Monday, August 30, 2010

Posted on August 31, 2010 by admin

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

Friday, August 27, 2010

Posted on August 27, 2010 by admin

Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED)

Significant National Weather

West:
A frontal system and an upper level trough will bring cooler weather, showers and thunderstorms to the Northern Rockies. Monsoonal moisture will produce showers and thunderstorms in the Desert Southwest, and the Central Great Basin. Areas of heavy rain will produce localized flooding. Gusty winds and low humidity will produce Critical Fire Weather and Red Flag Warnings for most of Nevada today.
Midwest:
The Plains will be hot and dry with high temperatures above 90 for many areas. Gusty southerly winds, high temperatures and low humidity will result in Critical Fire Weather and Red Flag Warnings over the Northern Plains for most of the day. The frontal system moving out of the Rockies will bring showers and thunderstorms to the Northern Plains this evening.
South:
Under the influence of high pressure to the north, most of the region will be warm and dry. The stationary front remains in place along the Gulf Coast. Showers and thunderstorms are forecast for coastal areas from Louisiana to the Carolinas.
Northeast:
Under high pressure, the region will be dry with seasonable temperatures. The only precipitation will be a few showers in northern Maine.
(NOAA and media sources)

Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG)

No activity. (HQ FEMA)

Tropical Weather Outlook

Atlantic, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico:
Hurricane Danielle is now a dangerous Category 4 tropical cyclone located approximately 545 miles southeast of Bermuda moving northwest near 12 mph. Maximum sustained winds are near 135 mph with hurricane force winds extending out 60 miles from the center and tropical storm winds extending out 200 miles from the center. The center of the storm is forecast to pass east of the island of Bermuda but the Unites States East Coast states will begin to experience strong swells and rip currents by Saturday.

Tropical Storm Earl is currently located approximately 1,430 miles east of the northern Leeward Islands moving west near 17 mph. The storm has maximum sustained winds near 45 mph and is anticipated to strengthen during the next 48 hours and forecast to become Hurricane Earl by Saturday night.

Another vigorous tropical wave is located about 210 miles south-southeast of the Cape Verde Islands. This system is highly anticipated, a near 70 percent chance, to become a tropical depression during the next few days. It is continuing to move west at 15 to 20 mph.

Eastern Pacific
Hurricane Frank is a Category 1 tropical cyclone located 330 miles south-southwest of the southern tip of Baja California moving west-northwest near 10 mph. The storm currently has sustained winds of 80 mph but it is forecast to weaken as it continues north over cooler waters this weekend.

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)

Wildfire Update

National Preparedness Level: 2
National Fire Activity as of Thursday, August 26, 2010:
Initial attack activity: light (145 new fires), new large fires: 4, large fires contained: 4
Uncontained large fires: 17, U.S. States affected: OR, WA, ID, CA, HI, MT, LA, OK, & WY (NIFC)

Idaho- Hurd Fire
The Hurd Fires is located in Valley County, ID and approximately 900 acres are consumed. The fire is now approximately ten percent contained and preparations have been made for evacuations.

California- Post Fire
The Post Fire is located near Frazier Park, CA in Kern County and approximately 1,300 acres are consumed. An FMAG was approved on August 24, 2010 and the fire is currently estimated to be 76 contained. (HQ FEMA)

Disaster Declaration Activity

Missouri – Severe Storms, Flooding, and Tornadoes from June 12 – July 30
Amendment #1 to FEMA-1934-DR-MO was approved on August 26, 2010. This amendment makes seven additional counties eligible for the Public Assistance Program. (HQ FEMA)

Fema

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Posted on August 26, 2010 by admin

Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED)

Significant National Weather

West:
Isolated showers and thunderstorms are forecast across the Desert Southwest from Southern California to New Mexico, especially during the evening hours. Record and near record temperatures are expected along the entire West Coast. Inland areas will have temperatures from the 90s to as high as 110 degrees in the inland valleys. Excessive Heat Warnings are in effect for Southern California and the Desert Southwest through this evening. Red Flag Warnings will remain in effect throughout the day in Washington, Oregon and Idaho.

Midwest:
A cold front stretching from the Great Lakes to Texas continues to move across the region. There is limited moisture associated with this front, so only isolated showers and thunderstorms are in the forecast as the front crosses the Ohio Valley. Temperatures behind the front will be much cooler than experienced in recent weeks. Highs will range from the 60s to the lower 80s.

