Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED)

Significant National Weather

Northeast
Winter Storm Watches and Advisories are in effect as rain, snow and sleet move into the Mid-Atlantic region Tuesday. Mostly light snow and sleet are expected in southern Pennsylvania and northern New Jersey; a mix of sleet and freezing rain in western Maryland, northern West Virginia and northwest Virginia.

Snow is forecast for New York State and New England late Tuesday into Wednesday, where the precipitation will change over to sleet and freezing rain.

South
Rain will soak much of the South from far eastern Texas to North Carolina. The heaviest downpours, perhaps 2 or 3 inches, will occur in areas from Mississippi to the Tennessee-Carolina border.

Scattered, severe thunderstorms and heavy rain, combined with a cold front, moves eastward from eastern Texas into Alabama.

With temperatures predicted in the 70s and 80s, highs will approach record territory across eastern South Carolina, central and southern Georgia, and much of Florida.

West
Winter Storm Warnings are in effect for portions of the Northwest. Heavy snow continues in the mountains of Idaho, the Wasatch and Grand Tetons, and the higher Cascades. Heavy rain and rising snow levels will cause melting of snow packs in western Washington and northwest Oregon today, contributing to Flood Watches for parts of Oregon, Washington, and Idaho through midweek.

Midwest
Winter Weather Advisories are posted for eastern Illinois, Indiana and Ohio, as a mix of light snow, sleet and freezing rain moves eastward. Some freezing rain and sleet will develop over parts of the Middle Mississippi Valley on Tuesday morning.

The Dakotas and Minnesota may experience light snow and flurries. (NOAA, NWS)

Flood Warning Updates for the Illinois River

The Illinois River at Meredosia crested at Major Flood Stage Monday evening, January 5 and will fall below Major Flood Stage Saturday morning. Some local roads may experience minor flooding.

The remaining gauges along the Illinois River from LaSalle, Illinois to Valley City, Illinois are reporting moderate to minor flooding. Although Flood Warnings continue, most levels are decreasing and should fall below moderate flood stage by Tuesday, January 13. The Flood Warnings are a result of the recent heavy rain event and snow melt from the end of last year. (NWS)

Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG)

No significant activity to report.(FEMA HQ)

Tropical Weather Outlook

Western Pacific:
No activity is forecast that affects United States territories. (NOAA, 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)

Disaster Declaration Activity

On January 5, 2009, the President signed Major Disaster Declaration FEMA-1813-DR for the State of Massachusetts for Severe Winter Storm and Flooding that occurred December 11, 2008 and continuing. The declaration designates Public Assistance for Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire, and Worcester Counties, including direct Federal assistance and Hazard Mitigation statewide. The FCO is Mark H. Landry of the National FCO Program. Additional designations may be made at a later date after further evaluation.

On January 5, 2009, the President signed Major Disaster Declaration FEMA-1814-DR for the State of Hawaii for Severe Storms and Flooding that occurred December 10-16, 2008. The declaration designates Individual Assistance and Public Assistance for the City and County of Honolulu, Public Assistance for Kauai County, and Hazard Mitigation statewide. The FCO is Kenneth R. Tingman of the National FCO Program. Additional designations may be made at a later date after further evaluation. (FEMA HQ)

Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED)

Significant National Weather

West
Heavy snow will increase the deep snow pack across the mountains of the Northwest, from the Olympics and Cascades eastward to the Bitterroots, Tetons and Wasatch. Snow levels will decrease, reaching 3,000 to 4,000 feet in the Cascades by late in the day. High Wind Warnings and Watches are in effect for a numerous areas east of the Continental Divide in Wyoming. A High Wind Warning has been issued for locations in and around Livingston, Montana. Light rain, especially in southwest Oregon and northwest California, will begin to diminish during the day. Precipitation will push southward, reaching central California by afternoon before diminishing.

South
Moderate rain with isolated thunderstorms are forecast for areas from northeastern Texas into northern Mississippi, and then spread east-northeastward into the southern Appalachians Monday night and Tuesday. Elsewhere, with the exception of Florida and the Texas Panhandle, isolated light showers are expected.

In north-central Texas, the surface air may be cold enough for some icing (freezing rain or drizzle) to occur. High temperatures are expected to range from the upper 30s in parts of Arkansas and north-central Texas to the low 80s on the Florida Peninsula. A few locations in southern Georgia and northern Florida will be close to record highs.

