National Situation Update: Wednesday, September 3, 2008

Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED).

Tropical Depression Gustav

At 5:00 am EDT Tropical Depression Gustav was about 20 miles west-northwest of Texarkana Arkansas and 120 miles south of Fort Smith Arkansas.
Flood watches and warnings are in effect for a large portion of the lower Mississippi valley including; the southern half of Mississippi; much of Louisiana; a couple of counties in northeastern Texas; much of Arkansas; eastern Oklahoma and much of Missouri
The depression was drifting toward the north-northwest near 3 mph. this motion should shift to the north-northeast through Thursday morning.
Maximum sustained winds are 20 mph with higher gusts
Rainfall amounts of three to six inches with isolated maximum amounts of ten inches are expected over portions of Louisiana, Mississippi, Arkansas, Missouri and western Illinois through Saturday. (Hydrometorological Prediction Center)

Federal / State Preparations

FEMA NRCC:

  • NRCC is activated to Level I, 24/7 operations (Watch and all Emergency Support Functions).
  • National IMAT-East deploying to Houma, LA.
  • The Hurricane Liaison Team (HLT) is activated and deployed to the National Hurricane Center.
  • Joint Preliminary Damage Assessment (PDA) teams are conducting assessments in affected area. 
  • NORTHCOM and US TRANSCOM are coordinating planning for the ingress/return of evacuees based upon damage assessments and re-entry
  • Activated National Emergency Family Register and Locator System (NEFRLS). FEMA Region III:
  • Providing support to Hurricane Gustav response. Maryland:
  • Maryland is providing ambulances and medical team support to Louisiana through EMAC.
  • The Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) is at Level 2 activation.
  • An ESF #8 representative is staffed at the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC).
  • The Maryland State Police have responded to a 20 person law enforcement EMAC request, pending Louisiana approval. (SLB) Pennsylvania:
  • The commonwealth of PA is providing ambulances and medical teams to LA in support of EMAC. (SLB)

FEMA Region IV:

  • RRCC is activated at Level I, 24/7 with all ESFs.
  • Region IV ERT-A deployed to AL EOC in Clanton, Alabama.
  • The Joint Field Office (JFO) is operational in Orlando, FL.
  • Region IV IMAT deployed to Gulfport, Mississippi.(SLB)
  • Naval Air Station Meridian and Maxwell Air Force Base are fully activated.
  • Florida, Alabama and Texas staff coordinating EMAC activities in Region IV.
  • ESF 12 power response teams in Alabama and Mississippi. (SLB)
  • Region IV has no unmet needs.

Mississippi:

  • The Mississippi State EOC is activated at Level I (full activation).
  • Federal Medical Stations (FMS) operational at Jackson State University in Jackson, MS.
  • Mississippi ARF for 300 pet carriers fulfilled.  One State-run pet shelter has been opened in Jackson, Mississippi Coliseum. (SLB)
  • ARC and partner shelters: 67 with 8,665 occupants.(ARC) Alabama:
  • The Alabama EOC is activated at Level II (partial activation).
  • ARC and partner shelters: 49 shelters with 9,602 occupants.(ARC) Florida:
  • EOC is now at Level II (partial activation).
  • Monitoring Tropical Storm Hanna.
  • ARC and partner shelters: 10 shelters with 414 occupants.(ARC)
  • ARC and partner shelters: 1 shelters with 579 occupants from TS Fay.(ARC) Georgia:
  • EOC is now activated at Level II (partial activation).
  • ARC and partner shelters: 7 shelters with 798 occupants.(ARC) Kentucky:
  • EOC is activated at Level I (monitoring).
  • Kentucky is providing ambulances and medical teams to Louisiana. (SLB)
  • ARC and partner shelters: 1 shelter with 1,484 occupants.(ARC) Tennessee:
  • Tennessee EOC is activated at Level II (partial activation).
  • ARC and partner shelters: 33 shelters with 5,396 occupants.(ARC) Missouri:
  • The State of Missouri has one shelter open but is not sheltering any evacuees. Texas:
  • The Texas State EOC is activated at Level I.
  • ARC and partner shelters: 85 with 10,578 occupants. (ARC) Oklahoma:
  • ARC and partner shelters: 2 shelters with 1,458 occupants.(ARC) Louisiana:
  • ARC and partner shelters: 73 shelters with 18, 462 occupants.(ARC) Arkansas:
  • ARC and partner shelters: 15 shelters with 1,022 occupants.(ARC)

