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National Situation Update: Monday, January 23, 2006

Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED).

Santa Ana Winds and Dry Weather Threaten Southern California

West: A strong Santa Ana is forecast to strike Southern California on Monday. The high winds accompanied by dry weather and very low humidity readings will raise the wildfire threat.

Most other parts of the West, including the rain-soaked Pacific Northwest, will see dry weather through Thursday.

Heavy fog especially in the low-lying areas will be a problem on Monday.

Highs will range from the 20s in the Rockies to the 70s in Southwest Arizona.

South: Rain will continue in the South on Monday with heaviest rainfall in the Carolinas, southern Appalachians, Georgia, Alabama, and northern Florida. Dry weather should prevail throughout the region by Tuesday as the storm system moves out to sea.

Rainfall and cooler temperatures in the Southwest, especially in Texas and Oklahoma have reduced the wildfire threat in those areas. 

Highs in the region will range from the 40s in Tennessee to the 80s in southern Florida.

Northeast: The Northeast will see lots of precipitation on Monday with some freezing rain forecast for western Virginia, West Virginia, and south-central Pennsylvania. New York state and southern New England may see snow, sleet, and freezing rain during Monday.

The stormy weather in the Northeast should clear by Tuesday. 

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

Midwest: Windy weather is forecast for the northern Plains and the Upper Midwest on Monday. 

Temperatures in the region will continue to remain above average for the first part of the week. Highs will range from the 20s in the northern tier to the 50s in southern Kansas. (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. (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)