Northeast
Light snow showers, accompanied by gusty west to northwest winds, are forecast in northern New York State and northern New England. Light rain is expected in southern West Virginia and Virginia during the day. The Mid-Atlantic will experience colder air and precipitation on Tuesday; heavy rain will fall across southern Virginia, some of it freezing around Roanoke and Charlottesville. The central and northern parts of Virginia northward into southern Pennsylvania will experience sleet and freezing rain. Snow will develop northward into southern New York late Tuesday.

Midwest
Dry conditions and mostly seasonable temperatures are expected in the Great Plains and Midwest, with a slight chance of light snow in northwest North Dakota and extreme northern Michigan.(NOAA, NWS)

Flood Warning Updates for the Illinois River

The Illinois River at Meredosia, Illinois is cresting at Major Flood Stage this morning, but will fall below Major Flood Stage late tonight. The remaining gauges are reporting moderate to minor flooding for all other locations affecting the Illinois River. Although Flood Warnings continue, most levels are decreasing and should fall below moderate flood stage by Wednesday, January 7.

Some local roads may experience minor flooding. The Flood Warnings are a result of the recent heavy rain event and snow melt from last weekend. (NWS)

Earthquakes Updates – Yellowstone National Park and Indonesia

Seismic activity in Yellowstone National Park has ceased as of Friday, January 2. Over 300 earthquakes were reported by USGS since December 27, 2008.

Recent earthquake activities near the coast of West Papua, Indonesia this weekend measured from 4.7 to 7.6 magnitude. Eight deaths (none involving U.S. citizens) and dozens of injuries were attributed to the quakes; numerous buildings were reported damaged or destroyed. A weak tsunami wave produced swells on the coast of southern Japan. No major destructive wave activity was reported. Earthquake activity in Papua, Indonesia appears to have subsided.(USGS, Earthquake Hazards Program, Alaska Earthquake Information Centr; US Dept of State; media sources)

Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG)

No significant activity to report. (FEMA HQ)

Tropical Weather Outlook

Western Pacific:
No activity is forecast that affects United States territories. (NOAA, HPC, National Hurricane Center, Central Pacific Hurricane Center and the Joint Typhoon Warning Center)

Earthquake Activity

On Sunday, January 4, 2009 at 3:34 p.m. EST, a 4.9 magnitude earthquake was reported in the Northern Mariana Island region, 365 miles north-northeast of Saipan. Depth was 6.2 miles. There were no reports of damage.(USGS, Earthquake Hazards Program, Alaska Earthquake Information Center)

Preliminary Damage Assessments

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Disaster Declaration Activity

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED)

Significant National Weather

South
Some rain with isolated thunderstorms is possible from Alabama and Georgia into the Carolinas. A second area of showers and thunderstorms is expected in the afternoon and evening along a cold front from southern Arkansas, northern Louisiana and southeast Texas eastward into central and southern Alabama. After a Saturday record high in the mid 80s, highs will decrease to the 40s in Dallas-Ft. Worth and the 30s in Oklahoma City.  A significant heavy rain event is anticipated late Monday from the Tennessee Valley to the Southern Plains and Lower Mississippi Valley. This could provide significant drought relief to the southern Appalachians, but also could pose a risk of flash flooding.

Midwest
A cold frontal system brings snow to areas in Wisconsin and Michigan's Upper Peninsula; some areas in the U.P. may see snow accumulations of up to 6 inches. Light freezing rain is forecast from southern and central Wisconsin into parts of Lower Michigan. Highs Sunday will peak at zero in parts of North Dakota and northwest Minnesota; wind chills from -20 to -40 can be expected.

Northeast
Light rain may develop over West Virginia eastward into DC in the morning, and from Pittsburgh to Charleston, W.V. Sunday night. Freezing drizzle or light freezing rain is expected for parts of the Hudson, NY, Connecticut, and Champlain Valleys. 

West
Light snow and low elevation rain will continue into at least early Monday in the Four Corners region of southern Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona. Low elevation rain, mountain snow, and strong winds are forecast for Washington and northwest Oregon by late afternoon or early evening. Rainfall totals of 1 to 3 inches are expected in western Washington and western Oregon, with local amounts of over 4 inches possible in the western slopes of the Coastal Ranges. More flash flooding is possible. Snowfall in the 4 to 8 inch range is possible in Spokane, Washington, bringing their season total to 6 feet. (NOAA, NWS and Media Sources)

Flood Warnings for the Illinois River

Flood Warnings continue for the Illinois River; several gauges are reporting moderate flooding although levels are decreasing and should fall below moderate flood stage by Wednesday, January 7. The Flood Warnings are a result of recent heavy rains and snow melt from last weekend; no major flooding is forecast and no gauges are reflecting potential flooding in populated areas. (NWS)

Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG)

No significant activity to report. (FEMA HQ)

Tropical Weather Outlook

Western Pacific:
No activity is forecast that affects United States territories. (NOAA, HPC, National Hurricane Center, Central Pacific Hurricane Center and the Joint Typhoon Warning Center)

Earthquake Activity

Yellowstone National Park
A total of 258 small earthquakes have occurred in and around Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho) since Sunday, December 28, ranging in magnitude from 0.1 to 3.9.

