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National Situation Update: Saturday, December 8, 2007

Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED).

Pacific Northwest Winter Storms and Flooding

The storm has abated and rivers continue to recede. Decreasing rain and cooler temperatures are reducing the overall flood threat.  Local jurisdictions continue to deactivate response activities and are transitioning to recovery related activities. Affected counties report that progress continues in clearing of roads, restoring power, communications, and providing water.  In Yamill County, Oregon, a landslide occurred at the water reservoir that feeds into the water treatment facility.  The facility is operating at minimum capacity due to sludge clogging the lines.  It is anticipated that there will be 36 hours of available water. The U.S. Corps of Engineers is on the scene and have obtained the necessary permits, and is currently working under their own authority to redress the situation.  Preliminary Damage Assessments for both states are scheduled through this weekend.  DHS/FEMA representatives and Congressional delegation are touring the disaster area today.  (NWS, Region X, Disaster Assistance Directorate Declarations Unit)

Southern California Burn Area Weather Forecast

Friday's rainfall totals were less than expected in most areas.  As a result, mudslides and flooding feared throughout the county did not occur.  The strong low pressure system that produced approximately one to four inches of rain in the foothills and mountains moved into the higher elevations and will turn to snow December 8, 2007 through December 9, 2007. A cold winter storm will bring showers and mountain snow through Sunday. Thunderstorms with small hail are possible over the region, as well as waterspouts along the coast. It will be quite cold through the weekend. All flash flood watches and warnings have expired. All evacuation orders have been lifted and shelters are closed. Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino County EOCs are deactivated. The California OES State Operations Center and Southern Regional Operations Center are deactivated. No further California OES reporting for this event, unless warranted. (NWS, CA OES, CA JFO)

Hawaii

The Kunia Road in Oahu is re-opened to traffic.  The Kolekole Pass was opened for public use this morning, but was closed again this afternoon due to a mudslide.  Two elementary schools in Central Oahu are closed due to fallen debris.  In Maui, five schools remain closed due to impassable roads and water main breaks and residents are being urged to conserve water.  On the Island of Hawaii, the Kailua-Kona pier is closed to maritime traffic.  Hawaii County Fire Dept and the U.S. Coast Guard continue the search for an overdue hiker in the vicinity of Mauna Kea.  The Hawaiian Electric Company restored power to most areas, though approximately 650 customers remain without power.  The Hawaiin Islands are currently experiencing widespread rain with locally heavy showers and strong southerly wind over island summits and coastal waters.  This pattern will continue through Saturday afternoon and trade winds should return by the middle of the coming week.

Significant National Weather

Northeast
A band of light rain or snow is expected across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states early Saturday morning, followed by early afternoon clearing. Light sleet, rain sometimes freezing, will move into areas of western Pennsylvania and western New York by midday Sunday and on toward the New England coast by midnight Sunday night. There could be significant ice accumulation across southern New York state and interior New England by Monday morning.

West
Moisture will flow northward through the Southwest into the Rocky Mountains. Lower elevation showers continue in Arizona and New Mexico through at least Monday. The mountains from northern Arizona and New Mexico north to Wyoming are forecast for snow this weekend. Drought areas throughout the deserts of the Southwest will see beneficial rains this weekend.

South
Forecast is for dry and warm temperatures through most of the weekend. Later Sunday, cold air will move through the southern Plains and Texas producing showers and a few thunderstorms.

Midwest
A combination of sleet, ice, and snow is expected across the Plains and Midwest all weekend and into early next week. Precipitation will initially be light Saturday and Saturday night from Kansas and Nebraska extending eastward to the Ohio Valley. Expect snow accumulations of one to four inches across Nebraska, South Dakota, Iowa and southern Minnesota Saturday. A second stronger system is forecast for the Plains and Midwest Sunday with heavier ice accumulations. South of the wintry precipitation, a band of moderate rain is falling along the Ohio Valley and southern Missouri.  (NWS, Media Sources)

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)

Wildfire Update

The National Interagency Fire Center reports that light wildland fire activity continues throughout the country.  A total of six large fires are burning 10, 321 acres.  States currently reporting large fires are California, Mississippi, New Mexico, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Texas.  For 2007, a total of 8,900,015 acres have been affected. (NIFC)

Disaster Declaration Activity

No new activity (FEMA HQ)