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National Situation Update: Sunday, January 22, 2006

Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED).

Cool and Dry Weather in the West, Rain and Some Snow in the East

South: NOAA continues to indicate there are no Red Flag Warnings posted for Sunday.

Cool temperatures and some rainfall is forecast for much of the South on Sunday. Portions of Texas, Louisiana, and Arkansas can expect a total accumulation of 1 inch of rain through the weekend. The rain accompanied by cooler temperatures may give firefighters a respite from the wildfires that have hit the drought stricken area for the past several weeks.

The rainfall will also cover areas in the Tennessee Valley eastward into North Carolina and southern Virginia on Sunday and Monday, but should clear the region by Tuesday.

Most parts of Florida will experience warm temperatures (70s-80s) and sunny skies on Sunday.

Northeast: Several parts of New England and New York received some rain and snow on Saturday, however record setting warm temperatures were prevalent in most parts of the Northeast, including New York City (63 degrees) and Washington DC (62 degrees).

On Monday a new storm system will bring rain and some wet snow to the Mid-Atlantic states. Some parts of Pennsylvania, southwest New York, and southern New England may see snow, sleet, and freezing rain by Monday morning. The stormy weather in the Northeast should be gone by Tuesday. 

West: Residents of the rain-soaked areas of the Pacific Northwest are forecast to obtain some relief as dry weather is forecast for Sunday through Thursday. However, heavy fog especially in the low-lying areas will be a problem on Monday.

Fog will also be a problem for several parts of California during the week.
Dry weather with cool temperatures is forecast for most of the West through Thursday.

Midwest: Light snow is forecast for the northern Plains and Upper Midwest on Sunday.

Temperatures in the Midwest are expected to remain above average (10-25 degrees) through next Thursday. (NOAA/NWS and Various Media Sources)

Tropical Activity

There are no active tropical disturbances in the Atlantic and Pacific areas. (USDOC/NOAA/NWS, National Hurricane Center, Central Pacific Hurricane Center, and the Joint Typhoon Warning Center)

Earthquake Activity

No major earthquake activity during the past 24 hours in the United States or its territories. The National Earthquake Information Center reported 8 minor earthquakes in Alaska on Saturday including a 4.5 magnitude quake at 06:20 am EST approximately 530 miles SW from Anchorage, Alaska. (United States Geological Survey (USGS) Earthquake Hazards Program)

Preliminary Damage Assessments

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Disaster Declaration Activity

Kansas: The Joint Field Office (JFO) for 1615 KS will close on January 31, 2006.
North Dakota: The Joint Field Office (JFO) for 1616 ND will close on January 31, 2006.
No new disaster declaration activity to report.  (FEMA HQ)