Groups of seismic events that are similar in size, referred to as "swarms", are very common at Yellowstone National Park. The seismic activity that began December 27, 2008 is the largest swarm of earthquakes in the area since 1985; however, Global Positioning System indicators that would provide reports of a change in ground deformation measurements before any kind of eruption have indicated no changes over the last week. Seismic activity appears to be tapering off; there was only one 2.6 magnitude earthquake reported on January 3 with no reports of damage or injury. (USGS, Earthquake Hazards Program, Alaska Earthquake Information Center, media sources)

Earthquakes Near the North Coast of West Papua, Indonesia
Since Saturday, January 3, a total of 16 strong to moderate earthquakes measuring in magnitude from 4.7 to 7.6 have been reported near the north coast of West Papua, Indonesia, both inland and off the coast. There have been no confirmed reports of deaths or injuries; however, there are unconfirmed media reports of at least one fatality, a small number of injuries, and the destruction of two hotels, two banks and a warehouse near Manokwari, Indonesia, 95 miles south southeast of the epicenter following the 7.6 magnitude earthquake. The quakes were felt in Papua New Guinea and the northern Australian city of Darwin, but there were no reports of major damage or injuries.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center reports sea level readings associated with the 7.6 magnitude earthquake indicate that a tsunami was generated, causing tsunami wave activity measuring .1 to .5 feet above normal sea level from Micronesia to Saipan and southern Japan.  No damaging waves were reported.

The recent activity is about 290 miles west of the magnitude 8.2 Irian Jaya earthquake that occurred February 17, 1996. That earthquake produced a tsunami that was destructive on the island of Biak. At least 110 people were killed, 100 injured, 51 reported missing, and over 10,000 were left homeless. (USGS, Earthquake Hazards Program, Alaska Earthquake Information Center, Pacific Tsunami Warning Center, media)

Preliminary Damage Assessments

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Disaster Declaration Activity

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED)

Significant National Weather

West
Some mountain snow and colder temperatures will move across the northern mountains of Arizona and New Mexico, and affect much of Utah, Colorado and Wyoming this weekend. The Pacific Northwest is forecast for a brief respite from wet and windy storms today. A new storm is expected later on Sunday, bringing strong winds, rain, and mountain snow to western Washington and western Oregon.

Midwest
Snow will move quickly eastward, from the northern Plains to the northern Mississippi Valley and western Great Lakes as an area of low pressure moves from the central Plains to the Corn Belt. Snowfall in Minnesota and northwest Wisconsin could be in the four to twelve inch range by late evening, with higher amounts closer to Lake Superior due to some lake enhancement. Patches of sleet and freezing rain are possible from eastern Nebraska to southwest Wisconsin. Showers will develop northward into the mid-Mississippi and lower Ohio Valleys during the afternoon. On Sunday, a cold front will continue eastward into the Great Lakes and Ohio Valley with snow in the Upper Midwest, a wintry mix in southeast Wisconsin and Lower Michigan, freezing rain changing to rain in the southern Great Lakes and rain in the Ohio Valley.

South
Severe thunderstorms, accompanied by damaging wind gusts and isolated tornadoes, are forecast from eastern Texas to southwest Alabama. On Sunday, showers will shift eastward from the lower Mississippi Valley to the Southeast.

Northeast
Much of the Northeast will be dry, but winds with gusts exceeding 30 mph are expected across New England. By Sunday light sleet and light freezing rain is forecast across central and northern Pennsylvania and southern Upstate New York, with light rain from the New York City area to coastal Virginia. (NOAA, NWS and Media Sources)

Pacific Storm Impacts Northwest Oregon and Washington

On Thursday through early Friday, January 1 and 2, a very strong Pacific storm brought rainfall of two to five inches, locally over seven inches, across northwestern Oregon. Flooding occurred on at least four rivers, including the highly urban Johnson Creek through eastern Portland. Very strong winds also occurred with this system, with gusts as high as 82 mph reported along the coast, and 60 to 65 mph in the Cascades. Mudslides and plugged storm drains caused road closures throughout the area, and voluntary evacuations in several Oregon communities. Estacada, Oregon's wastewater treatment will be out of commission for two weeks because the flood submerged the plant's 11 pumps.

