Tag Archives: Puerto Rico

Monday, August 30, 2010

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Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED)

Significant National Weather

Northeast 
High pressure will dominate the region today, with fronts staying very far to the north and west. High temperatures are forecast to be 5 to 15 degrees above average, with highs in the 90s from New York to New England. The dry, hot weather will continue on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Midwest
Scattered thunderstorms are possible today in the mid-Mississippi and lower Ohio Valleys. Severe thunderstorms, accompanied by locally heavy rainfall (1-2-inches), will develop across the Dakotas, Nebraska and western Minnesota. The severe threats include damaging wind gusts, hail and a few tornadoes.

West
With a cold front aligned from the Wyoming-Nebraska border to Southern California, much of the West will be cool today with temperatures 5 to 20 degrees below average with the exception of eastern Colorado. Eastbound upper-level disturbances over the Northwest will continue to generate showers and scattered thunderstorms across Washington, Oregon, northern California, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming and northern Utah. A few thunderstorms are also possible across easternmost Arizona, Colorado and New Mexico. Gusty winds will linger over Wyoming and parts of the Four Corners states.

South
While the same high pressure system impacting the Northeast will keep most of the Southeast rain-free today, thunderstorms are possible over South Florida and along the northern Gulf Coast. A disturbance moving northward through the lower Mississippi Valley will trigger additional scattered showers and thunderstorms across Louisiana, Mississippi, Arkansas and western Tennessee. Temperatures will vary from slightly below average in Mississippi to as much as 10 degrees above average in North Carolina. (NOAA and media sources) 

Wildfire Activity

National Preparedness Level: 2

National Fire Activity as of Sunday, August 29, 2010:
Initial attack activity: light (125 new fires), new large fires: 4, large fires contained: 7

Uncontained large fires: 27, U.S. States affected: ID, OR, WA, MT, CA, HI, WY, NE, TN & OK (NIFC) 

Washington State
The Slide Creek Fire is located in Stevens County, six miles south of Colville, WA. The fire has burned 989 acres and is 60 percent contained. Three residences are destroyed and 25-50 structures remain threatened. There are no reported injuries or fatalities but advisory evacuations are in effect. A Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) was approved on Aug 27.

The Highway 8 Complex Fire is located in Klickitat County just north of Lyle, WA. The fire has burned 2,040 acres and is 40 percent contained. There are no reported injuries or fatalities. (HQ FEMA)  

Idaho
The Hurd Fire is located northwest of Cascade, Idaho and has burned 1,331 acres. It is 70% contained and there are no reported injuries or fatalities. FMAG-2853 was approved on Aug 26.

Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG)
No activity. (FEMA HQ)

Tropical Weather Outlook

Atlantic, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico:
Hurricane Earl is a Category Two storm with maximum sustained winds of 110 mph with higher gusts. It is located about 170 miles east of St. Thomas and 236 miles east of San Juan, Puerto Rico moving west-northwest near 14 mph and is expected to turn northwest on Tuesday. Earl is expected to strengthen into a major hurricane, which is a Category Three or higher, by tonight or early Tuesday.

A Hurricane Warning is now in effect for the U.S. Virgin Islands. A Hurricane Watch and a Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Puerto Rico including the islands of Culebra and Vieques. Earl will pass near or over the northernmost Leeward Islands this morning and near the Virgin Islands this afternoon and evening. This storm is expected to produce total rainfall accumulations of four to eight inches with isolated amounts close to 12 inches. These rains could produce life-threatening flash floods and mudslides.

At FEMA Headquarters in Washington, D.C., the National Response Coordination Center (NRCC) Activation Team members and Emergency Support Function representatives are on alert and watching the activity in the Atlantic. FEMA Logistics has communications equipment and vehicles in place at the Puerto Rico Caribbean Area Division and in the Virgin Islands.

In FEMA Region II (New York, New Jersey and the Caribbean Area Division), the Regional Response Coordination Center is activated to 24/7 operations. Emergency Support Function representatives and the Defense Control Element are also activated. IMAT Team-A is deployed to the U.S. Virgin Islands and IMAT Team-C is deployed to Puerto Rico.

