National Situation Update: Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED).
Significant National Weather
Midwest
Snow will accumulate from Kansas northeastward during the day and rain will change to snow in Chicago by late in the day or in the evening. Many areas will see over 6 inches of snow. There is a flood threat from southern Missouri to northeast Ohio. Many rivers are already near flood stage and the combination of heavy rain and melting snow will exacerbate the situation. High temperatures are expected to range from slightly below zero from northeast North Dakota to the 70s in eastern Kentucky.
Northeast
Flood watch is now in effect for New York. The combination of rain and melting snow may cause small rivers and streams across western New York to rise to flood stage. In northern New England, the precipitation may begin as a wintry mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain then gradually change to rain, except in far northern Maine where it may persist as all snow. High temperatures will be mild, ranging from near 30 at the northern tip of Maine to the 70s in southeast Virginia and southwest West Virginia.
South
A potential for damaging thunderstorms and multiple tornadoes in the South. The system will move northeastward through western Kentucky and Tennessee up to the Ohio River by evening. A line of strong thunderstorms will move eastward across Mississippi into Alabama by evening. High temperatures across most of the South will range in the 70s and 80s.
West
There will be significant rainfall over Seattle and Portland by afternoon. Snow for the Cascades and mountain passes.
High temperatures will range from the teens in the Rockies and northeast Montana to the 60s in southern California and southwest Arizona. (NWS, Media Sources)
Hawaii Heavy Rain and Flooding
Since February 1, 2008 there has been very heavy rain on the Big Island, Hawaii and on Kauai, Hawaii. On Kauai, flooding from the heavy rain forced evacuations, closed bridges, and affected water service to residents from Wainiha to Ha'ena. A county bridge on the Hanapepe River has been closed. This bridge might have been struck by a 40 foot Manson cargo container which had dislodged on the river.
Several landslides have occurred. A number of houses have been impacted. Evacuation recommendations were made in some areas, but no mandatory evacuations occurred. The Mayor has declared a state of emergency in areas of Puna, Ka'u and Hilo. Kauai County and Hawaii County EOCs have been activated. Two shelters have been opened, both are currently empty. The State Department of Health has issued an advisory for possible contamination of flood waters. There is no request for federal assistance. (FEMA Region IX)
Texas Fires
Texas Governor has certified that 184 counties are currently threatened by extreme fire hazard. Red Flag Warning is in effect until 7:00 p.m. CST Monday, February 5, 2008. The TX SOC is activated at Level I, Emergency Conditions. FEMA State Liaison stationed at TX SOC. TFS has established a Fire Base in Granbury with two Air Attack aircraft on station. 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 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. (FEMA Region VI, TX EOC)
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. 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 six counties. No requests for federal assistance. (NWS, FEMA Region X, Media Sources)
Midwest Flooding Update
For next 36 hours, southern Indiana and southern Illinois will have a substantial risk for severe weather including thunderstorms, hail and a potential for super cells creating tornadoes and dangerous wind gusts. 1.5"-2" of rain are expected in southwest Indiana through the evening of February 5, 2008.
Unseasonably warm temperatures, rain and ice melt are causing the rivers to rise and are not expected to begin receding until Friday, February 8, 2008, for Illinois and Indiana along with portions of northwest Ohio.
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; Eel River at North Manchester, Tippecanoe River affecting Fulton, Kosciusko and White Counties. Wabash River at Linn Grove, Covington, Lafayette, Montezuma, and Terre Haute.
Illinois:
Flood Warnings continue for the Illinois River for Fulton, Mason, Brown, Cass, Morgan and Schuyler counties, Iroquois River at Iroquois and 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
No new activity (FEMA HQ)
Preliminary Damage Assessments
No new activity (FEMA HQ)
Disaster Declaration Activity
No new activity (FEMA HQ)
Last Modified: Tuesday, 05-Feb-2008 07:57:26 EST