Fema Situation Updates
Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED)
Significant National Weather
West
Showers and thunderstorms are forecast across parts of Washington, Oregon and northern California but severe weather is not expected. Gusty winds will occur over portions of interior Southern California, Nevada, western Utah and northern Arizona where dry winds could gust over 40 mph and could bring an increased fire danger.
Midwest
A storm system over the Great Lakes will move eastward by Thursday and may deliver showers and thunderstorms from the Southern Plains to the northern Great Lakes. Heavy rain and flooding is possible across the southern portions of Kansas and heavy rainfall and thunderstorms may occur in Missouri and Nebraska.
Northeast
Gusty winds are forecast across New York, Pennsylvania and southern New England as cooler air moves southward from the Great Lakes. Wind gusts over the Appalachians could exceed 40 miles per hour. A few showers and thunderstorms are forecast across the Northeast, especially Upstate New York and New England, with isolated storms possible from New York City south to Virginia.
South
Widespread heavy rain and the threat of flooding continue from Texas to Arkansas and Oklahoma. Flash Flood Watches were issued from Texas to Kansas, where 1 to 3 inches of rain an hour is possible. Light to moderate rain and thunderstorms are expected over parts of the Southern Plains, and will move into parts of the lower Missouri Valley by Thursday. Pleasant weather is forecast from Mississippi to the Carolinas, but a few storms are possible Wednesday afternoon across Tennessee and North Carolina.
(NOAA and media sources)
Former Tropical Storm Hermine
The remnants of Hermine are now a training pattern of showers and thunderstorms producing extensive rainfall amounts throughout central Texas. A narrow band of heavy rainfall developed west of Austin along and west of I-35 and that produced 6 to 10 inches of rain. The deep tropical moisture associated with Hermine will continue to support heavy flooding rains northward into Oklahoma today and into southeast Kansas and Missouri by Friday morning. All of these regions are currently under flood or flash flood watches.
FEMA Region VI
Region VI RRCC remains at Watch/Steady State. The Regional IMAT and PDA teams are on standby and ready to support flood response operations as requested. There are no requests for FEMA assistance at this time.
Study Finds El Niño Growing Stronger
According to a new study by NASA and NOAA, a relatively new type of El Niño is becoming more common and progressively stronger.
Scientists from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and NOAA Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory measured changes in El Niño intensity since 1982. They found the intensity of El Niños in the central Pacific has nearly doubled over the study period, with the most intense event occurring in 2009-10.
This new El Niño has its warmest waters in the central-equatorial Pacific Ocean rather than in the eastern-equatorial Pacific. The scientists say the stronger El Niños help explain a steady rise in central Pacific sea surface temperatures observed over the past few decades. These results suggest climate change may already be affecting El Niño by shifting the center of action from the eastern to the Central Pacific.
Further research is needed to evaluate the impacts of these increasingly intense El Niños and determine why these changes are occurring. It is important to know if the increasing intensity and frequency of these central Pacific El Niños are due to natural variations in climate or to climate change caused by human-produced greenhouse gas emissions. For further information, see the report at www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2010/20100823_elnino.html
(NOAA)
Tropical Weather Outlook
Atlantic, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico
Showers and thunderstorm activity is becoming more organized near an area of low pressure located just south of the southernmost Cape Verde Islands. There is a high chance, near 70 percent, of this system becoming a tropical cyclone during the next 48 hours.
Central Pacific
A weak area of showers and isolated thunderstorms is associated with a trough located about 800 miles southeast of Hilo, Hawaii. Development, if any, will be slow to occur with the trough as it heads slowly to the west-southwest over the next couple of days. There is a low chance, near 10 percent, of this system becoming a tropical cyclone during the next 48 hours.
Another trough is about 550 miles south-southeast of Hilo, and is expected to move to the west at about 10 mph over the next two days. There is also a low chance, near 10 percent, of this system becoming a tropical cyclone during the next 48 hours.
Eastern 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 Tuesday, September 7, 2010:
Initial attack activity was light with 96 new fires including four new large fires but one large fire contained. There are ten uncontained large fires under full suppression strategy affecting Colorado, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Idaho, Oklahoma, Oregon, Utah, Pennsylvania and Wyoming. (NIFC)
Fourmile Canyon Fire (Boulder County, CO)
The Fourmile Canyon Fire that began September 6 with more than 6,000 acres consumed. A FEMA FMAG was approved for the fire on September 6 and the Governor of Colorado declared a State of Emergency for the fire area on Sept 7.