Elsewhere in the Atlantic, Hurricane Danielle is still a weak Category One hurricane located 440 miles south of Cape Race, Newfoundland moving northeast near 17 mph. Current maximum sustained winds are near 75 mph, with higher gusts. As it continues to move over the cold waters of the Atlantic, it will transition into a large extratropical cyclone.

Another low pressure system located about 1050 miles east of the Lesser Antilles is gradually becoming better organized. There is a 90 percent chance of this system becoming a tropical cyclone during the next 48 hours.

Eastern Pacific
A broad area of disturbed weather situated several hundred miles south of Manzanillo, Mexico remains poorly organized. There is a low chance, 20 percent, of this system becoming a tropical cyclone during the next 48 hours.

Central 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)

Disaster Declaration Activity

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Fema

FEMA All Hazard Preparedness Campaign Continues

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SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) continues its All Hazards Preparedness Campaign in supermarkets and stores throughout the Island, to advise people on how to rebuild by implementing mitigation measures to prevent future damages. In July 2010, FEMA began this Campaign in hardware stores where more than 11,592 persons have been reached.Fema

FEMA All Hazard Preparedness Campaign Continues

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SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) continues its All Hazards Preparedness Campaign in supermarkets and stores throughout the Island, to advise people on how to rebuild by implementing mitigation measures to prevent future damages. On July, 2010, FEMA began this Campaign in hardware stores where more than 8,978 persons have been reached.Fema

Thursday, July 22, 2010

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Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED)

Significant National Weather

Midwest
Storms are expected through Friday from North and South Dakota into Minnesota, Iowa and Indiana.  Some thunderstorms in the region could be severe, with the main threats being large hail and strong gusty winds.  Excessive Heat Warnings are in effect for areas of southeastern Kansas, eastern Oklahoma, and northwestern Arkansas through Friday, July 23.  Flood Warnings are in effect for portions of the northern plains and the upper and middle Mississippi Valleys.

Northeast
Rain and thunderstorms will continue over much of Maine as the system that affected the area on Wednesday exits the region.  The Mid Atlantic region will be hot and humid, with temperatures reaching the mid-90s and a slight risk of afternoon thundershowers.

South
The region will remain very hot and humid with some relief associated with afternoon showers and thunderstorms.  High temperatures will be in the 90s with very high humidity.  Heat index values may reach near or above 105 degrees today and Friday.

West
The central and eastern Rocky Mountains will see a chance of afternoon thunderstorms.  Some thunderstorms could produce heavy rainfall and cause localized flooding.  Desert high temperatures may reach 100 – 110 degrees.  (NOAA’s National Weather Service, the Hydrometeorological Prediction Center and media sources)

XXI Central American and Caribbean Games: July 17 – August 1, 2010

The games continue as scheduled. A Flash Flood Watch was in effect for portions of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands through this afternoon.  Many areas have already received in excess of 4 inches of rain this week

Flooding on the Rio Grande River, Texas – Update

Situational Update:
NWS reports that Flood Warnings continue for the Rio Grande River.  The Rio Grande River at Rio Grande City remains at Major Flood Stage, but appears to have crested and is slowly receding. The river will remain at 55.6 ft through midnight, July 22 and is expected to drop one-half a foot by this weekend.  Recent rain in the area will keep the Rio Grande at flood stage for the next few days, but should not exacerbate existing flood conditions. Flood operations continue at the Amistad and Falcon reservoirs.  Releases from the Falcon Reservoir were 60,000 cfs, and 13,000 cfs at Amistad.  Pool elevation for the Falcon Reservoir continues to fall.

Mandatory evacuations continue for the subdivisions of de la Garza, Campo Verde, and Garza in the City of Roma as well as areas in the City of La Grulla (Starr County) and the City of Los Ebanos. Voluntary evacuations continue in the cities of La Joya, and in Penitas and south of the city of Pharr (both in Hidalgo County) due to flooding.  Three American Red Cross shelters remain open with 65 occupants.

