• Emergency Managers and Personnel
• Situation Reports
• National Incident Management System
• Grants & Assistance Programs
• Training
• Contacts
• Planning
• Best Practices

National Situation Update: Wednesday, February 7, 2007

Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED).

National Weather Summary

West: A frontal system moving ashore will produce precipitation from Washington to Point Conception, California. Northwestern California may have more than an inch of rain. The High Sierras (above 7,000 feet) will get several inches of snow and there will be slightly less in higher peaks of the Oregon Cascades. East of the Rockies, light snow is forecast for Montana and northeast Wyoming. High temperatures will range from the teens in northeast Montana to the 80s in southwest Arizona.

Midwest: Snow flurries will dust northern and western Michigan while heavier squalls are forecast for portions of the Upper Peninsula. Light snow and flurries will dust the plains of western South Dakota and much of Nebraska. Temperatures will be below mid-winter averages with highs ranging from the single digits in the northern Plains and Upper Midwest to the 30s in southern Kansas, southern Missouri and western and southern Kentucky.

South: Except for a few snow showers and flurries in the Appalachians the South will remain dry, and in most areas, slightly milder than average. A dry front extending from northern Texas to South Carolina will separate very cold air to the north from seasonably mild air to the south. Highs are forecast to range from the 30s in northeast Arkansas and northern Tennessee to the 70s across the southern half of Texas and the Florida Peninsula.

East: The clipper system that dropped a few inches of snow on Washington, D. C., and Baltimore overnight will move out to sea early today leaving only flurries and snow showers over the Appalachians. Lake-effect snow bands will remain in place off Lakes Erie and Ontario, with the band off the eastern end of Ontario continuing to produce heavy snow. Elsewhere only a few flurries are forecast for northern New England. Temperatures will continue to run well below February averages with highs in the teens and 20s north of the Mason-Dixon Line (and in West Virginia), the 30s and 40s in Virginia, eastern Maryland and Delaware. (NWS, Media Sources)

FEMA Regional Activity Reports

Region I:

• No significant information to report.

Region II:

• Heavy lake effect snow continues across Oswego County in western New York with 34 inches reported in the community of Parish and 29 inches reported in the community of Palermo during the past 24 hours. The heavy snow forced Amtrak to shut down service in parts of western and northern New York.

Region III:
West Virginia:

• Residents of Handley (pop. 300-400) have been allowed to return home after being forced to evacuate Tuesday morning due to a train derailment involving hazardous chemicals. Eighteen cars of a CSX freight train heading from Cincinnati to Richmond, Virginia, went off the tracks around 0339 EST. Ten of the cars were carrying hazardous chemicals but no leaks were reported. A spokesman for CSX said the railroad plans to have the scene cleared by midnight and the track reopened by Wednesday. The cause of the derailment is under investigation.
  
• Two 5,000 gallon water tankers deployed to Marion County due to water line breaks.  State Mobile Command Center deployed to Handley, Kanawha County to support evacuation of persons due to train derailment.
   

Pennsylvania

• A portion of the Pittsburgh Convention Center collapsed at approximately 2:00 p.m. on February 5, trapping a worker in his truck. The man was eventually freed by Fire Department personnel. He was unhurt. Engineers are presently examining/evaluating the structure to determine the cause of the collapse, the extent of damage, and possible solutions.
  
• Pennsylvania Emergency Management (PEMA) officials reported at 11:30 a.m. February 6, an accident involving multiple tractor trailers in Delaware County.  The incident occurred on the southbound lanes of I-95, north of the exit 7, prior to the 476 split.  The PA DOT reports tractor trailer was carrying pharmaceuticals and was not transporting explosives as initially reported. I-95 has re-opened.

Region IV:

• Florida EOC remains activated for the Feb. 2, 2007 Tornadoes.
  
• Two deaths linked to the cold have been reported in Kentucky.

Region V:

• Deaths linked to the cold have been reported in Michigan (2), Ohio (1), and Illinois (1).
  
• Subzero temperatures affected the Minneapolis-St. Paul area for 63 straight hours, the longest stretch since 2004.
  
• At least 30 water main breaks are being blamed on the cold in Detroit.
  
• Special Events: Feb. 9-18: Illinois - Chicago will host the annual Chicago Auto Show.

Region VI:

• No significant information to report.

Region VII:

• Ruptured propane tank in Lewistown, MO resulted in partial evacuation of the town to include a nursing home. Residents have been transported to another nursing home.
  
• State Response: Missouri State Emergency Management Agency coordinating State agencies response to the Lewistown, MO propane tank leak.
   
  Region VIII:
  
• Region is monitoring the potential hazardous weather conditions that may develop in portions of ND and SD, where wind chills may reach 20 to 35 degrees below zero.

Region IX:
California:

• A series of storm systems are forecast to move through Northern and Central California from midweek on through the coming weekend.   

Region X:
Alaska:

• Utilities companies restoring power and phone service to Kuskokwim/ Bristol Bay.
  
• Power restored to most Bristol Bay villages; phones intermittent.
  
• One serious injury reported. No shelter activity or life safety issues reported.
  
• No current flood watch on Kenai River.  Down-stream communities at reduced risk.
  
• Boil water order continues for W. Kenai Peninsula.  (FEMA Regions I-X, 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

The Governor of Washington has submitted a letter requesting a major disaster declaration as a result of severe storms during the period of January 5-7, 2007. Governor Gregoire is requesting Public Assistance for seven counties and Hazard Mitigation statewide. (FEMA HQ)