There are no reported injuries or fatalities. Mandatory evacuations remain in effect and are affecting 3,500 residents. There are reports of more than 50 residences destroyed and an additional 500 homes are threatened.
To fight the fire, the Boulder, CO Type III Incident Management Team (IMT) integrated with a Type II IMT. Due to the complexity of the incident, the teams on the ground requested a Type I IMT which will begin operations today.
(HQ FEMA)
Disaster Declaration Activity
Amendment 1 to FEMA-1933-DR-WI was approved September 7 making one additional county eligible to for the Public Assistance program for severe storms, tornadoes and flooding that occurred on August 11, 2010. (HQ FEMA)
Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED)
Significant National Weather
West
Scattered rain is likely over parts of the Northwest through Wednesday as an upper level low moves from the Northwest southward to northern California and northeastward into the Northern Rockies/Northern Intermountain region by Wednesday.
Midwest
The Upper Mississippi Valley southward to the Southern Plains/Rockies will see showers and thunderstorms ahead of a cold front while the Northern Plains to the Upper Great Lakes will see light to moderate rain. Tropical Storm Hermine will bring moderate rain with embedded thunderstorms over the western Gulf Coast into the Southern Plains and parts of the Middle Mississippi Valley through Wednesday.
Northeast
The region should be dry except for some showers from the Great Lakes to northern New England and northern New York. Temperatures in the region will be warmer than average.
South
The risk of heavy showers and thunderstorms increase along the South Texas and Louisiana coasts as tropical moisture begins to work its way northward. Showers and thunderstorms are also expected across the Florida Peninsula and near the Gulf Coast. Parts of west Texas and western Oklahoma, including the Panhandles, should see warmer than average temperatures.
(NOAA and media sources)
NOAA Reopens More of the Gulf of Mexico to Fishing
On Friday, September 3, 2010, NOAA reopened 3,114 square miles of Gulf waters offshore of the western Florida panhandle to commercial and recreational fishing. Trajectory models show the area is at a low risk for future exposure to oil, and fish caught in the area and tested by NOAA experts have shown no signs of contamination. At its closest point, the area to be reopened is about 55 miles northeast of the Deepwater/BP wellhead. The closed area now covers 39,885 square miles, or about 17 percent of the federal waters in the Gulf, which was 37 percent at its height on June 2. The boundary of the fishery closure has changed 27 times after it was first instituted on May 2. NOAA will continue to evaluate the need for fisheries closures and will continue to re-open closed areas as appropriate. For more information on NOAA Fisheries Closures, visit the NOAA Fisheries Service web site at http://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov/index.html
Deepwater Horizon Blow Out Preventer (BOP) Removed from the Gulf of Mexico
On Saturday, September 4, 2010, the damaged Deepwater Horizon Blowout Preventer (BOP) and the Lower Marine Riser Package (LMRP) Cap, were removed from the Gulf of Mexico. The removed BOP is considered evidentiary material, and is now under the supervision of the Deepwater Horizon Criminal Investigation Team and FBI Evidence Recovery Team.
(Deepwater Horizon JIC)
Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) Activity
An FMAG was approved on September 6 for the Fourmile Canyon Fire that began on September 6, and continuing. (HQ FEMA)
Tropical Weather Outlook
Atlantic, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico
Tropical Storm Hermine is located 35 miles west of Corpus Christi, Texas moving north-northwest at 17 mph. The storm has maximum sustained winds of 45 mph with tropical storm force winds extending 105 miles out from the center. Hermine is forecast to weaken further during the next 48 hours and is expected to become a Tropical Depression later today. A tropical storm warning is in effect for the mouth of the Rio Grande northward to Port O’Connor, Texas.
Tropical storm conditions are expected to move north into central southern Texas today. Rainfall accumulations of 4 to 8 inches are expected, with isolated maximum amounts of 12 inches possible, from southern Texas northward through central and northern Texas and over central and eastern Oklahoma. These rains will continue to spread northeastward across southeast Kansas, northwest Arkansas, and Missouri during the next few days. The heavy rainfall could cause life-threatening flash floods.
