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National Situation Update: Thursday, March 15, 2007

Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED).

National Weather

Northeast
A cold front accompanied by rain and isolated thunderstorms will push southward through the Northeast, reaching central Virginia by evening. Thunderstorms preceding this front could be severe, producing hail and damaging wind gusts.

In parts of Upstate New York and Northern New England the rain may change to wet snow before ending during the afternoon. An inch or two of slush is possible, especially in the higher terrain.

The combination of rain, snowmelt and ice jams could lead to some river and stream flooding from Maine through northern Ohio.

South
The heavy rain and thunderstorms that inundated parts of Texas and Louisiana on Wednesday will dampen much of the Southeast today. The heaviest downpours are expected in parts of Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama.

Midwest
Showers in the lower Midwest will push gradually south of the Ohio Valley by evening. Farther west, isolated showers may dot Kansas and Missouri throughout the day. To the north, a few inches of snow is anticipated throughout eastern North Dakota and northern Minnesota.

West
Except for an occasional shower or snow flurry in Colorado or Utah, the West will be dry. Temperatures will be above end-of-winter averages, with record highs possible at some locations in the Southwest. (NWS, media sources)

Flooding Forces Evacuations in Western Minnesota

On Wednesday, March 14, the State of Minnesota Emergency Management reported that the Little Minnesota River flooded, due to an ice jam, into Browns Valley, Minnesota (Traverse County) causing the evacuation of approximately 150 residences and affecting approximately 50 to 100 structures (including businesses). Browns Valley is near the South Dakota border, about 175 miles northwest of Minneapolis.

The Mayor of the town reported 35-50 residences affected. Browns Valley has a population of approximately 650 people. The Region has confirmed that the affected area is in a flood plain. Approximately 26 homes are insured with NFIP. Currently, the flood water is receding.

The Red Cross reports that currently fewer than 10 individuals are sheltered.

The Minnesota Homeland Security Emergency Management (HSEM) has been in communication with the Mayor, County Sheriff and the County Administrator.

The State EOC is not activated. The DHS\FEMA Region V Duty Officer is in communication with the State at the EOC. There is no request for State or Federal assistance.

The small southwestern town of Oronoco also experienced flooding from melting snow backing up in culverts, causing home basements to fill with water.  (Region V, media sources)

Massive Astoria landslide causing trouble

A massive landslide has been causing major trouble in Astoria, Oregon. Unstable debris has blocked access to some homes and forced the city to shut down streets.

No homes are reported threatened so far, but city crews have relocated utility and power lines.

The city manager said crews are monitoring the situation non-stop and a plan is in place in the event that any homes will need to be evacuated. (Media sources)

Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG)

No new activity to report. (FEMA HQ)

Tropical Weather Outlook

Atlantic/Caribbean/Eastern Pacific: No significant activity to report.
Western Pacific: No activity threatening U.S. Territories. (NOAA, National Hurricane Center, Central Pacific Hurricane Center and the Joint Typhoon Warning Center)

Earthquake Activity

A minor earthquake occurred at 5:19 PM EDT on Wednesday, March 14, 2007. The magnitude 3.1 event occurred 6 miles southeast of Laytonville, northern California, at a depth of 3 miles. No reports of any injuries or damages. (USGS, Earthquake Hazards Program, Alaska Earthquake Information Center, Pacific Tsunami Warning Center, and West Coast/Alaska Tsunami Warning Centers)

Preliminary Damage Assessments

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Wildfire Update

No new activity to report (NIFC, Southern Area Coordination Center Morning Report)

Disaster Declaration Activity

The President signed a Disaster Declaration, FEMA-1688-DR, for severe winter storms in Iowa February 23 to March 2, 2007. 46 counties are eligible for Public Assistance, including Direct Federal Assistance and Hazard Mitigation, statewide. The FCO will be Carlos Mitchell. (FEMA HQ)