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National Situation Update: Thursday, June 21, 2007

Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED).

National Weather

Midwest:
Showers and severe thunderstorms are expected with the possibility of damaging winds, hail and heavy rain.

Highs will be in the 80s to 90s.

South:  
Scattered thunderstorms are expected across Florida Thursday in the area from Daytona Beach to Tampa. Isolated thunderstorms are possible over central Texas.

Highs in the region will be in the 80s-90s.

Northeast:
Scattered thunderstorms across the region are forecasted.
Highs in the region will be in the 70s-80s.

West:
Record highs are predicted over the Intermountain West and Southwest. The NWS has indicated there is a high fire danger for Nevada, Wyoming and Utah due to winds, low humidity and the long term drought. Red Flag Warnings have been issued for parts of Utah and Idaho. (NWS, Media Sources)

North Texas Severe Storms, Tornado, and Flooding Update

On June 18, 2007, heavy rains caused flooding in the North Texas area affecting Cooke, Tarrant, and Grayson counties.

In Cooke County, all missing individuals have been located, with three fatalities. Local efforts have started focusing toward recovery and debris removal. An estimated 300 to 350 homes have been damaged. One shelter remains open in Gainesville and the majority of residents have been allowed to return to their homes.

In Grayson County, there are two confirmed fatalities. Preliminary Damage Assessments (PDAs) have begun. An estimated 20 homes, 60-70 apartments, and 25-35 businesses have been damaged. Most residents have returned home or made hotel accommodations. Two shelters remain open. Several bridges were damaged with at least one destroyed. Eight roadways are still closed.

In Tarrant County, there is one confirmed fatality with ten to twelve individuals injured. An estimated 100 residences and two mobile home parks in Haltom City have been damaged. The shelter in Fort Worth has no occupants but remains on standby.

In Lampasas County, there were no fatalities and two individuals received minor injuries. In Copperas Cove, sections of the City within Lampasas County reported damages caused by a tornado, while other areas of the City within Coryell County reported damages from flooding. Twenty homes have been damaged. There are an additional five to ten homes reported to have flood damage. (FEMA Region VI)

Tropical Weather Outlook

Atlantic/Caribbean/Gulf of Mexico:
Tropical cyclone formation is not expected during the next 48 hours.

Eastern Pacific:
Tropical cyclone formation is not expected during the next 48 hours.

Western Pacific:
No significant activity. (NOAA, National Hurricane Center, Central Pacific Hurricane Center and the Joint Typhoon Warning Center)

Earthquake Activity

No new activity to report. (NOAA, USGS, Earthquake Hazards Program, Alaska Earthquake Information Center, Pacific Tsunami Warning Center)

Preliminary Damage Assessments

Montana:  Individual Assistance and Public Assistance PDAs for two Tribal entities and one county began on June 18, 2007.

Nebraska:  Individual Assistance PDAs for two counties and Public Assistance for 19 counties were scheduled to begin the week of June 18, 2007.

Oklahoma:  Public Assistance PDAs for six counties that began June 11, 2007 are continuing. 

North Dakota: Individual Assistance and Public Assistance PDAs for 12 counties are scheduled to begin on June 25, 2007.

Texas: Individual Assistance in three counties and Public Assistance for two counties to begin June 21, 2007. Public Assistance PDAs for four additional counties are scheduled to begin June 24, 2007 with the possibility of another county to be added later. (FEMA HQ)

Wildfire Update

National Preparedness Level:  2
States Most Affected: Utah, Colorado
National Fire Activity as of Wednesday, June 20, 2007 at 10:00 a.m. EDT:

• Initial attack activity: Moderate (243 new fires)
• New large fires: 2
• Large fires contained: 2
• Uncontained large fires: 7
• Nationally, there are four Type 2 IMTs committed.

Weather Discussion:  Hot and dry for much of the Western U.S. There is an increasing chance of dry thunderstorms in eastern Arizona the next few days. Gusty winds are expected across the northern Sierras and the Great Basin Friday and Saturday.  Scattered showers expected across Florida and the East Coast with dry weather in the rest of the Southeast.  (National Interagency Fire Center, National Incident Information Center)

Disaster Declaration Activity

No new activity (FEMA HQ)