Kentucky Flooding

Flooding is ongoing as a result of severe weather July 17 – 21, 2010.  States of Emergency have been declared in 4 counties and 1 independent city.  Over 130 homes were flooded with 22 homes suffering major damage.  Numerous roads and 21 bridges are affected by flood waters.  Isolated power outages occurred in several counties.  Five sewage plants were damaged.  Approximately 2,400 people are without water.   Boil Water Advisories have been issued impacting 25,000 people.  One shelter is known to be open in Carter County.  The number of occupants at that shelter is unknown

Mississippi Canyon 252 Update

 

Federal/State Response:

FEMA is providing personnel and equipment support. The oil flow remains secured.  The capping stack developed five minor gasket leaks and hydrate formation that will continue to be monitored and evaluated with no acoustic or visual anomalies noted.  Well integrity test remains satisfactory.  Pressure has been increased to 6,840 (+34) pounds per square inch.  No In Situ Burning (ISB) has been conducted or aerial dispersant flights flown on July 21, 2010.  More than 821,000 barrels of oil and 1.863 billion 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.

Coastline impact has increased to approximately 626 miles, impacting AL, FL, LA, MS, and TX.  Clean up continues across impacted areas.  Due to current weather, small vessels, barges, and Vessels of Opportunity have been instructed to recover equipment, enter decontamination, and seek safe harbor in Alabama and Mississippi.  (NIC Daily Situation Update, DHS NOC SLB, Deepwater Horizon Response and FL Situation Report)

Tropical Weather Outlook

Atlantic, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico: 

The National Hurricane Center is monitoring two disturbances, 97L and 98L.

97L is a tropical wave located near the southeastern Bahamas.  The system is moving westward or west northwestward at 10 to 15 mph.  Locally heavy showers and gusty winds associated with this disturbance will spread over the Bahamas and portions of Cuba and southern Florida.  There is a medium chance (40%) of this system becoming a tropical cyclone during the next 48 hours.

The second system, 98L, has shower activity associated with a broad low pressure over the Bay of Campeche and is becoming better organized.  The system is expected to move westward or northwestward at 10 to 15 mph.  There is a medium chance (40%) 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)

Earthquake Activity

A 4.5 magnitude earthquake occurred at 8:45 p.m. EDT near Charlotte Amale in the U.S. Virgin Islands (about 80 miles east of San Juan, Puerto Rico).  USGS recorded the tremor at a depth of 73 miles.  No injuries or damages were reported and no tsunami was generated.

Preliminary Damage Assessments

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Wildfire Update

National Preparedness Level: 2

National Fire Activity as of Wednesday, July 21, 2010:

• Initial attack activity:  Light (157 new fires)
• New large fires:  4
• Large fires contained:  2
• Uncontained large fires:  9
• States Affected: AK, AZ, CA, CO, ID, WA, and, UT(NIFC)

Cowiche Mills Fire Update

 The Cowichie Mills Fire, located 10 miles northwest of Yakima, Washington State, started on Sunday, July 18, at approximately 3:30 p.m. PDT; cause unknown. High heat, low humidity, and high winds have driven the fire to spread quickly; currently approximately 6,200 acres have burned with 55% contained. Three residential structures have burned; approximately 150 residential structures remain threatened.

Disaster Declaration Activity

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

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Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED)

Significant National Weather

Midwest
Thunderstorms and perhaps one or two thunderstorm complexes will affect an area from the western Dakotas, Nebraska and northern Kansas to Ohio and Kentucky. Some of these storms could become severe, with damaging wind gusts and downpours of 1 to 3 inches of rain, possibly causing flash flooding. High humidity will continue to affect the region from the Ohio Valley to Nebraska.
Northeast
Thunderstorms are possible throughout the Northeast. Some of the storms could become severe, with damaging wind gusts and downpours of 1 to 3 inches of rain. South-central and southeast Virginia will see high temperatures from the upper 90s to almost 100 degrees – 10 degrees above average.
South
The region will remain dry except for eastern Texas, southern Louisiana, and parts of Tennessee, which may see thunderstorms.
West
Scattered thunderstorms are possible from Montana to Arizona and New Mexico. Some of these storms could become severe in eastern Montana, eastern Wyoming, and northeast Colorado; the primary threat will be damaging wind, large hail, and heavy rainfall. (NOAA’s National Weather Service, the Hydrometeorological Prediction Center and media sources)

XXI Central American and Caribbean Games: July 17 – August 1, 2010

Overview
The games continue as scheduled.