In addition to Hermine, there are three areas of limited risk in the Atlantic Basin. One system is the remnants of the former tropical storm once named Gaston. The circulation on this system remains poorly defined and there is a low chance, near 10 percent, of it becoming a tropical cyclone again during the next 48 hours.
There is another weak low pressure area located about 350 miles west of the Cape Verde Islands but it also has a low chance, near 10 percent, of becoming a tropical cyclone during the next 48 hours.
And finally, a third area of thunderstorms is associated with a tropical wave just off the African coast but it also has only a 10 percent chance of developing into a tropical cyclone during the next 48 hours.
Central, Eastern and Western Pacific
No tropical cyclone activity is expected in 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, September 6, 2010:
Initial attack activity was light with 96 new fires, including two new large fires but no large fires contained. There are eight uncontained large fires under full suppression strategy affecting Arkansas, California, Idaho, Oklahoma, Oregon, and Wyoming. (NIFC)
Colorado Wildfire
The Fourmile Canyon Fire in Boulder County, CO began September 6 and has burned over 3,500 acres. The fire is currently uncontained and high winds hindered the firefight overnight. Several structures, including homes, have been destroyed but no injuries are reported. Highway 19 and several roads through Boulder Canyon are closed. The fire is threatening 250 homes and mandatory evacuations were ordered for approximately 1,000 homes in the area. Voluntary evacuation of the Boulder Heights area has also started. Three American Red Cross shelters and one large animal shelter were established.(HQ FEMA)
Disaster Declaration Activity
No new activity (FEMA HQ)
Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED)
Significant National Weather
West
The region will be generally cool and dry under a ridge of high pressure with isolated thunderstorms over portions of Arizona and New Mexico. A strong upper level high pressure system developing over the Desert Southwest will bring a prolonged period of hot weather to Southern California, Nevada, and Arizona. Excessive Heat Warning and Watches are in effect through the weekend.
Midwest
A cold front extends from the Eastern Great Lakes to the Texas and will produce showers and thunderstorms from the Great Lakes to the Lower Mississippi Valley.
Northeast
Coastal areas will see the effects of Hurricane Earl. The low pressure system moving out of the Midwest will move into the region this afternoon and combine with the weather from Hurricane Earl to produce widespread showers and thunderstorms.
South
The front moving out of the Midwest will produce widespread precipitation in the Tennessee Valley and southern Appalachians before dissipating this evening. Rainshowers and thunderstorms forecast for southern Florida and Texas. The Carolinas are feeling the effects of Hurricane Earl as discussed above.
(NOAA and media sources)
Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG)
No activity. (HQ FEMA)
Tropical Weather Outlook
Atlantic, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico:
Hurricane Earl is a Category 2 storm located 131 miles east-northeast of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina moving north-northeast at 18mph. Maximum sustained winds are near 105 mph and hurricane force winds extend out 70 miles from the center and tropical storm force winds extend out 205 miles from the center. Earl is expected to increase forward speed but weaken overall during the next 48 hours and as it approaches southeastern New England tonight.
The storm conditions will follow the watches and warnings as issued by the National Hurricane Center during the next few days. Tropical storm force winds will reach from Virginia toward the Massachusetts coast later today and then to the coast of Maine tonight. Hurricane conditions are expected in Massachusetts tonight and Saturday morning.
Storm surge amounts will reach two to four feet above ground level in North Carolina, the lower Chesapeake Bay and areas of Massachusetts. Within the tropical storm warning areas, storm surges will raise water levels by one to three feet above ground level with large and destructive waves, rip currents and dangerous surf conditions.
Coastal North Carolina will see one or two additional inches of rain today as will the coasts of Virginia and Maine as the storm moves north. Southeast New England will see rainfall totals of one to three inches with isolated amounts up to five inches possible in some areas.
Current watches and warnings for the U.S. East Coast
The hurricane watch north of the North Carolina/Virginia border to Cape Henlopen, Delaware was discontinued. All warnings were discontinued south of Cape Lookout, North Carolina and for the western portion of the Ablemarle Sound.
Hurricane warnings are in effect for Cape Lookout, NC northeastward to the North Carolina/Virginia border as well Westport, MA eastward around Cape Cod to Hull, MA including Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket Island.