Up to two feet of snow fell in the Cascade Range of Oregon and Washington, with up to six inches of snow in the lower elevations around Puget Sound in Washington, causing collapsing roofs and temporary closure of three major mountain passes.

Oregon State EOC remains at Level 1: Standby Activation; the EOC is coordinating county-wide shelter requests with the American Red Cross (ARC) to staff shelters. The Washington State EMD remains at Phase 2: Enhanced Operations for Severe Winter Storms.(NOAA, NWS, Region X, and media sources)

Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG)

No significant activity to report. (FEMA HQ)

Tropical Weather Outlook

Western Pacific:
No activity is forecast that affects United States territories.  (NOAA, HPC, National Hurricane Center, Central Pacific Hurricane Center and the Joint Typhoon Warning Center)

Earthquake Activity

The swarm of small earthquakes continues in and around Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho).  269 earthquakes have occurred since Dec 27, 2008 ranging in magnitude from 1.0 to 3.9. This area typically experiences 5 earthquakes a day; however, the average increased to as many as 50 per day during this period. There were 18 earthquakes recorded yesterday, January 2.  (USGS, Earthquake Hazards Program, Alaska Earthquake Information Center)

Preliminary Damage Assessments

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Disaster Declaration Activity

New Hampshire: On January 2, the President signed major disaster declaration FEMA-1812-DR for the State of New Hampshire for severe winter storms that occurred December 11, 2008 and continuing. The declaration designates Public Assistance for Belknap, Carroll, Cheshire, Coos, Grafton, Hillsborough, Merrimack, Rockingham, Strafford, and Sullivan counties, including Direct Federal Assistance and Hazard Mitigation statewide. The FCO is James N. Russo of the National FCO Program. 

New York: On January 2, the Governor of New York requested a major disaster declaration as a result of an ice storm beginning on December 11, 2008, and continuing.  The Governor requested Public Assistance Categories A, B, C, F, and G for 16 counties, and Hazard Mitigation statewide. Direct Federal assistance was also requested.

Maine: On January 2, the Governor of Maine requested a major disaster declaration as a result of a severe winter storm; significant icing, high winds, blowing and drifting snow, and coastal flooding that occurred December 11-29, 2008. The Governor requested Public Assistance, including direct Federal assistance, for the counties of Androscoggin, Cumberland, Knox, Lincoln, Sagadahoc, Waldo, and York; and Hazard Mitigation statewide.  (FEMA HQ)

Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED)

Significant National Weather

West:
A low pressure system over the northern Rockies will produce rain, snow and gusty winds in the northern half of the region.  The Cascades, Sierras and northern Rockies are forecast to receive up to a foot of snow.  The snow levels will range from 500 feet in the Washington Cascades to 7000 feet in the Sierras.  The winds in southwest Montana and Wyoming will be 35 to 50 mph with higher gusts of 75 mph.  The next storm will hit the Pacific Northwest on Sunday bringing rain, snow and gusty winds to elevations above 1000 feet.
Midwest:
Most of the region will be dry under high pressure.  Tonight, the system moving out of the Northern Rockies will bring snow to the northern Plains and upper Midwest.  Tomorrow the snow will spread from the Dakotas to the western Great Lakes, while rain and a few thunderstorms move northward into the mid-Mississippi and lower Ohio Valley.
South:
A weak cold front will produce scattered rain showers across the region.  There is a possibility of light icing across parts of North Carolina and sleet in the southern Appalachians as temperatures near freezing.
Northeast:
A weak low pressure system will produce a dusting of snow across much of the Northeast and middle Atlantic regions.  In northern New England, up to 4 inches of snow will fall in the higher elevations. Downwind, east of Lake Erie and Ontario, 6 to 12 inches of lake-effect snow is forecast.  Tomorrow, snow showers are forecast from Upstate New York to Maine with gusty northwest winds for New England. (NOAA, NWS and Media Sources)

Midwest Flooding Update

Thunderstorms and heavy rain, combined with ice melt, led to the flooding of streams and rivers over a large portion of the Midwest last weekend.  Flooding continues or is forecast for numerous rivers in Illinois, Michigan and northwest Indiana.