Federal/FEMA Response
FEMA Region II is at Level III (24/7) for the duration of the Games. Caribbean Area Division personnel are staffing the Multiagency Coordination Center (MACC) in Puerto Rico.

Flooding on the Rio Grande River, Texas – Update
NWS reports that Flood Warnings continue for the Rio Grande River. The Rio Grande River at Rio Grande City remains at Major Flood Stage, but appears to have crested and is slowly receding. The river: flood elevation was recorded at 55.69 feet, as of 1:15 a.m. EDT on July 21. The Rio Grande River at Laredo and at Columbia Bridge is at Minor Flood Stage, and continues to recede. Flood operations continue at the Amistad and Falcon reservoirs. Releases from the Falcon Reservoir were 60,040 cfs, and 12,360 cfs at Amistad and the pool elevation for the Falcon Reservoir continues to fall. Mandatory evacuations continue for the subdivisions of de la Garza, Campo Verde, and Garza in the City of Roma; some areas in the City of La Grulla (Starr County) and the City of Los Ebanos. Voluntary evacuations continue in the cities of La Joya, and in Penitas and south of the city of Pharr (both in Hidalgo County) due to flooding.  (FEMA Region VI, DHS/NOC Steady State Incident Report, TX SOC SITREP, media sources)

Mississippi Canyon 252 Update

FEMA is providing personnel and equipment support.  The oil flow remains secured. The capping stack developed five minor gasket leaks and hydrate formation continues to be monitored and evaluated with no acoustic or visual anomalies noted. The well integrity test remains satisfactory and pressure has increased. Coastline impact has increased to approximately 630.7 miles, impacting AL, FL, LA, MS, and TX. Clean up crews in Alabama covered more than 40 miles of shoreline on July 19 – the largest effort to date in a single operational period. Tar balls were removed from Perdido Pass and the beach between Wrecking Ball and Laguna Key. A decontamination team is being stood up in Louisiana. Clean up crews in Mississippi responded to light impact on Cat and Ship Islands.(NIC Daily Situation Update, DHS NOC SLB, Deepwater Horizon Response and FL Situation Report) 

Cowiche Mills Fire Update

The fire started on Sunday, July 18, at approximately 3:30 p.m. PDT; cause unknown. High heat, low humidity, and high winds have driven the fire to spread quickly; currently approximately 6,200 acres have burned with 35% contained. Three residential structures have burned; approximately 150 residential structures remain threatened.

Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG):

No activity.(FEMA HQ) 

Tropical Weather Outlook

Atlantic, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico: 
A tropical wave located near the eastern Dominican Republic and extending northward over the Atlantic Ocean for a few hundred miles is moving west northwestward at 10 mph. There is a high chance (70%) of this system becoming a tropical depression or a tropical storm during the next 48 hours. Gusty winds and locally heavy rainfall associated with this system are likely to affect the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Haiti, eastern Cuba, Bahamas, and the Turks and Caicos Islands during the 48 hours. The heavy rains could cause life-threatening flash floods and mudslides in mountainous areas.
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)

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, July 20, 2010:

  • Initial attack activity: Light (182 new fires)
  • New large fires: 4
  • Large fires contained: 3
  • Uncontained large fires: 8

States Affected: CA, WA, CO, MT, ID, AZ & AK. (NIFC)

Disaster Declaration Activity

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Monday, July 19, 2010

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Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED)

Significant National Weather

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)

June, April-June, and Year-To-Date Global Temperatures are Warmest on Record

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 

XXI Central American and Caribbean Games: July 17 – August 1, 2010

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.