FEMA Region VI:

  • RRCC is operating at Level I, providing 24/7 coverage and has activated all ESFs.
  • National IMAT EAST is deployed to Lake Charles and Morgan City, Louisiana (SLB)
  • Region VI IMAT is operational in Tyler, TX.(SLB)
  • ESF-9, Urban Search and Rescue, has 1 incident support team and 9 Search and Rescue Task Forces activated in the Region. 
  • All Region VI ESFs and Federal agency partners are engaged in preparedness actions to support response operations.
  • IA-PDA teams were deployed last night to begin damage assessment in Louisiana, Tuesday, September 2, 2008.
  • PA-PDA teams are scheduled to deploy Wednesday, September 3, 2008 to Louisiana.
  • The majority of MERS deployed personnel will remain at Barksdale AFB, LA awaiting assignment.
  • Denton IRV is on standby to move forward to Lake Charles to video damage.

Louisiana:

  • GOHSEP activated the EOC at Level I.
  • 75 shelters with 17,646 evacuees.
  • Select Parishes are beginning evacuee re-entry operations
  • The Emergency Management Assistant Compact (EMAC) continues to provide assistance to Louisiana, where 31 states are supporting 106 requests.
  • Priority issues for the State include monitoring levees, Search and Rescue, debris removal, power restoration, and  planning for and facilitating re-entry of evacuees. (SLB)
  • The Louisiana Department of Health requested from EPA Region 6 technical assistance with drinking water infrastructure and post-storm technical assistance. (Reg V)

Allen Parish:

  • Damage assessment ongoing. Damage appears to be minor at this time.
  • Isolated power outages.
  • Evacuation order and curfew remain in place but will be revisited after damage assessment is completed. (Reg V) Beauregard Parish:
  • Damage assessment completed. Damage appears to be limited to minor tree damage.
  • All roads open.
  • Evacuation order has been lifted, curfew remain in place.(Reg V)
  • Shelters closing. Calcasieu Parish:
  • Damage assessment complete. Parish reporting damage appears to be minor.
  • All roads open.
  • Spotty power outages at this time.
  • Evacuation order has been lifted, curfew remain in place.(Reg V) Cameron Parish:
  • Damage assessment completed. Damage appears to be limited to minor tree damage.
  • Evacuation order will be lifted at noon, curfew remain in place.
  • Power restored. (Reg V) Jefferson Davis Parish:
  • Water pumping station generator has failed and there is no water supply to support critical infrastructure services.
  • Damage assessment ongoing. Damage appears to be limited to fewer than 20 homes and scattered trees.
  • Evacuation order has been lifted, curfew remain in place.
  • All roads cleared.
  • Approximately 20% of parish without power. (Reg V)

Texas:

  • Texas State Operations Center (SOC) is at Level I.
  • IOF operational in Austin, TX.
  • 100 shelters open with 8,806 evacuees. Arkansas:
  • DEM Level IV (Full activation) expecting evacuees.
  • 15 shelters open and is sheltering 1,022 evacuees. (SLB) Oklahoma:
  • DEM Level III (Normal Operations) expecting evacuees.
  • 2 shelters open and is sheltering 1,458 evacuees. (SLB) New Mexico:
  • DHSEM Level III ( Monitoring).

Significant National Weather

West:
The region will be generally dry with scattered showers and thunderstorms in Montana, eastern Arizona, New Mexico and parts of Colorado.  Gusty north to northwest winds are forecast for the coasts of southern Oregon and northern California.  High temperatures will range from the 50s in the northern Rockies to over 100 in the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts.
Midwest:
A cold front extending southward from the Great Lakes to New Mexico will produce precipitation over the entire Mississippi Valley.  The remains of former Hurricane Gustav will produce heavy rain in southern Missouri and eastern Kansas.  High temperatures range from the low 60s in northeast Minnesota to the low 90s in the Ohio Valley and Kentucky.
South:
Tropical Depression Gustav in southwestern Arkansas will result in heavy precipitation across much of the region as discussed above. Included in this precipitation is the threat of isolated tornadoes.
Elsewhere, a few showers are forecast for Florida and southwest Texas.  High temperatures will range from the upper 60s in northwest Oklahoma to the upper 90s in the Rio Grande Valley. 
Northeast:
A low off the New England coast will produce isolated showers and thunderstorms from New York to Maine.  Under high pressure the remainder of the region will be mostly sunny and warm.  High temperatures will range from the mid to upper 70s in eastern New England to the low to mid-90s in Virginia. (NOAA, National Weather Service, Various Media Sources)