South:
The cold front extending from the Midwest will produce showers and thunderstorms across Texas. The threat will be limited to gusty winds and heavy precipitation. The front across the southeast will produce scattered showers and thunderstorms from the Big Bend area of Florida to North Carolina.

Northeast:
A low-pressure system off the New England Coast will continue to produce precipitation from the Mid-Atlantic to New England. (NOAA’s National Weather Service, the Hydrometeorological Prediction Center and media sources)

Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG)

California – Post Fire – near Lebec, Kern County
A FMAG was approved at 8:00 p.m. EDT, Aug 24, 2010 for the Post Fire located near Fraizer Park, Kern County, California. Approximately, 1,500 acres consumed and 0% contained. About 400 residents evacuated from Fraizer Park (Population: 2,800) and 25 structures are threatened. (HQ FEMA)

Tropical Weather Outlook

Atlantic, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico:
Hurricane Danielle
At 5:00 a.m. EDT, the center of Hurricane Danielle was located about 795 miles east of the northern Leeward Islands (1,000 miles east of San Juan, Puerto Rico). Danielle is moving toward the west-northwest near 17 mph. A turn toward the northwest with a decrease in forward speed is expected during the next couple of days. The maximum sustained winds have increased to near 85 mph, with higher gusts. Danielle is a Category 1 Hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson scale. Additional strengthening is forecast during the next 48 hours.

Area 1
A broad area of low pressure located about 200 miles west-southwest of the southernmost Cape Verde Islands is accompanied by a large area of cloudiness and showers. Although there has been little change in the organization of the associated shower activity over the past few hours, environmental conditions remain conducive for the formation of a tropical depression during the next couple of days. There is a high chance (90 percent) of this system becoming a tropical cyclone during the next 48 hours as it moves west-northwestward near 15 mph.

Area 2
A surface trough over the central Gulf of Mexico is producing disorganized cloudiness and a few thunderstorms. Development, if any, of this system is expected to be slow to occur as it drifts westward or west-southwestward. There is a low chance (10 percent) of this system becoming a tropical cyclone during the next 48 hours.

Eastern Pacific:
Tropical Storm Frank
At 5:00 a.m. EDT, the center of Tropical Storm Frank was located about 200 miles south-southeast of Manzanillo, Mexico. Frank is moving toward the west-northwest near 9 mph. This general motion is expected to continue through Friday. On this track, Frank will continue to move away from the southwestern coast of Mexico. Maximum sustained winds are near 70 mph, with higher gusts. Some strengthening is possible and Frank could be a hurricane later today.

Central Pacific:
No tropical cyclone activity is expected through Thursday evening.

Western Pacific:
No activity.(NOAA, NWS, HPC, National Hurricane Center, Central Pacific Hurricane Center, and the Joint Typhoon Warning Center)

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 24, 2010:
Initial attack activity: light (158 new fires), new large fires: 4, large fires contained: 6
Uncontained large fires: 18, U.S. States affected: CA, OR, WA, ID, MT, NV, CO &WY (NIFC)

Disaster Declaration Activity

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Fema

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Posted on August 24, 2010 by admin

Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED)

Significant National Weather

West:
A large high pressure area over the Central Rockies will keep most of this region free from precipitation today. The tail end of the front will produce scattered showers and thunderstorms across Arizona, Colorado and New Mexico and localized flash flooding is possible in some areas. High temperatures continue across the Southwest and coastal areas from San Francisco to Los Angeles will experience the hottest weather of the year.
Midwest:
Expect isolated showers and thunderstorms along the northern part of a cold front extending from the Great Lakes to the Southern Plains. Air behind the front will be much cooler than the region has experienced lately with temperature highs reaching only into the 70s.
South:
A stationary front will bring little relief to the high temperatures in the Deep South but areas north of the front will enjoy lower humidity. Precipitation will be limited to coastal areas and the Florida Peninsula could receive up to two inches of rain in the next 24 hours. A cold front dropping out of the Midwest will bring cooler temperatures and rain to Oklahoma and the Texas panhandle but areas south of the front will see temperatures climb to near 100 by this afternoon.
Northeast:
Afternoon thunderstorms are forecast for West Virginia, Virginia and southern Maryland and an area of low pressure off the New England coast will produce precipitation from the Mid Atlantic to southern New England.
(NOAA and media sources)

Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG)

No activity. (HQ FEMA)

