% of the Gulf of Mexico. 
(NIC Daily Situation Update)

Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG)

No activity. (FEMA HQ)

Tropical Weather Outlook

Atlantic, Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico and Western and Central Pacific regions: 
No tropical cyclone activity expected in the next 48 hours.
Eastern Pacific: 
Showers and thunderstorms associated with a broad area of low pressure located a couple hundred miles south of Guatemala remain disorganized. Any development of this system will be slow to occur as it moves slowly west to west-northwestward. There is a low chance (10 percent) of this system becoming a tropical cyclone during the next 48 hours.
(NOAA, JTWC)

Earthquake Activity

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Preliminary Damage Assessments

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Wildfire Update

National Preparedness Level: 2
National Fire Activity as of Sunday, July 11, 2010:
Initial attack activity: light (125 new fires), new large fires: 4, large fires contained: 2
Uncontained large fires: 3, U.S. States affected: AK, NM, AZ, CO, and UT
(NIFC)

Disaster Declaration Activity

No new activity (FEMA HQ)