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National Situation Update: Monday, February 4, 2008

Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED).

Significant National Weather

Midwest
Wintry precipitation, freezing rain, sleet and snow will fall in the Upper Midwest, although southeast of a line from around Omaha to northern lower Michigan the precipitation should change to rain as the day goes on.  Light-to-moderate snow is expected in the Dakotas, northern and central Minnesota, northern Wisconsin and western Upper Michigan. Three to six inches may coat central Minnesota and northwest Wisconsin.  Scatter showers will dot the lower Midwest, and isolated severe thunderstorms could rumble over southern Missouri and the lower Ohio Valley.  Gusty southwest winds will drive temperatures to spring-like levels in the lower Midwest.  Highs will range from the teens in northern and western North Dakota to the 60s from southern Kansas to Kentucky.

Northeast
Snow, sleet, freezing rain is expected to develop over much of New York State, Pennsylvania, northern New Jersey and southwestern New England. Precipitation should change to rain in western New York and western and southern Pennsylvania.  A few showers are forecast over West Virginia and western Virginia.  High temperatures are expected to range from the 20s in northern Maine to the low 60s in far southeast Virginia.

South
A few showers and thunderstorms through portions of the southern U.S., mainly from the ArkLaTex eastward through Arkansas, Tennessee, and the northern portions of Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia into the Carolinas.  A few severe thunderstorms over northeast Texas, southeast Oklahoma, Arkansas and extreme northwest Louisiana. Large hail would be the primary threat.  Highs are forecast to be largely in the 60s, 70s and 80s, north to south. The 80s will be found in south Texas and on the Florida Peninsula. Laredo, Texas, may even touch 90 degrees.

West
Rain and snow showers will continue over the West, although coverage will sparse west of the Rockies across California, Nevada, Oregon and Washington.  Snowfall to persist in the mountains of Colorado, northern and western New Mexico, and east-central and southeast Arizona.  Temperatures will range from the teens in parts of the Rockies and northern and eastern Montana to the 60s in far southeast California, a small part of southwest Arizona, and southeast New Mexico.  (NWS, Media Sources)

Northwest Winter Storm

Washington:
Washington (WA) Governor declared a State of Emergency in 16 counties of Eastern Washington as a result of recent significant snowfall.  WA State EOC remains activated at Phase II, with ESF-1 (Transportation) activated to support interstate highway closures.  One shelter opened in Cheney, WA (Spokane County) with no occupants; served 100+ hot meals.  Snow Advisory has been issued for areas in Washington State through February 4, 2008.  No requests for Federal assistance.
Idaho:
Idaho Governor declared a statewide State of Emergency as a result of recent significant snowfall.  State EOC is activated at Phase III Emergency Operations.  State has requested National Guard assistance for snow removal in Bonner County.  No requests for federal assistance. (NWS, FEMA Region X, Media Sources)

Texas Fires

Texas Governor has certified that 184 counties are currently threatened by extreme fire hazard.  Critical fire weather conditions are likely "with rapid rates of spread".  Primary threat conditions are from sustained southwesterly winds from 20 to 30 mph gusting to over 40 mph along with continued dry conditions.  Red Flag Warning is in effect until 8:00 p.m. CST Monday, February 4, 2008.  The Texas State Operations Center is activated at Level I, Emergency Conditions with the next conference call occurring at 10:00 a.m. February 4, 2008.  As of February 3, 2008, fire occurrence for past sevens days: Texas Forestry Service (TFS) reported 80 fires covering 69,158 acres and Volunteer Fire Departments reported 282 fires covering 39,805 acres.  TX SOC remains activated to Level I in support of the wildfires, and fire containment is improving in 17 counties.  TX SOC activated 12 aircraft from Texas Military Forces; 6 UH-60s in Austin, 4 UH-60s in San Antonio and 2 CH-47s w/Water Bucket and Personnel in Grand Prairie.  Two UH-60 helicopters, from the state of Louisiana, arrived in Grand Prairie to provide additional fire suppression resources.  Texas Department of Transportation is providing fuel for fire fighting apparatus, a maintainer, a bulldozer, 21 other vehicles, 29 personnel and two portable dynamic message signs.  There has been no request for Federal Assistance. (FEMA Region VI, TX EOC)

Midwest Flooding Update

Michigan:
A Flood Warning continues for Grand River near Comstock Park (Kent County) due to ice jamming.
The river will fall below flood stage early Thursday, February 7, 2008. (NWS)

Indiana:
Flood Warnings continue for Kankakee River at Davis Route 30 and Shelby and near Wilmington, White River at Elliston and for the Wabash River at Covington, Lafayette, Montezuma, and Terre Haute.

Illinois:
Flood Warnings continue for the Illinois River for Fulton, Mason, Brown, Cass, Morgan and Schuyler counties for the Wabash River at Riverton and Hutsonville.

Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG)

No new activity to report.  (FEMA HQ)

Tropical Weather Outlook

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Earthquake Activity

A minor earthquake occurred at 3:43 PM EST on Monday, February 4, 2008. The magnitude 5.2 event occurred 33 miles north of Isabela, Puerto Rico, at a depth of 16.7 miles; no tsunami will be generated.  No reports of any injuries or damages. (USGS)

Preliminary Damage Assessments

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Disaster Declaration Activity

No new activity (FEMA HQ)