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National Situation Update: Monday, February 26, 2007

Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED).

Snow and Rain Forecast for the Northern U.S.

Northeast
Snow, sleet, and freezing rain will continue to affect the region Monday.

Heavy snow is expected in the areas of Connecticut, Long Island, northeastern Pennsylvania, and New Jersey as the storm system moves eastward into the Atlantic.

Light freezing rain or sleet may occur in southeastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

Light rainfall will end in the DC metro area by 4:00 am EST Monday.

Highs will range from the 20s in northern New England to the 50s in Virginia. 

Midwest
Snowfall (near 2 inches) is expected in Wisconsin and northern Michigan.

Light rain is forecast for southern Missouri, the Ohio Valley, and western Kentucky.

West
A storm system will continue to dump rain and snow in the areas of Washington, Oregon, and northern California. Heavy snowfall is expected in the higher elevations. The northern Sierra Mountains may receive up to 12 inches of snowfall.

High temperatures will range from the 20s near the Canadian border to the 70s in the Desert Southwest. The Pacific Northwest will see highs in the 30s-40s.

South
Some rain storms are forecast for central Florida.

Highs will range from the 50s in the Carolinas to the 80s in Texas and south Florida. (NWS, National Infrastructure Coordination Center,Media Sources)

Midwest Power Outage Update

Media reports indicate widespread power outages in Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, Nebraska, and Ohio as a result of ice-laden power lines and poles.

As of Sunday morning, media reported approximately 83,000 customers were without power in Illinois.

In Iowa, utility officials indicated that heavy ice brought down an estimated 2,500 utility poles and associated power lines. As of 9:30 am Sunday, approximately 180,000 customers in Iowa were without electric power in several counties. Power may not be completely restored for 2 days. Several Iowa counties have opened warming centers and shelters.

The Iowa State EOC is activated 24 hours a day. FEMA Region VII staff are assisting the State EOC with support to local areas affected by power outages. The Iowa State EOC is currently processing requests from local officials for 15 generators to restore power to several water towers and sewer systems.  The Governor has activated 188 Iowa National Guard troops to provide generators to local communities and to deliver food and cots to shelters. There has been no request for Federal Assistance at this time.  (FEMA Region VII, National Guard Bureau, media sources)

Maine LP Gas Shortage Update

The United Transportation Union in Canada has reached a tentative agreement with the Canadian National Railroads Saturday and union members were being encouraged to return to work. The agreement, if ratified, will bring an end to the strike that has disrupted the flow of propane to the State of Maine and the rest of New England.

The propane from Canada, accounts for about 70% of the propane used in the State of Maine. Weather delays have also added to the shortages of fuel in the region. Tankers scheduled to dock in Newington, New Hampshire were delayed by the recent winter storms. The Maine Emergency Management Agency continues to work with the Maine Oil Dealers Association to obtain propane from the states of Rhode Island and Connecticut.  (UTU, CNR and FEMA Region I, RRCC)

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

Magnitude 5.0 and 5.3 earthquakes struck approximately 600 miles southeast of Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico, at a depth of 6 miles Sunday at 10:00 am EST and 10:03 am EST.
 
There were no reports of damages affecting US interests and no tsunami was generated.
(USGS, Earthquake Hazards Program, Alaska Earthquake Information Center, Pacific Tsunami Warning Center, and West Coast/Alaska Tsunami Warning Centers)

Preliminary Damage Assessments

FEMA Region 6 has deployed an IA and PA liaison to the Arkansas State EOC Sunday to coordinate potential PDA activity, if requested by the State, as a result of Saturday's tornado.  (FEMA Region 6)

Wildfire Update

National preparedness level is 1 (lowest on a 1-5 scale).

Light fire activity was reported for the week of February 23. Nationally, 966 new fires were reported. Twelve new large fires were reported: one in Alabama; four in Florida; two in Missouri; two in Mississippi; one in Texas; and two in Oklahoma. These 12 large fires were also contained this week.  (National Interagency Fire Center)

Disaster Declaration Activity

No new activity (FEMA HQ)