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National Situation Update: Sunday, May 14, 2006

Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED).

Significant National Weather

West:  Most locations across the West will be mostly sunny and warm from Seattle to Phoenix with only coastal sections of Southern California experiencing cloudy conditions. The Merced River, running through The Yosemite Valley to Kings Canyon, is under a flood watch due to melting snow. Along the eastern slope of the Rocky Mountains from New Mexico to Colorado scattered thunderstorms are forecast to develop and continue into the high plains throughout Sunday, some of these storms may reach severe limits. 

South:  Scattered thunderstorms are forecast during the afternoon hours Sunday from Virginia to West Texas and eastern New Mexico. Some of the storms across Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, and New Mexico may reach severe limits.

Midwest:  From North Dakota to Oklahoma the skies will be mostly sunny, but clouds and showers are forecasted from the Mississippi River, to the eastern Great Lakes, to the Ohio River Valley. This weather pattern is not going to change for the rest of the week and it is very likely that many locations around the Great Lakes will not see the sun until next weekend. 

Northeast:  Gusty easterly winds, minor coastal flooding and beach erosion is forecast along the Southern New England Coastline including Cape Cod and the Islands. Rainfall amounts will generally range two to three inches overnight Saturday, with locally higher amounts on Sunday.  (NWS, media sources)

Volcano Activity

Lava is spilling from the top of the Mount Merapi volcano near Yogyakarta, Indonesia, forcing authorities to evacuate more than 5,000 people living near the volcano. Huge plumes of smoke are spewing from the 9,700-foot peak as well. (Media sources)

Tropical Activity

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Earthquake Activity

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Preliminary Damage Assessments

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Wildfire Update

The National Preparedness Level remains at Level 2

Initial attack activity was light nationally with 49 new fires reported. No new large fires were reported. Three large fires were contained, two in the Southern Area and one in the Western Great Basin Area.

Very high to extreme fire indices were reported in Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, Oklahoma, Utah, New Mexico and Texas.  (NWS, NIFC)

Disaster Declaration Activity

No new activity (FEMA HQ)