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National Situation Update: Wednesday, January 16, 2008

Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED).

Significant National Weather

West:
A significant Santa Ana wind event will develop across parts of Southern California today and Thursday.  Some areas may experience wind gusts over 60 mph.  Strong gusts are likely from the San Fernando Valley to portions of Los Angeles.  Most of the West will be dry, except for some snow showers in the central Rockies.  Temperatures will range from the single digits in the Rockies to the 60s across Southern California and portions of southern Arizona.

Midwest:
An area of low pressure will produce snow showers from the central Plains to the upper Midwest late today into Thursday.  Temperatures will range from the single digits in North Dakota to the 40s in southeast Kansas, Missouri, southern Illinois, southern Indiana and Kentucky.

Northeast:
Most of the Northeast is expected to be dry and cold today.  Temperatures should range from the 20s in northern Maine to the low 40s across much of the northeast. 

South:
Low pressure will develop in the Gulf of Mexico resulting in rainfall throughout the South, with some thunderstorms and pockets of heavy rain along the Gulf Coast.  Parts of northern Georgia and the western Carolinas will see a mix of precipitation by Wednesday night.  Temperatures should range from the 20s in northwest Texas to the 70s in central and south Florida. (NWS, Media Sources)

Midwest Flooding Update

Illinois:
A State Disaster Declaration has been issued for Iroquois and Livingston Counties.  Water levels are receding and all county roads are open; some township roads remain closed.  There are two confirmed fatalities.  FEMA Region V Individual Assistance PDAs began on January 15, 2008 in Iroquois and Livingston counties.  No request for Federal assistance from the State of Illinois.

Indiana:
IN EOC is partially activated with 24 hour operations, transitioning from response to recovery.  Water levels at the Norway Dam have dropped below flood stage.  Major flood conditions persist on the Kankakee River.  There are three confirmed fatalities.  FEMA Region V Individual Assistance PDAs are scheduled to begin today in four counties.  No request for Federal assistance from the State of Indiana.  (FEMA Region V)

Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG)

No new activity to report.(FEMA HQ)

Tropical Weather Outlook

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Earthquake Activity

On Wednesday, January 16, 2008 at 12:11 a.m. AST, a magnitude 4.1 earthquake occurred off the coast of Puerto Rico, about 130 miles west southwest of San Juan, Puerto Rico at a depth of 38.5 miles.  There have been no reports of damage or injury. (USGS)

Preliminary Damage Assessments

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Disaster Declaration Activity

A JFO has opened, as of January 15, 2008, in Lincoln, NE in support of Major Disaster Declaration FEMA 1739-DR. (FEMA HQ)