Tropical storm warnings are in effect north of the North Carolina/Virginia border to Sandy Hook, NJ, the coast of Long Island, NY from Fire Island Inlet around to Port Jefferson Harbor, New Haven, CT to west of Westport, MA including Block Island as well as north of Hull, MA to the Marrimack River and from Stonington, ME eastward to Eastport, ME.
Tropical storm watches are in effect north of the Marrimack River to west of Stonington, ME, the Long Island Coast from west of Fire Island Inlet to west of Port Jefferson Harbor.
See www.nhc.noaa.gov/ for the latest advisories.
(NOAA)
FEMA Preparations for Hurricane Earl
The National Response Coordination Center is operating 24/7 including the Emergency Support Functions, Emergency Management Agency Coordinators, and Movement Coordination Center to support the NRCC operations as directed. FEMA Logistics and MERS staff mobilized commodities and equipment including meals, water, generators, and communications teams, to Incident Support Bases in North Carolina and Massachusetts.
FEMA Region I Regional Response Coordination Center and the MERS Operations Center in Maynard, MA are operating 24/7. Numerous Incident Management Assistance Teams (IMATs) from around the country are deployed throughout the region. A FEMA Urban Search and Rescue team was activated for Region I and additional teams are on alert.
FEMA Region II Regional Response Coordination Center is operating 24/7 with Emergency Support Functions and the Defense Coordinating Element activated. Incident Management Assistance Teams (IMATs), Defense Coordinating Officers, and Federal Coordinating Officers are staffing New York and the Caribbean Area Division and there are no reported shortfalls or unmet needs.
FEMA Region III Regional Response Coordination Center is operating from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The Region deployed IMAT teams to Virginia and Maryland and a team for Delaware is identified and on standby.
FEMA Region IV Regional Response Coordination Center is operating from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. including the Emergency Support Functions and Defense Coordinating Element. Commodities are in place at the Incident Support Base in North Carolina. A Federal Coordinating Officer, Regional Incident Management Assistance Team, and a State Liaison Officer are assigned to the North Carolina State Emergency Operations Center.
The Governors of Massachusetts, Maryland, North Carolina, Rhode Island, and Virginia declared states of emergency.
(FEMA HQ, Regions I, II, III, IV)
Additional Tropical Activity in the Atlantic Basin
Tropical Storm Fiona is 285 miles south-southwest of Bermuda moving north at 13 mph. Maximum sustained winds are near 50 mph with tropical storm force winds extending out 105 miles from the center. Fiona is expected to pass near Bermuda later this evening or early Saturday and weaken during the next few days.
The remnants of Gaston are now only a tropical low 1,100 miles west of the Cape Verde Islands with a 20 percent chance of redeveloping into a tropical cyclone during the next 48 hours.
Another tropical wave off the west coast of Africa has a low chance, near 10 percent, of becoming a tropical cyclone during the next 48 hours.
Eastern Pacific
Tropical Depression Ten-E is located 220 miles south of the southern tip of Baja, California moving northwest near eight mph but is forecast to move west-northwest later today. The system has maximum sustained winds near 35 mph but is expected to weaken on Saturday.
Another system over the Gulf of Tehuantepec has a low chance, near 20 percent, of developing into a tropical cyclone during the next 48 hours. This storm is nearly stationary so regardless of development, it could produce heavy localized rain for areas of Mexico and Guatemala during the next few days.
Central and Central 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
National Preparedness Level: 2
National Fire Activity as of Thursday, September 2, 2010:
Initial attack activity: light (98 new fires), new large fires: 5, large fires contained: 4
Uncontained large fires: 12, U.S. States affected: ID, UT, OR, HI, WY, OK, AR, KY, & MT
(NIFC)
Idaho Wildfire
The Hurd Fire is located in Valley County, Idaho, northwest of Cascade, and has now burned 1,380 acres. It is 95% contained and there are no reported injuries or fatalities. FMAG-2853 was approved on Aug 26.
(HQ FEMA)
Disaster Declaration Activity
Kansas
Amendment No. 1 to DR-1932-KS was approved on September 2, 2010 and makes an additional seven counties eligible for the Public Assistance program.
North Carolina
Amendment No. 1 to EM-3314-NC was approved on September 2, 2010 and makes 12 additional counties eligible for the Public Assistance program (Category B), to include direct Federal Assistance.
