Danielle (Atlantic Ocean)

Posted on August 23, 2010 by admin

Tropical Depression 6 formed on August 22 and strengthened into Tropical Storm Danielle the same day. It is now headed toward the central Atlantic.Go to Source

Tropical Depression 5 (Gulf of Mexico)

Posted on August 22, 2010 by admin

The abundant moisture that the remnants of tropical depression 5 interacting with a frontal boundary means more showers and thunderstorms over central Alabama into western Georgia.Go to Source

Tropical Depression 8E (Eastern Pacific)

Posted on August 22, 2010 by admin

The eighth tropical depression of the Eastern Pacific Ocean hurricane season formed during the early morning hours of August 20, and the GOES-11 satellite captured infrared images of its birth.Go to Source

Friday, August 13, 2010

Posted on August 22, 2010 by admin

Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED)

Significant National Weather

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)

Southeast Severe Weather

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.

Iowa Flooding

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.

Mississippi Canyon 252 Update

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)

Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG)

No activity. (HQ FEMA)

Tropical Weather Outlook

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)

Earthquake Activity

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)

Preliminary Damage Assessments

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Wildfire Update

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)

Disaster Declaration Activity

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.

Fema

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Posted on August 22, 2010 by admin

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

Tropical Depression 8E (Eastern Pacific)

Posted on August 20, 2010 by admin

The eighth tropical depression of the Eastern Pacific Ocean hurricane season formed during the early morning hours of August 20, and the GOES-11 satellite captured infrared images of its birth.

Tropical Depression 5 (Gulf of Mexico)

Posted on August 13, 2010 by admin

The remnants of former Tropical Depression 5 are now bringing heavy rains and local flooding to southeastern Louisiana, including New Orleans, and coastal Mississippi

Thursday, August 12, 2010

Posted on August 13, 2010 by admin

Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED)

Significant National Weather

Midwest
Scattered thunderstorms, some severe, are forecast for the Dakotas, Nebraska, Minnesota and Iowa today. Flash flooding is possible in Minnesota and Iowa. Some rivers in Iowa have seen all-time record flood levels. The Great Lakes region will be mainly dry while the Ohio Valley will see isolated thunderstorm activity. The central and southern Plains will be dry, but the oppressive heat is forecast to continue for another couple of days. Parts of Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Missouri may see high temperatures of over 100 degrees. High temperatures along with high humidity will raise the heat index to over 115 degrees in many locations.
South
Portions of the South will see pockets of heavy rain or scattered thunderstorms. Scattered thunderstorms are forecast across parts of eastern Kentucky, eastern Tennessee, Virginia and North Carolina. Portions of the Gulf Coast will see locally heavy rain due to the remnants of Tropical Depression Five. Localized flooding is possible over parts of southeast Louisiana and southern Mississippi.
Northeast
Scattered thunderstorms are forecast from Upstate New York to the Chesapeake Bay, but the thunderstorms are not expected to become severe. There is only a slight chance of isolated thunderstorms over most of New England but severe thunderstorms are possible over the mid-Atlantic.
West
Showers and thunderstorms are forecast from eastern Idaho to Montana and down to northern Wyoming. The higher elevations of Arizona and New Mexico will see less thunderstorm activity than last week. The Desert Southwest will see high temperatures from 105 to 110 degrees.
(NOAA and media sources)

Iowa Flooding

Three to eight inches of rain fell in central Iowa over the past few days and caused flooding in several locations. A nearly stationary frontal system over Iowa brought thunderstorm activity to an area from near Oskaloosa, Iowa in Mahaska County to Sac City, Iowa in Sac County. Several river gauges are at major flood stage with a few gauges forecast to crest at or near record flood stage. Major impacts from these thunderstorms are power outages, emergency crews performing rescues, and numerous road closures. Forty-nine counties issued local emergency declarations. A boil water order was issued for the city of Ames (population 56,000), Story County, due to a water main break. The Region VII Regional Watch remains at Steady State, 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. CDT but a FEMA liaison is deployed to the state Emergency Operations Center.