Tropical Weather Outlook

Atlantic, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico:
Hurricane Danielle is currently a Category Two hurricane located about 1,110 miles from the Lesser Antilles moving west-northwest near 20 mph. Maximum sustained winds for this system are currently near 100 mph with hurricane force winds extending outward 30 miles from the center. The storm is expected to reach Category Three, or major hurricane status, with sustained winds above 111 mph, by early Wednesday.
There is another strong tropical wave behind Hurricane Danielle that is located about 100 miles south of the Cape Verde Islands moving west-northwest at 15 mph. Satellite images indicate that this system is well organized, and environmental conditions also appear conducive for development. There is a 90 percent chance that this system will become a tropical cyclone during the next 48 hours.
Eastern Pacific
Tropical Storm Frank is located about 130 mi south-southwest of Acapulco Mexico moving west-northwest near 9 mph. Frank has maximum sustained winds near 50 mph and is expected to move parallel to the coast of Mexico with some additional strengthening possible Wednesday.
Central and Western Pacific:
No tropical cyclone activity is 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 Monday, August 23, 2010:
Initial attack activity: light (113 new fires), new large fires: 7, large fires contained: 4
Uncontained large fires: 21, U.S. States affected: CA, OR, WA, ID, MT, NV &WY (NIFC)

Disaster Declaration Activity

Iowa
On Aug 23, 2010, Amendment #4 to FEMA-1930-DR-IA was approved. This amendment makes seven additional counties eligible for the Public Assistance Program.
(HQ FEMA)

Fema

Friday, August 20, 2010

Posted on August 23, 2010 by admin

Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED)

Significant National Weather

Midwest
Strong to severe thunderstorms are forecast from the Northern Plains into the Upper Mississippi Valley from northern Michigan to eastern Kansas. Some thunderstorms may contain large hail, damaging winds, and tornadoes. Weather conditions are expected to be dry from the lower Great Lakes down to the Ohio Valley as well as the High Plains. Highs of 100 or more are likely over the southern Plains.

South
Much of the South will see scattered thunderstorms especially in the area from Louisiana to Georgia and parts of the Florida Peninsula. Areas from the southern Plains down through Texas will be dry, along with parts of Kentucky and Tennessee to Virginia and North Carolina. Some locations around the Oklahoma and Texas border will see temperatures around 100 degrees or higher.

Northeast
Most of the region will be dry except for some light showers in extreme northern Maine.

West
The West will be dry. The only exceptions will be over parts of eastern Arizona and New Mexico where isolated thunderstorms will form. Parts of the Desert Southwest will see high temperatures from 105 to 100 degrees.
(NOAA and media sources)

Mississippi Canyon 252 Update

Approximately 676 miles of coastline is currently impacted and shoreline cleanup efforts continue. To date, 22 percent or 52,395 miles of federal waters of Gulf Exclusive Economic Zone remain closed to fishing.
(NIC Daily SitRep Update)

National Preparedness Level: 2

National Fire Activity as of Thursday, August 19, 2010:
Initial attack activity: moderate (268 new fires), new large fires: 4, large fires contained: 2
Uncontained large fires: 5, U.S. States affected: OR, ID, AR, WY, AK, MT, and CA
(NIFC)

Tropical Weather Outlook

Atlantic, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico:
A westward-moving tropical wave over the northwestern Caribbean Sea has a low chance, near 10 percent, of tropical cyclone formation during the next 48 hours. Another large area of disturbed weather extends from the west coast of Africa to several hundred miles southwest of the Cape Verde islands. Environmental conditions appear favorable for slow development of this system as it moves westward at 5 to 10 mph. In the near term, this system has a 20 percent chance of becoming a tropical cyclone during the next 48 hours.

Eastern Pacific:
Tropical Depression Eight-E is located about 230 miles west of Manzanillo, Mexico with maximum sustained winds of 35 mph. Some slight strengthening is forecast before it moves westward or west-northwestward then weakens over cooler water on Saturday. No coastal warnings or watches are in effect.

Central and Western Pacific:
No tropical cyclone activity expected during the next 48 hours.
(NOAA, JTWC)

Earthquake Activity

Aftershocks continue in the Mariana Islands region, following the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that occurred on August 13, 2010. There were no reports of major damage or injury. (USGS)

Preliminary Damage Assessments

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Disaster Declaration Activity

The President signed a major disaster declaration for Illinois for severe storms and flooding from July 22 to August 7, 2010(FEMA-1935-DR). The declaration makes seven counties eligible for the Individual Assistance Program and all counties eligible for the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. The Federal Coordinating Officer will be Gregory W. Eaton.
(FEMA HQ)

Fema

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Posted on August 22, 2010 by admin

Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED)

Significant National Weather

Midwest
Thunderstorms are forecast from the Northern Plains to the upper Mississippi Valley. A few of these storms will be severe and may include hail, high winds, and lightning. A few storms are also possible in central and southern Michigan.