Massachusetts
On September 2, 2010, the President signed Emergency Declaration EM-3315 for Massachusetts as a result of Hurricane Earl beginning on September 1, 2010, and continuing. The declaration approves emergency protective measures (Category B), including direct Federal assistance. James N. Russo of the FCO Program will coordinate federal operations for this disaster response.
(HQ FEMA)
Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED)
Significant National Weather
West
The region will be generally cool and dry under a ridge of high pressure. A strong upper level high pressure system developing over Southern California will bring a prolonged period of hot weather to the inland areas of southwestern California. The warmest temperatures of this heat wave are generally expected on Thursday and Friday, when triple digit heat will be common across inland areas. Warmer than normal weather conditions are expected to linger into weekend.
Midwest
A cold front extends from the Great Lakes to the Texas Panhandle and will produce showers, thunderstorms, and severe thunderstorms (hail, gusty winds, localized flooding and possible tornados) across the Upper Plains, Great Lakes, and Mississippi and Ohio Valleys.
Northeast
The system moving out of the Midwest will bring precipitation to western Pennsylvania, New York, and New England later today but most of the region will be precipitation free. Some areas of the Mid-Atlantic coast will begin to feel the effects of Hurricane Earl.
South
Under high pressure, the region will be partly cloudy except for showers in Texas and Oklahoma.(NOAA and media sources)
Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG)
No activity. (HQ FEMA)
Tropical Weather Outlook
Atlantic, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico:
Hurricane Earl is a large, intense Category 4 storm located 355 miles south of Cape Hatteras, NC moving northwest at 18 mph. It has maximum sustained winds of 135 mph with hurricane force winds extending out 90 miles from the center and tropical storm winds extending 230 miles from the center.
Earl will pass near the Outer Banks of North Carolina tonight as a major hurricane, with winds of 111 mph or above. Tropical storm force winds, winds of 39 mph and above, are forecast to begin to reach from Virginia to New Jersey by late Thursday night and early Friday morning.
Storm surge levels of three to five feet above ground level are expected within the hurricane warning area and lower Chesapeake Bay. In the tropical storm warning areas, storm surges will be one to three feet above ground level and the coastal areas will also see large and battering waves.
The eastern part of North Carolina including the Outer Banks will also see two to four inches of rain with up to six inches possible. One to two inches of rain, large swells and dangerous surf are also possible along the immediate Mid-Atlantic coast.
A Hurricane Warning is in effect for Bogue Inlet, NC northeastward to the North Carolina/Virginia border including the Pamlico and Albemarle sounds.
A Hurricane Watch is in effect for north of the North Carolina/Virginia border to Cape Henlopen, DE. In Massachusetts, the Watches include Westport to Plymouth, MA as well as Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket.
Tropical Storm Warnings in North Carolina and the Mid-Atlantic states include; Cape Fear, NC to west of Bogue Inlet, NC; north of the North Carolina/Virginia border to Sandy Hook, NJ; and the Delaware Bay south of Slaughter Beach and the Chesapeake Bay south of New Point Comfort. In New York, there is a Tropical Storm Warning for the coast of Long Island including Suffolk County and coastal waters surrounding Long Island including Fire Island Inlet northward and eastward to Port Jefferson Harbor.
Tropical Storm watches are in effect from Sandy Hook, NJ up the Atlantic coast to Woods Hole, MA. Included in these watches is Long Island Sound, Block Island and the coast of Long Island from west of Fire Island Inlet around to Port Jefferson Harbor. The watches also extend north of Plymouth, MA to Eastport, ME. See www.nhc.noaa.gov/ for the latest advisories.
(NOAA)
FEMA Preparations for Hurricane Earl
The National Response Coordination Center is operating 24/7 including the Emergency Support Functions. FEMA Logistics is finalizing pre-staging of commodities and equipment including meals, water, generators, and communications teams, to Incident Support Bases in North Carolina and Massachusetts.
FEMA Region I Regional Response Coordination Center and the MERS Operations Center in Maynard, MA are operating 24/7. Numerous Incident Management Assistance Teams (IMATs) from around the country are deployed throughout the region. A FEMA Urban Search and Rescue team was activated in Region I and three additional teams are on alert.