Flooding on the Rio Grande River, Texas – Update

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)

Midwest Flooding – Update

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) 

Kentucky Flooding

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.

Mississippi Canyon 252 Update

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) 

 

Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG):

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)

Tropical Weather Outlook

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)

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 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)

Disaster Declaration Activity

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

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Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED)

Significant National Weather

Midwest
Thunderstorm complexes continue today from the Central Plains to the Ohio Valley. Severe thunderstorms are likely from western South Dakota, Nebraska and Kansas to Ohio. Damaging wind gusts, hail and tornadoes are possible and rainfall could reach five inches in some areas, with flash flooding possible. Temperatures will reach highs in the 90s in the lower Ohio Valley and Missouri, to over 100 degrees in Kansas.
Northeast
Thunderstorms are forecast from the Great Lakes and Ohio Valley to Upstate New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland and West Virginia. Some of these storms could become severe, with damaging wind gusts, hail and over one inches of rainfall possible. There is a minimal threat of thunderstorms and showers from New England to Virginia. Humidity will remain very high in the southern Mid-Atlantic and temperatures will reach highs in the 90s from Connecticut to Virginia.
South
Scattered thunderstorms are forecast from southeast Texas and Louisiana to the Carolinas. The possibility of these storms becoming severe will be minimal but rainfall could reach over an inch. The Southern Plains to Arkansas will remain dry. High humidity will continue for the entire region with high temperatures in the 90s. The Oklahoma Panhandle will see temperatures reaching 100 degrees.
West
Thunderstorms are possible from Montana to Arizona and New Mexico, with Montana and Wyoming seeing the highest chance of thunderstorms. Some of the storms in eastern Wyoming could become severe with large hail. The Great Basin and far West will remain dry. The Central Valley of California and the lower elevations of Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico, will see high temperatures of over 100 degrees. The Desert Southwest will see high temperatures between 100 to 125 degrees.
(NOAA’s National Weather Service, the Hydrometeorological Prediction Center and media sources)

Flooding on the Rio Grande River, Texas – Update

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 55.85 feet at 1:15 a.m. EDT on July 20. The Rio Grande River at Laredo and at Columbia Bridge is at Minor Flood Stage, and continues to recede.
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 City of Roma and the City of Los Ebanos (Hidalgo County) and lower elevation neighborhoods near Falcon Lake. Voluntary evacuations continue in the cities of La Joya, Penitas (Hidalgo County) and La Gruella (Starr County).

Mississippi Canyon 252 Update

FEMA is providing personnel and equipment support. Seepage and undetermined anomalies have been detected near the capped wellhead. There remains no oil flowing from the well and the well integrity test remains satisfactory.  Booming and skimming operations continue as weather permits. More than 827 thousand barrels of oil and 1.8653 million cubic feet of gas have been recovered to date. Coastline impact has increased to approximately 622 miles, impacting AL, FL, LA, MS, and TX.

Cowiche Mills Fire Update

The Cowiche Mills Fire fire went from 3,000 acres to 7,000 acres burned in five hours. Approximately 8,000 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. Three homes have been burned. Voluntary evacuations are in place, and 600 residents have evacuated

Tropical Weather Outlook

Atlantic, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico: 
A tropical wave over Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands is becoming better organized and there is a medium chance (30%) of this system becoming a tropical cyclone over the next 48 hours. The system is moving west-northwestward at 5 to 10 mph. This system could bring gusty winds of 30 to 40 mph and locally heavy rainfall to the Leeward Islands, Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Turks and Caicos Islands, and the Bahamas over the next 48 hours. Parts of the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico have already reported rainfall totals of over 5 inches. Additional rainfall could cause localized flooding and mud slides especially in mountainous areas.
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) 

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 19, 2010: 
Initial attack activity:  Light (148 new fires)
New large fires:  5
Large fires contained:  4
Uncontained large fires:  9
States affected:  WA, CA, CO, WY, MT, ID and AK (NIFC)

Disaster Declaration Activity

No new activity (FEMA HQ)