Tropical Storm Hanna

At 5: am  EDT the center of Tropical Storm Hanna was about 90 miles southeast of Great Inagua Island, about 115 miles southwest of Grand Turk Island or 650 miles southeast of Miami, Florida.
Hanna is drifting toward the north at 2 mph. A gradual turn toward the northwest is expected to begin later today with an increase in forward speed forecast to occur on Thursday.
Maximum sustained winds are near 60 mph with higher gusts.   Some strengthening is forecast during the next two days and Hanna could regain hurricane strength by late Thursday.
Light to moderate rainfall is possible along the eastern Florida coast on Friday
Tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 230 miles from the center.
Swells from Hanna are expected to increase the risk of dangerous rip currents along portions of the southeastern United States coast during the next couple of days. (NOAA, HPC,  National Hurricane Center)

Federal / State Preparations

FEMA NRCC:

  • NRCC activated at Level I (including all ESFs) providing 24/7 coverage until further notice. 

FEMA Regions I and II:

  • Combining the staff from Regions I, II, and III into one dedicated Level I - capable "East Coast Regional RRCC" to coordinate Hanna operations along the East Coast and including the Caribbean.
  • Supporting the establishment of three full-time ERT-A dedicated to East Coast and Caribbean response, combining the staff from Regions I, II, and III.

FEMA Region III:

  • Regional Response Coordination Center (RRCC) is operating at Level II from 7:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. daily and has activated ESF-1 (Transportation), ESF-3 (Public Works and Engineering), ESF-7 (Resource Support), ESF-8 (Public Health and Medical Services) and ESF-12 (Energy) along with their Defense Coordinating Element (DCE).
  • An assessment of  the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC) resources for Region III has been completed.  A review of EMAC resources for Regions I through IV is ongoing.
  • Coordinated with HQ Logistics Management Center and Region IV Logistics Chief to determine potential support requirements in response to Hurricane Hanna.
  • The ERT-A deployed to Region IV reviewed GA, NC, and SC Gap data to determine their shortfalls.
  • East Coast RRCC has been in close communications with regional State EOCs.  All Region III States are contributing resources and planning for the Gustav effort.
  • External Affairs is developing public messaging in coordination with Regions I, II, III, and IV, as well as all East Coast states, in advance of Hurricane Hanna's impact.
  • Coordinating with Region III State EOCs daily to discuss potential logistics requirements, including commodities and Federal support contracts.
  • There are no unmet needs or concerns (SLB)
  • A draft East Coast CONOPS that includes an associated Resource Tracker, has been developed. This will serve as a readiness tool for all East Coast states threatened by Hurricane Hanna and future storms.

FEMA Region IV:

  • RRCC is activated at Level I, providing 7:00 a.m. to midnight coverage, and has activated all ESF's.
  • Meridian and Maxwell Air Stations are fully activated.
  • Region IV IMAT deployed to Jackson, Mississippi.
  • ERT-A deployed to Alabama Emergency Operations Center (EOC) in Clanton, AL.
  • JFO is operational in Orlando, Florida.
  • Florida, Alabama and Texas mobilized staff to coordinate EMAC activities in Region IV.
  • Region IV requested an American Red Cross (ARC) Liaison; otherwise, no unmet needs. (SLB)

State and Local Response: Florida

  • Monitoring Hurricane Hanna.
  • EOC is at Level II 12/7 operations.
  • The State has no unmet needs or requests for Federal support.