FEMA Region II Regional Response Coordination Center is operating from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Emergency Support Functions and the Defense Coordinating Element is activated until further notice. Incident Management Assistance Teams (IMATs), Defense Coordinating Officers and Federal Coordinating Officer are deployed to the U.S. Virgin Islands. Joint Preliminary Damage Assessments were completed in Puerto Rico and no federal aid was requested. Personnel deployed to Puerto Rico will support operations in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
FEMA Region III Regional Response Coordination Center is operating from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The Region has identified three IMAT teams to deploy as needed.
FEMA Region IV Regional Response Coordination Center is operating 24/7 including the Emergency Support Functions and Defense Coordinating Element. Incident Management Assistance Teams (IMATs) are deployed to North Carolina and the Incident Support Base in North Carolina is finalizing pre-landfall commodity placement. A Federal Coordinating Officer and a State Liaison Officer are assigned to the North Carolina State Emergency Operations Center.
The Governors of Virginia, Maryland, and North Carolina have declared states of emergency.
North Carolina issued mandatory evacuation orders for Dare County, Hyde County and Pine Knoll Shores, Emerald Isle, Bogue Banks, Atlantic Beach and Indian Beach in Carteret County.
(FEMA HQ, Regions I, II, III, IV)
Additional Tropical Activity in the Atlantic:
Tropical Storm Fiona is located 295 miles north of San Juan, Puerto Rico moving northwest near 17 mph. The storm is expected to move northward and is expected pass near Bermuda Saturday morning.
Maximum sustained winds are near 50 mph and extend out 115 miles from the center but it is expected to maintain the same level of strength during the next 48 hours.
Tropical Storm Gaston is located 1, 550 miles east of the Lesser Antilles moving west near 9 mph with maximum sustained near 40 mph. The system is anticipated to slow its forward movement but gradually strengthen during the next 48 hours.
A new tropical wave recently emerged off the west coast of Africa and has a low chance, near 10 percent, of becoming a tropical cyclone during the next 48 hours.
Eastern Pacific
A low pressure system located 210 miles west-southwest of Manzanillo, Mexico is moving west-northwest at 5 mph. This system has a high chance, near 80 percent, of 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
National Preparedness Level: 2
National Fire Activity as of Wednesday, September 1, 2010:
Initial attack activity: light (85 new fires), new large fires: 3, large fires contained: 5
Uncontained large fires: 15, U.S. States affected: ID, OR, WA, MT, HI, CA, WY, OK, & AR
(NIFC)
Disaster Declaration Activity
Texas
FEMA-1931-DR-TX is amended effective September 1, 2010. Amendment No 4 adds Calhoun County for Public Assistance.
North Carolina
On September 1, 2010, the President signed Emergency Declaration EM-3314 for the State of North Carolina due to the potential impact of Hurricane Earl beginning September 1, 2010 and continuing. The declaration approves Public Assistance for eighteen counties, and Hazard Mitigation statewide. The FCO is Michael Bolch of the National FCO Program.
Illinois
Governor of Illinois requests to amend the incident period for FEMA-1935-DR-IL to include eligible damages events beginning on July 19, 2010, and ending August 7, 2010. The incident period for this declaration is currently July 22 to August 7, 2010. Additionally, the Governor is requesting the Public Assistance program be authorized under FEMA-1935-DR. (HQ FEMA)
Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED)
Significant National Weather
West
A warm front will cause widespread precipitation through the Pacific Northwest extending into the northern Rocky Mountains. A Winter Weather Advisory was issued for the northern Rocky Mountains through today as up to 3 inches of snow is possible in elevations above 6,500 feet.
Midwest
A cold front will extend from the Great Lakes to the Texas Panhandle and will cause showers and thunderstorms with occasional large hail and gusty winds through the Great Lakes, Mississippi Valley, and the Plains. Severe thunderstorms are also possible in the Northern and Central Plains. Localized heavy rain expected in parts of Middle Mississippi Valley.
Northeast
Under a high pressure ridge, the region will be warm and dry except for a few isolated showers in northern Maine.
South
Under high pressure, most of the region will be partly cloudy except for showers along the Gulf Coast, Texas and Oklahoma. Coastal areas from Florida and to the Carolinas will begin to experience some effects from Hurricane Earl.