Michigan: Consumers Energy and Detroit Edison reported there are less than 16,000 customers without power. There is one shelter open with a population of 14.  No requests for Federal assistance are anticipated. (NOAA, NWS, Region V, DOE)

Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG)

No activity. (FEMA HQ)

Tropical Weather Outlook

Western Pacific:
The Joint Typhoon Warning Center is monitoring an area of convection 395 miles east-southeast of Manila, Philippines; however, the potential for a significant Tropical Cyclone developing within the next 24 hours is poor. (NOAA, HPC, National Hurricane Center, Central Pacific Hurricane Center and the Joint Typhoon Warning Center)

Earthquake Activity

The swarm of small earthquakes continues in and around Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho). A total of 257 earthquakes have occurred since December 27, 2008 ranging in magnitude from 0.2 to 3.9.  This area typically has 5 earthquakes a day; however, the average has increased to 50 per day during this period.  There were only 12 earthquakes recorded on Jan 1.  (USGS, Earthquake Hazards Program, Alaska Earthquake Information Center)

Preliminary Damage Assessments

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Disaster Declaration Activity

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED)

Significant National Weather

West:
Another powerful storm will hit the Pacific Northwest today producing high winds, heavy rain and mountain snow.  The strongest winds are forecast in Oregon with 35 to 45 mph by this afternoon and gusts to 70 mph are possible tonight.  In southern Idaho, sustained winds of 35 to 45 mph with gusts to 60 mph are forecast from this afternoon to tomorrow afternoon. The heaviest rain, more than three inches, is expected in southwest Washington and northwest Oregon, rivers will be on the rise and localized flooding is possible.  Heavy snow will fall in the mountains of northeast Washington, Idaho, western Montana and western Wyoming.  Additional accumulations of one to two feet are forecast for the Olympics and Cascades where snow levels will vary from 2000 feet in the northern Washington Cascades this morning to 6000 feet in the northern Oregon Cascades tonight.  Under a high pressure ridge, expect sunshine from Southern California to New Mexico tomorrow.
Midwest:
A low pressure system moving along the border towards the Great Lakes will produce light snow and snow showers across the Upper Midwest.  Accumulations will be minimal, only an inch or two in northern Minnesota, northern Wisconsin and lower Michigan.
South:
Under a large high pressure area, the region will be dry except an isolated shower across the southern half of the Florida Peninsula and in the Texas coastal plain.
Northeast:
With the low pressure system off the Canadian Maritime's, the region will be dry except for a few snow flurries or isolated light snow showers in northern New England and Cape Cod.  The tight pressure gradient and northerly wind flow will result in cold and windy conditions for New England. (NOAA, NWS and Media Sources)

Midwest Flooding Update

Last weekend's thunderstorms and heavy rain, combined with ice melt, led to stream and river flooding over a large portion of the Midwest.  Flooding continues or is forecast for numerous rivers in Illinois, Michigan and northwest Indiana.

Michigan: Consumers Energy and Detroit Edison reported there are less than 30,000 customers without power. There is one shelter open with a population of 14.  No requests for Federal assistance are anticipated. (NOAA, NWS, Region V, DOE)

Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG)

No activity.(FEMA HQ)

Tropical Weather Outlook

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

Earthquake Activity

The swarm of small earthquakes continues in and around Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho). (USGS, Earthquake Hazards Program, Alaska Earthquake Information Center)

Preliminary Damage Assessments

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Disaster Declaration Activity

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED)

Significant National Weather

West:
A low pressure system moving ashore from the Pacific will produce precipitation in Washington, Oregon, northwest California and spread eastward into Idaho, Montana and Wyoming later today.  The Cascades and Olympics are forecast to receive one to two feet of snow by the end of the day.  The tight pressure gradient around the low pressure system will produce high winds in the coastal areas of Washington and northern Oregon.  The rest of the region will be mostly sunny and relatively mild.
Midwest:
Under a large high pressure system most of the region will remain cold and dry.  The cold air passing over the Great Lakes will produce a few inches of lake-effect snow east of Lake Michigan and southeast of Lake Erie.  Portions of Michigan and northeast Montana is forecast to received sub-zero temperatures.
South:
Under a dry cold front and building high pressure the region will remain dry but temperatures will be noticeably cooler.  The temperatures will range from below freezing in Tennessee and North Carolina to the 70s in southern Florida.
Northeast:
A low pressure system moving out of the Mid-Atlantic will produce snow over Pennsylvania, New York state and New England.  Some areas may see four to six inches of snow, with locally higher amounts.  New York City and Long Island will see rain changing to snow but amounts should stay in the one to two inch range.  With the wind chill factored in, temperatures will be below zero in Boston and in the single digits in New York City for the New Year's Eve celebrations.  The storm is forecast to deepen when it moves off the coast of New Jersey and over the relatively warm waters of the Gulf Stream. The tightening pressure gradient will produce strong northwesterly winds, decreasing temperatures and blowing and drifting snow on the backside of the storm.  (NOAA, NWS and Media Sources)