Mississippi Canyon 252 Update

The well pressure remains stable and is declining at a rate of 5 lbs per square inch per hour. Drilling operations are on hold until the passage of the remnants of Tropical Depression Five. Approximately 665 miles of coastline are impacted. NOAA reopened 5,144 square miles to finfish harvest but the area closed to all fishing covers 52,395 square miles or approximately 22% of the Gulf of Mexico’s exclusive economic zone.
(NIC Daily SitRep)

Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG)

No activity. (HQ FEMA)

Tropical Weather Outlook

Atlantic, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico:
The remnants of Tropical Depression Five are now a broad area of low pressure over the northern Gulf of Mexico located just east of southeastern Louisiana. The low is expected to move inland along the north-central Gulf coast by early this morning and there is a low chance, near zero percent, of this system becoming a tropical cyclone during the next 48 hours. This low could still produce locally heavy rains and strong gusty winds in squalls to portions of the north-central Gulf coast through this morning. Another low pressure system located 850 miles northeast of the northern Leeward Islands is producing minimal shower activity. Upper level winds are not conducive for development and there is a low chance, near 10 percent, of this system becoming a tropical cyclone during the next 48 hours. There is also a tropical wave located 200 miles east of the Lesser Antilles but there is a low chance, near 10 percent, of that system becoming a tropical cyclone during the next 48 hours.
Eastern Pacific
An area of low pressure is located 375 miles south of Acapulco, Mexico. Environmental conditions appear conducive for further slow development and this low could become a tropical depression during the next 48 hours. There is a high chance, near 60 percent, of this system becoming a tropical cyclone during the next 48 hours.
Central Pacific:
Thunderstorm activity located 800 miles south of Honolulu, Hawaii has a low chance, near 10 percent, of becoming a tropical cyclone during the next 48 hours.
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 Wednesday, August 11, 2010:
Initial attack activity: Light (190 new fires), new large fires: 7, large fires contained: 4
Uncontained large fires: 10, U.S. States affected: ID, UT, CA, MT, WY, OK, TX, VA, LA, SD & NV.
(NIFC)

Disaster Declaration Activity

Wisconsin received a Presidential disaster declaration (FEMA-1933-DR-WI) on August 11, 2010, for severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding from July 20-24, 2010. Public Assistance was approved for Grant and Milwaukee Counties and all counties are eligible for the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. The Federal Coordinating Officer for the disaster is Paul J. Ricciuti.

Amendment No. 4 to FEMA-3311-EM-RI amends the cost-sharing arrangement effective July 29, 2010, to provide Federal funds for emergency protective measures (Category B), limited to direct Federal assistance, at 90 percent of total eligible costs.

Amendment No. 3 to FEMA-1916-DR-MS amends the cost-sharing arrangement effective July 29, 2010, to provide Federal funds for all categories of Public Assistance (Categories A-G) at 90 percent of total eligible costs.

Amendment No. 7 to FEMA-1912-DR-KY amends the cost-sharing arrangement effective July 29, 2010, to provide Federal funds for all categories of Public Assistance (Categories A-G) at 90 percent of total eligible costs.

Amendment No. 11 to FEMA-1909-DR-TN amends the cost-sharing arrangement effective July 29, 2010, to provide Federal funds for all categories of Public Assistance (Categories A-G), including direct Federal assistance, at 90 percent of total eligible costs.

Amendment No. 5 to FEMA-1906-DR-MS amends the cost-sharing arrangement effective July 29, 2010, to provide Federal funds for all categories of Public Assistance (Categories A-G), including direct Federal assistance, at 90 percent of total eligible costs.

Amendment No. 6 to FEMA-1894-DR-RI amends the cost-sharing arrangement effective July 29, 2010, to provide Federal funds for all categories of Public Assistance (Categories A-G) at 90 percent of total eligible costs.
(HQ FEMA)

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Posted on August 13, 2010 by admin

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)