(NOAA and media sources)
Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG)
No activity. (HQ FEMA)
Tropical Weather Outlook
Atlantic, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico:
Hurricane Earl is a large, strong hurricane located 780 miles from Cape Hatteras, NC moving northwest at 16 mph. It has maximum sustained winds of 125 mph with hurricane force winds extending 90 miles from the center and tropical storm force winds extending 200 miles from the center. Earl is a Category 3 storm but fluctuations in strength are likely to occur during the next 48 hours. The storm is expected to pass by the Bahamas today and approach the North Carolina coast by Friday morning.
Hurricane watches are in effect from Cape Fear, NC to Parramore Island, VA. These areas can expect the possibility of hurricane conditions in their area within 48 hours. Hurricane warnings are likely today for some areas of North Carolina, and dangerous surf conditions and rip currents are likely to begin today along the U.S. East Coast.
The storm is currently forecast to move up along the East Coast with the center just off the North Carolina coast. Local officials have ordered evacuations in Ocracoke Island, NC and Hatteras Island, NC. The track may fluctuate over time so areas from Virginia through New England should keep a close eye on the progress of the storm and heed the advice of their local officials and emergency managers.
(NOAA)
FEMA Preparations and Response for Hurricane Earl
The National Response Coordination Center is activated to 24/7 operations and Incident Management Assistance Teams (IMATs) are moving to Region I and Region IV to prepare for possible impact by Hurricane Earl. FEMA Logistics is moving supplies including meals, water, generators and communications teams.
FEMA Region I Regional Response Coordination Center and the MERS Operations Center in Maynard, MA are operating from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Numerous Incident Management Assistance Teams (IMATs) from around the country are deployed throughout the region.
FEMA Region II Regional Response Coordination Center is operating from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Emergency Support Functions and the Defense Coordinating Element is activated until further notice. Incident Management Assistance Teams (IMATs) are deployed to the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico and another IMAT is on alert in New York. Defense Coordinating Officers and two Federal Coordinating Officers were sent to the Caribbean Area Division in advance of the storm. FEMA liaisons are working with local officials out of the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico Emergency Operations Centers.
FEMA Region III Regional Response Coordination Center is operating from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The Region has identified three IMAT teams to deploy as needed.
FEMA Region IV Regional Response Coordination Center is operating from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Incident Management Assistance Teams (IMATs) are deployed to North Carolina and an Incident Support Base is standing up in Ft. Bragg, NC.
(FEMA HQ, Regions I, II, III, IV)
Additional Atlantic Basin Tropical Activity:
Hurricane Earl (discussed above)
Tropical Storm Fiona is located 200 miles east-southeast of the northern Leeward Islands moving west-northwest near 14 mph. Maximum sustained winds are near 60 mph with tropical storm force winds extending out 140 miles from the center. Fiona is expected to intensify slightly during the next 24 hours as it makes a gradual turn northwest later today. It is forecast to pass just north of the northernmost Leeward Islands but those islands can expect to see one to three inches of rain with up to five inches of rain possible in some areas.
Another area of low pressure in the Atlantic is located about 800 miles west-southwest of the Cape Verde Islands and appears favorable for development. This system could become a tropical depression at any time and there is now a high chance, near 80 percent, of it becoming a tropical cyclone during the next 48 hours.
Eastern Pacific
A well defined area of low pressure is located about 250 miles southwest of Manzanillo, Mexico moving northwest at 10 mph. There is a high chance, near 60 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
On Aug 31, a magnitude 5.0 earthquake struck Guam at 5:16 p.m. EDT. The earthquake was located 20 miles NNE of Hagatna, Guam. No tsunami was generated and no damages were reported. (USGS)
Preliminary Damage Assessments
No new activity (FEMA HQ)
Wildfire Update
National Preparedness Level: 2
National Fire Activity as of Monday, August 31, 2010:
Initial attack activity: light (188 new fires), new large fires: 1, large fires contained: 7
Uncontained large fires: 26, U.S. States affected: ID, OR, WA, MT, CA, HI, MO & OK
(NIFC)
Washington State Wildfires
The Slide Creek Fire is located in Stevens County, six miles south of Colville, WA. The fire has burned 989 acres and is now 90 percent contained. There are no reported injuries or fatalities. 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 more than two thousand acres and is now 100 percent contained. There are no reported injuries or fatalities.
Idaho Wildfire
The Hurd Fire is located northwest of Cascade, Idaho and has burned 1,331 acres. It is 80% contained and there are no reported injuries or fatalities. FMAG-2853 was approved on Aug 26.