South
The remnants of Tropical Depression 5 are interacting with a weak frontal boundary and southeast Texas to the Carolinas can expect isolated to scattered thunderstorms. The heaviest rain will be in the southern Louisiana and Mississippi area and flash flooding is possible. Areas of heavy rain can also be expected in eastern Tennessee, southeastern Kentucky and in the Appalachians. Areas in north Texas and Arkansas will see high temperatures approach 100 with very high humidity.

Northeast
Showers and/or thunderstorms are possible over much of New York State later in the day. The rest of the region will experience a dry and sunny day.

West
Scattered thunderstorm activity will continue around the Four Corners area. Stronger storms could contain flooding downpours and strong wind gusts as well as dangerous lightning. The strong wind gusts ahead of these storms may produce local dust storms. A few thunderstorms could also move over eastern Montana into much of central and southern Wyoming. The remainder of the region should be dry. In the Southwest, high temperatures will range from the 100 to 115 degrees. (NOAA and media sources)

Atlantic Basin Hurricane Season Peak

The official hurricane season for the Atlantic Basin (Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico) runs from June 1 to November 30. Major hurricanes can occur at any time during this season. According to historical data, most tropical cyclone activity occurs between mid to late August and mid to late October, with the peak of the hurricane season occurring around mid September. As we enter into the peak of the 2010 hurricane season, it is important to review their emergency plans for hurricane associated hazards such as; storm surge, high winds, tornadoes, and flooding. The best way to survive a hurricane and minimize its impact is to be prepared before it strikes. For more information, see the National Hurricane Center’s Hurricane Preparedness website: http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/HAW2/english/intro.shtml. (NOAA)

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 in–place Blowout Preventer (BOP) testing. Drill Rig II continues rig maintenance and is preparing to temporarily abandon the well. Approximately 680 miles of coastline is impacted by the spill and shoreline cleanup efforts continue. (NIC Daily SitRep Update)

Tropical Weather Outlook

Atlantic, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico:
A tropical wave over the west-central and southwestern Caribbean Sea has a low chance, near 20 percent, of becoming a tropical cyclone during the next 48 hours.

Central, Eastern and Western Pacific:
Tropical cyclone formation is not expected during the next 48 hours. (NOAA, JTWC)

Earthquake Activity

No significant activity. (USGS)

Preliminary Damage Assessments

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Wildfire Update

National Preparedness Level: 2
National Fire Activity as of Wednesday, August 18, 2010:

Initial attack activity: light (188 new fires), new large fires: 3, large fires contained: 2 Uncontained large fires: 4, U.S. States affected: OR, WA, ID, UT, AR, OK, MT, and CA. (NIFC)

Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG)
FEMA-1931-DR-TX, Amendment #2 closes the incident period for this disaster effective August 14, 2010.
FEMA-1931-DR-TX, Amendment #3 adds 1 county for Public Assistance effective August 19, 2010.
FEMA-3313-EM-TX, Amendment #1 closes the incident period for this disaster effective August 14, 2010. (FEMA HQ)

Disaster Declaration Activity

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Fema

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Posted on August 22, 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)

Disaster Declaration Activity

Fema

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Posted on August 19, 2010 by admin

Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED)

Significant National Weather

Northeast
Showers and/or thunderstorms are possible over much of New York State later in the day. The rest of the region will experience a dry and sunny day.

Atlantic Basin Hurricane Season Peak

Mississippi Canyon 252 Update

Tropical Weather Outlook

Central, Eastern and Western Pacific:
Tropical cyclone formation is not expected during the next 48 hours. (NOAA, JTWC)

Earthquake Activity

No significant activity. (USGS)

Preliminary Damage Assessments

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Wildfire Update

National Preparedness Level: 2
National Fire Activity as of Wednesday, August 18, 2010:

Initial attack activity: light (188 new fires), new large fires: 3, large fires contained: 2 Uncontained large fires: 4, U.S. States affected: OR, WA, ID, UT, AR, OK, MT, and CA. (NIFC)

Disaster Declaration Activity

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Posted on August 18, 2010 by admin

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)