National Situation Update: Monday, November 19, 2007
Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED).
National Weather
West:
The Pacific cold front moving ashore will produce rain and snow from Washington, Oregon, and northern California eastward into Montana and northwest Wyoming. Precipitation in northern California should end later in the day. Heavy snow, up to two feet, is forecast for some of the higher peaks in central Idaho and western and central Montana. Gusty northerly winds with rain and snow are forecast across the northern Great Basin. High temperatures are forecast to range from the upper 20s in Montana to the low 90s in southwest Arizona.
Midwest:
Isolated rain and snow showers are forecast for the Great Lakes region. Only the northern Great Lakes areas should get any measurable precipitation. Temperatures across most of the region will be unusually mild, with highs ranging from the upper 30s in parts of North Dakota and Minnesota to the 80s in Kansas.
South:
Most of the region will be dry, under high pressure, but there could be some isolated showers in Louisiana and Mississippi. Temperatures will be above average in many locations with highs in the 70s and 80s.
Northeast:
Although most of the region should be dry, areas of rain and snow may linger through the morning in eastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and parts of the DelMarVa Peninsula. By mid-day, areas of eastern Pennsylvania and northwestern New Jersey could see accumulations of two to four inches of snow. Higher elevations in the Poconos may get as much as seven inches of snow. High temperatures will range from the 30s to the 60s, north to south. (NOAA, National Weather Service, Media Sources)
Update on Possible Santa Ana Event This Week
High pressure will shift southward through the Great Basin, producing a dry offshore flow across Southern California and into the lower Colorado River Valley. Although there is some disagreement among computer models, gusty offshore winds and lowering relative humidity (RH) values should produce critical fire conditions on Wednesday, November 21, 2007. This flow will remain offshore on Thursday and the potential remains for significant offshore winds to redevelop Friday into Saturday. RH will remain very low through the period. California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (OES), local governments, and FEMA JFO have identified resources and prepared contingency plans for potential response.(NOAA's National Weather Service, Storm Prediction Center, CA OES, FEMA HQ)
Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG)
No new activity to report. (FEMA HQ)
Tropical Weather Outlook
Atlantic - Caribbean Sea - Gulf of Mexico
Tropical cyclone formation is not expected during the next 48 hours.
Eastern and Central Pacific:
Tropical cyclone formation is not expected during the next 48 hours.
Western Pacific:
No current tropical cyclone warnings affecting U.S. interests.
Bay of Bengal:
Bangladesh's death toll from Tropical Cyclone Sidr has reached an estimated 2,400. Officials are concerned that the deaths from the Category 4 cyclone could reach between 5,000 and 10,000. Thousands are missing and an estimated 1,500,000 people are living in temporary shelters. (NOAA, National Hurricane Center, Central Pacific Hurricane Center and the Joint Typhoon Warning Center, Media Sources)
Earthquake Activity
More than 20 earthquakes have occurred in the past 5 days near Antofagasta, Chile following the major earthquake that struck on Wednesday, Nov 14, 2007. The 7.7 magnitude quake destroyed or damaged several thousand homes, displacing over 15,000 people. Utilities are being restored slowly following numerous power, telephone and water outages. Strong earthquakes have also occurred in Peru and Argentina.
No significant earthquake activity affecting U.S. interests.(USGS, Earthquake Hazards Program)
Preliminary Damage Assessments
No new activity (FEMA HQ)
Disaster Declaration Activity
No new activity (FEMA HQ)
Last Modified: Monday, 19-Nov-2007 07:57:57 EST