(HQ FEMA)
Disaster Declaration Activity
New Mexico
The Governor has requested a Major Disaster Declaration as a result of severe monsoonal storms and flooding that began July 25, 2010 and continuing. Specifically requested is PA for McKinley, Cibola, Socorro, Mora, and San Juan Counties and Hazard Mitigation statewide. The Governor further requests direct Federal Assistance. (HQ FEMA)
Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED)
Significant National Weather
Northeast
High pressure remains locked over the Northeast, it will be sunny but warm, with temperatures in the 90s with low humidity.
Midwest
A cold front moving through the Midwest will extend from Lake Superior to northern Kansas by this evening. A second round of severe thunderstorms will develop today ahead of the front from the Upper Midwest to the central Plains. The main threat from these storms will be damaging wind gusts, but hail and tornadoes may also be possible. Temperatures are expected to drop significantly as the front passes through the region.
West
Showery rain is expected today across parts of Washington and Oregon, and will transition to scattered thunderstorms in Idaho and Montana. The Northwest will remain cool with temperatures 5 to 20 degrees below average. Highs across the lower elevations will peak in the 60s and 70s.
South
Thunderstorms are expected in the Gulf Coast region and southern Plains with temperatures in the mid to upper 90s across most areas. The weather will remain relatively quiet until Hurricane Earl begins to move toward the coastal Carolinas later in the week.
(NOAA and media sources)
Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG)
No activity. (HQ FEMA)
Tropical Weather Outlook
Atlantic, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico:
Hurricane Earl is a strong Category Four storm located 190 miles north-northwest of San Juan, Puerto Rico moving west-northwest at 13 mph. The storm has sustained winds near 135 mph with hurricane winds extending out 70 miles from the center and tropical storm winds extending out 200 miles from the center. Earl is expected to continue northwest during the next 48 hours and move over the open Atlantic.
A Tropical Storm Warning remains in effect for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands but conditions should gradually subside. Another few inches of rain is possible across these areas and heavy accumulations over the past two days could cause dangerous mudslides. The U.S. East Coast especially the Carolinas to New England should closely monitor the progress of Earl.
Now is the time to review local evacuation routes, make an emergency plan to keep in touch with family members during an emergency and for those who live further inland and may lose electrical power for an extended period; stock up on supplies and make the necessary preparations to shelter in place. For more information on what you need to do to prepare for an emergency, see www.ready.gov.
FEMA Headquarters
The National Response Coordination Center activated to 24/7 operations today and Incident Management Assistance Teams (IMATs) from FEMA Regions V, IX, and X are deploying to Region I to prepare for possible storm impact in New England.
FEMA Region II
FEMA Region II Region Response Coordination Center is operating from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Emergency Support Functions and the Defense Coordinating Element is activated until further notice. Incident Management Assistance Teams (IMATs), Defense Coordinating Officers and two Federal Coordinating Officers were sent to the Caribbean Area Division in advance of the storm. FEMA liaisons are working with local officials out of the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico Emergency Operations Centers.
Also in the Atlantic
Tropical Storm Fiona is located about 590 miles east of the Leeward Islands moving toward the west-northwest near 24 mph but is expected to slow down and move northwest during the next 48 hours. The storm has maximum sustained winds around 40 mph and is expected to pass near or northeast of the northern Leeward Islands early Wednesday.
Another broad area of low pressure, associated with a tropical wave, is about 400 miles southwest of the Cape Verde Islands. Development, if any, is expected to be slow to occur as this system moves westward at 15 mph. There is a low chance, near 10 percent, of this system becoming a tropical cyclone during the next 48 hours.
Eastern Pacific
A broad area of low pressure is located 400 miles south of Manzanillo, Mexico moving northwest about 10 mph. There is a medium chance, near 30 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
National Preparedness Level: 2
National Fire Activity as of Monday, August 30, 2010:
Initial attack activity: light (115 new fires), new large fires: 5, large fires contained: 5
Uncontained large fires: 26, U.S. States affected: ID, OR, WA, MT, CA, HI, MO & 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 now 90 percent contained. There are no reported injuries or fatalities. 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 more than two thousand acres and is now 85 percent contained. There are no reported injuries or fatalities.
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.
(HQ FEMA)
Disaster Declaration Activity
No new activity (FEMA HQ)
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)