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National Situation Update: Tuesday, November 22, 2005

Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED).

Winter Storm Warning Remains

The National Weather Service continued the winter storm warning until 6:00 AM EST Wednesday for the Northern Adirondacks of New York. Specifically, southeastern St. Lawrence, southern Franklin, western Clinton, western Essex to include the cities of Star Lake, Saranac Lake, Tupper Lake, Dannemora, and Lake Placid.

The forecast is for sleet and snow this morning and continue through the afternoon. Total snow accumulations of 6 to 10 inches are expected. (NOAA)

National Forecast

Northeast:  Heavy rain will spread from the Middle Atlantic to New England this morning. Winds will also increase and gale warnings are in effect along the Atlantic Coast. Meanwhile, cold air pushing in behind the storm will produce snow or rain changing to snow from far northern New England southward through the Appalachians. Significant accumulations of snow are possible from the higher elevations of West Virginia, through the Adirondacks of New York, to Vermont.

Midwest: Cold air coming in behind the East Coast storm will change the landscape a bit around the Great Lakes as some lake-effect snow begins to fly. At risk for these snows are the U. P. of Michigan (mainly in the morning), western lower Michigan and parts of northern Indiana. A combination of lake-effect and mountain snows will coat areas of eastern Ohio and eastern Kentucky. This snow event will be rather modest but more significant lake-effect snow is in the forecast for later in the week. An "Alberta Clipper" will spread a general accumulation of snow across the Great Lakes by tomorrow night. Behind this system, it will become very cold, more like January across the area. Significant lake-effect snows are possible then.

South:  Much of the Southeast will see a blustery and chilly day. Sunshine will cover areas from western Tennessee and Mississippi on westward.

West:  Stagnant air, fog and low clouds will remain for yet another day across valleys and basins of the Pacific Northwest as a dome of high pressure hangs on across the region. Sunshine will prevail elsewhere. It will become slightly cooler around coastal areas of Southern California with more onshore winds. Look for some changes across the Northwest by Friday as a front moves in and clears out the fog and unhealthy air.  (NWS, Media Sources)

Winter Fire Safety Tips from The U.S. Fire Administration

Install a smoke alarm on every level of your home. Test the batteries every month and change them at least once a year.

Make sure space heaters have an emergency shutoff device in case they tip over. Only use the fuel recommended by the manufacturer.

Never refill a space heater while it is operating or still hot. Refuel outside, away from the house.

Make sure wood stoves are properly installed, away from combustible surfaces, have the proper floor support and adequate ventilation.

Never use flammable liquids, such as gasoline, to start or accelerate a fire.

Have furnaces and chimneys professionally inspected annually and cleaned if necessary. Chimney tar buildup is a common cause of chimney fires.

Use a glass or metal screen in front of fireplaces to prevent sparks from igniting nearby carpets or furniture.

Never thaw frozen pipes with a blowtorch or other open flame. Use hot water or a UL listed device such as a hand-held dryer.

Dispose of hot ashes in metal containers placed away from the house.

Don't use the oven to heat homes. Besides being a fire hazard, it can be a source of toxic fumes.

If there is a fire hydrant near your home, keep it clear of snow for easy access.  (USFA, Media Sources)

Ventura County Wildfire Nearly Contained

Low winds and cooler temperatures allowed firefighters to nearly encircle a brush fire near Ventura late Sunday.

The School Canyon blaze erupted early Friday and charred nearly 3,900 acres of canyons and hillsides, nearing homes at the edge of Ventura's historic downtown. No homes were lost, but two oil company sheds were destroyed north of the city, near where the blaze broke out about 3:30 a.m. Friday.

On Sunday, the fire smoldered in the rugged backcountry between Ventura and Ojai. By late yesterday evening the blaze was 95% contained.  Crews spent yesterday mopping up hot spots, officials said.

Santa Ana winds had been forecast for Sunday, and a red-flag warning remained in effect most of the day. But winds were less than 20 mph - compared with more than 30 mph Friday when the blaze raced out of control - allowing fire crews to maintain the upper hand.

Officials said the week ahead was expected to bring more good firefighting weather.

Starting today, the Ventura area is expected to experience a significant weather shift, with higher humidity levels, a returning marine layer and temperatures in the mid- to low-70s the rest of the week.  (California OES, Media Sources)

Wildfire Update

As of the latest national update on November 18, 2005, the National Preparedness Level was at 1 - the lowest state of readiness.  (California Office of Emergency Services, USFS, NIFC, NICC)

Tropical Activity

In the Atlantic, Caribbean, and Gulf of Mexico, tropical storm formation is not expected.

There is one storm active in the Pacific, but it does not threaten any United States territories or possessions.  (National Hurricane Center, Joint Typhoon Warning Center)

Earthquake Activity

There were a dozen minor earthquakes in Alaska, ranging in intensity from 2.5 to 3.8. occurring in scattered locations in the Aleutian and Fox Islands.  There were no reports of damage, and no Tsunamis were reported from any of these temblors.

A light earthquake, magnitude 4.0 occurred about 12 miles south-southeast of Bodie, California at 4:33 am EST.  No damage or injuries were reported.

Two minor earthquakes (3.1 and 3.7) struck western Montana at 12:50 and 12:52 pm EST, about 24 miles west-northwest of West Yellowstone.  (USGS, NOAA Pacific Tsunami Warning Center)

Preliminary Damage Assessments

No activity to report. (FEMA HQ)

Disaster Declaration Activity

Effective November 21, 2005, FEMA-1616-DR for Severe Winter Storm and Record and Near-Record Snow was declared, providing:

• Public Assistance to 19 Counties and one Indian Reservation, and
• Public Assistance (Category B) for 48 hours for 11 Counties
• Hazard Mitigation Grant Program assistance for All Counties and Tribal Reservations in the state of North Dakota.

Effective November 21, 2005 The notice of a major disaster declaration for the State of Indiana (FEMA-1612-DR) was amended to include:

• The counties of Vanderburgh and Warrick for Public Assistance (already designated for Individual Assistance.)
• All counties in the State of Indiana are eligible to apply for assistance under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. (FEMA HQ)