Region V: Winter Weather Update

Over the past weekend, thunderstorms and heavy rain, combined with ice melt, led to stream and river flooding over a large portion of the Midwest, although Flood Warnings continue for numerous rivers in Illinois and Michigan, there is no major flooding forecast for the Region.  Of the affected states, only Michigan has continuing power outages; DOE reports 54,000 customers remain without service.  Full power restoration is anticipated later today.  All major highways and Interstates are operational.  There has been no request for Federal assistance at this time. (Region V, DOE, DOT)

Region VIII: YELLOWSTONE VOLCANO

Current Situation
Region VIII: YELLOWSTONE VOLCANO
Volcano Alert Level: NORMAL
Aviation Color Code: GREEN

The University of Utah Seismograph Stations reports that a notable swarm of earthquakes has been underway since December 26 beneath Yellowstone Lake in Yellowstone National Park, three to six miles south-southeast of Fishing Bridge, Wyoming. This energetic sequence of events was most intense on December 27, when the largest number of events of magnitude 3 and larger occurred.

The largest of the earthquakes was a magnitude 3.9 at 10:15 pm MST on Dec. 27. The sequence has included nine events of magnitude 3 to 3.9 and approximately 49 of magnitude 2 to 3 at the time of this release. A total of more than 250 events large enough to be located have occurred in this swarm. Reliable depths of the larger events are up to a few miles. Visitors and National Park Service (NPS) employees in the Yellowstone Lake area reported feeling the largest of these earthquakes.

Background
Earthquakes are a common occurrence in the Yellowstone National Park area, an active volcanic-tectonic area averaging 1,000 to 2,000 earthquakes a year. Yellowstone's 10,000 geysers and hot springs are the result of this geologic activity.

The Yellowstone Caldera is located in the northwest corner of Wyoming extending into portions of Montana and Idaho. The major features of the caldera measure about 34 mi by 45 mi as determined by geological field work conducted by Bob Christiansen of the United States Geological Survey in the 1960s and 1970s.

The Yellowstone Supervolcano is the volcanic field which produced the latest three supereruptions. The three supereruptions occurred 2.1 million, 1.3 million and 640,000 years ago; forming the Island Park Caldera, the Henry's Fork Caldera, and Yellowstone calderas, respectively. The Island Park Caldera supereruption that produced the Huckleberry Ridge Tuff was the largest and produced 2,500 times as much ash as the 1980 Mount St. Helens eruption. The second largest supereruption formed the Yellowstone Caldera and produced the Lava Creek Tuff. The Henry's Fork Caldera produced the smaller Mesa Falls Tuff but is the only caldera that is visible today.

Non-explosive eruptions of lava and less violent explosive eruptions have occurred in and near the Yellowstone caldera since the last supereruption. The most recent lava flow occurred about 70,000 years ago while the largest violent eruption excavated the West Thumb of Lake Yellowstone around 150,000 years ago. Smaller steam explosions occur as well; an explosion 13,800 years ago left a 5 kilometer diameter crater at Mary Bay on the edge of Yellowstone Lake (located in the center of the caldera). Currently, volcanic activity is exhibited only via numerous geothermal vents scattered throughout the region, including the famous Old Faithful Geyser.

FEMA Region VIII is monitoring the situation and has not received any request for federal assistance.  (University of Utah Seismograph Stations, Yellowstone Volcano Observatory,   National Park Services, U.S. Geological Service, FEMA Region VIII)

Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG)

No activity.(FEMA HQ)

Tropical Weather Outlook

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

Earthquake Activity

The largest earthquake in the last 24 hours was a magnitude 4.2 event approximately 300 miles west-northwest of Fairbanks Alaska on Tuesday December 30, 2008 at 8:54 am EST at a depth of 3.1 miles. There were no reports of any damage.

As discussed in the article above, the swarm of small earthquakes continues in and around Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho).  (USGS, Earthquake Hazards Program, Alaska Earthquake Information Center)

Preliminary Damage Assessments

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Disaster Declaration Activity

No new activity (FEMA HQ)