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National Situation Update: Wednesday, June 27, 2007

Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED).

Very Hot Weather Expected Across Much of the U.S. Wednesday

Northeast
Highs in the region from New England to the Mid-Atlantic will again be in the 90s.

There may be some isolated storms and showers in the region, especially in New England.

Midwest
Highs will range from the 60s along the Canadian border to the 90s in the Ohio Valley.

Scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected in Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, and Michigan.

Kansas may experience several inches of rainfall.

South
Most of the region will have high temperatures in the 80s and 90s.

The central and eastern portions of Texas and Oklahoma will receive a considerable amount of rainfall that may increase the threat of flooding.

West
The region will continue to experience hot and dry weather Wednesday.

Highs in the interior West will range in the 80s-90s.

The Desert Southwest and Southern California will have highs in the 100s-110s.

The Pacific Northwest will be the coolest part of the region with highs in the 60s.(NWS, Media Sources)

Angora Fire (Lake Tahoe, California) Update

The Angora Fire, a Federal Responsibility Area fire (lands where wildland fire protection is provided by Federal agencies) is at 2,730 acres and 40 percent contained. There are currently 1,889 fire personnel assigned to this incident. Firefighters are operating in steep, rugged terrain.

In addition to the 200 residences and 75 outbuildings that have been destroyed, another 500 residences remain threatened along with 300 commercial structures and 150 outbuildings.

Voluntary evacuations remain in place; however residents are being allowed to return to undamaged homes. Residents of damaged homes are not being allowed into these areas at this time. Seven evacuees used the American Red Cross shelter Monday night and 123 individuals reportedly used local hotels which are being offered at no cost to fire victims until Friday. 

Power is being restored to the affected areas where residences are undamaged.  Power and water have been restored in some areas and gas and propane will be online in the next few days.

Depending on fire operations and safety concerns, the local/state/federal Individual Assistance Preliminary Damage Assessment is tentatively scheduled for Thursday, June 28.

The California Environmental Protection Agency has estimated that approximately 7,000 tons of waste will result from the homes that have been destroyed or damaged. Property damage is estimated at $100 million and there is an estimated $1 billion loss to the local economy.  El Dorado County has been declared a disaster area by the California Governor's Office.

Lighter winds Monday moderated fire behavior, allowing crews to begin containment efforts.  Air attack began on the afternoon of the 25th as dense smoke during the morning lifted.  Gusty southwest winds are expected to return on Wednesday so containment efforts through Tuesday night are critical. 

All requirements for State and local response are currently being met. (Region IX, National Weather Service)

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

A magnitude 6.0 earthquake, at a depth of 6 miles, occurred Tuesday, June 26 at 1823 hours EDT 315 miles SSE of Jakarta, Java, Indonesia. The quake was followed shortly thereafter by a magnitude 5.0 earthquake at the same depth. There have been no reports of injuries, deaths, damages or tsunami. The quake did not affect the U.S. or any U.S. territories. (NOAA, USGS, Earthquake Hazards Program, Alaska Earthquake Information Center, Pacific Tsunami Warning Center)

Preliminary Damage Assessments

Individual and Public Assistance PDAs for 12 counties in Texas are continuing and expected to be completed June 27, 2007.

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

Individual and Public Assistance PDAs are continuing for Delaware County, New York (FEMA HQ)

Wildfire Update

National Preparedness Level:  2
States Most Affected: California, Alaska
National Fire Activity as of Tuesday, June 26, 2007 at 10:00 a.m. EDT:

• Initial attack activity: Heavy (334 new fires)
• New large fires: 6
• Large fires contained: 3
• Uncontained large fires: 16

The Caribou Hills Fire, Kenai-Kodiak Area Forestry. 43% contained. Fifteen miles southeast of Ninilchik, AK. Favorable weather and the use of crews and air resources from the lower 48 states proved effective in aggressive containment efforts. Still, numerous structures remain threatened.

The Su River Fire, Mat-Su Area Forestry. 15% contained. Twenty-seven miles southwest of Talkeetna, Alaska. Residences and cabins remain threatened. No FMAG is anticipated for this event at this time.

NOAA's Storm Prediction Center indicates critical fire weather areas in portions of Nevada, northern California, Utah, Arizona, Wyoming, and New Mexico due to low relative humidity, gusty winds, and severe drought conditions. (National Interagency Fire Center, National Incident Information Center, FEMA Region X, NOAA/NWS Storm Prediction Center)

Disaster Declaration Activity

The Governor of New York has requested a major disaster declaration as a result of flash flooding on June 19, 2007. The Governor is specifically requesting Individual Assistance and Public Assistance Categories A, B, C, E, and F for Delaware County, and Hazard Mitigation statewide. (FEMA HQ)