Georgia

  • EOC is now activated at Level II (partial activation).
  • The State EOC will activate to Level II at 7 AM EDT, September 2, 2008.
  • The state operations center (SOC) will begin 24 hr operations starting at 0700 EST. (GEMA)
  • All logistical needs have been met by the Region IV logistics staff. South Carolina:
  • The State EOC is currently operating at OPCON Level IV (monitoring).

North Carolina:

  • EOC is activating at 7:00 a.m. EDT, September 3, 2008.
  • State will most likely request a SLO September 2, 2008. State EMA will be issuing a Hurricane Hanna Plan at 5:00 p.m. EDT.

Air Tanker Crash

Yesterday afternoon September 1 a P2V large Air Tanker crashed on takeoff from Stead Nevada just northwest of Reno, fatally injuring the three occupants.  Apparently the aircraft suffered a fire in one of its jet assist takeoff engines and hit some power lines resulting in the fatal crash.

Crane Barge Adrift

  • MARAD reported on September 02, 2008 at 9:45 AM EDT, in Louisiana, a crane barge adrift at MM 57 in from the USCG desk.  USCG is investigating and taking appropriate action.  The location of this hazard is approximately 15-20 miles directly south of NOLA.
  • MARAD reported on September 02, 2008 at 9:45 AM EDT
  • Mariners were advised of a sunken deck barge with a partially exposed crane drifting down the Lower Mississippi River in vicinity of mile marker 57.
  • This situation poses a significant hazard to navigation

Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG)

Nothing significant to report. (FEMA HQ)

Tropical Weather Outlook

Atlantic/Caribbean:
Tropical Depression Gustav and Tropical Storm Hanna discussed above.
Tropical Storm Ike
At 5: am  EDT the center of Tropical Storm Ike was located 835 miles east-northeast of the Leeward Islands or 1,200 miles east of Puerto Rico.  Ike is moving toward the west-northwest near 18 mph and a gradual turn toward the west is expected over the next 48 hours.  Maximum sustained winds are near 65 mph with higher gusts.  Ike is forecast to become a hurricane later today and continue to strengthen during the next couple of days.  Tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 140 miles from the center.
Tropical Storm Josephine
At 5: am  EDT the center of Tropical Storm Josephine was located about 220 miles west-southwest of the southernmost Cape Verde Islands.  Josephine is moving toward the west near 13 mph and this general motion is expected to continue for the next couple of days.  Maximum sustained winds are near 60 mph with higher gusts.  Some strengthening is forecast during the next 24 hours.  Tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 90 miles from the center.


Eastern Pacific:
Tropical Depression Karina
At 5: am  EDT the center of Tropical Depression Karina was located about 315 miles southwest of the southern tip of Baja California. The depression is moving toward the west-northwest near 7 mph and a slow westward motion is forecast for the next day or so. Maximum sustained winds are near 35 mph with higher gusts.  A slow weakening of Karina is forecast and the cyclone could become a remnant low in 36 hours or less.

Western Pacific:
No tropical cyclone activity. (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)

Wildfire Update

National Fire Activity as of Monday, September 2008:
National Wildfire Preparedness Level: 3
Initial attack activity: Light
New large fires: 1
Uncontained large fires: 11
Large fires contained: 2
States with Large fires: CA, ID, NV, OR, UT, and WY.
Fire Weather Discussion: Northern California is predicted to have weakened gusty winds along with warm and dry conditions. Warming and drying is predicted for the rest of the West. (NIFC)

Disaster Declaration Activity

  • On September 02, 2008, the President signed a Disaster Declaration, FEMA-1786-DR, for Hurricane Gustav in Louisiana September 1, 2008 and continuing. 34 counties are eligible for Individual Assistance and Public Assistance (for emergency work and the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities). The FCO will be Michael J. Hall. (FEMA HQ)
  • On September 02, 2008, Amendment #1 to FEMA-3291-EM-MS dated August 30 to include 3 counties for Public Assistance (debris removal).
  • On September 02, 2008, Amendment #1 to FEMA-3289-EM-LA dated August 29 to include 34 parishes for Public Assistance (debris removal).
  • On September 02, 2008, Amendment # 8 to FEMA-1771-DR-IL dated June 24 to include 1 county for Public Assistance.

Last Modified: Wednesday, 03-Sep-2008 08:42:52 EDT