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National Situation Update: Thursday, May 25, 2006

Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED).

Hot and Dry Weather Forecast for Much of the U.S.

Midwest:  The cold front moving across the Midwest is expected to bring showers and thunderstorms over much of the region on Thursday. The area most impacted will likely be in Wisconsin, Iowa and Illinois where rainfall may be accompanied by strong damaging winds. Highs will range from the 60s in Michigan to the 90s in Kansas. 

West:  Except for some scattered showers or thunderstorms in Washington and Oregon, most of the West will be very hot and dry on Thursday. Highs in the region are expected to range from the 50s in the Cascades to over 110 degrees in the Colorado River Valley.

South:  Arkansas and Tennessee will likely see some scattered showers on Thursday, however the rest of the South will likely see very warm weather with temperatures ranging mainly in the 80s and 90s. Texas and Oklahoma will see very hot temperatures.  

Northeast:  Scattered showers are forecast for parts of New England and the Mid-Atlantic states, but most of the region will be dry. Highs will range from the 60s in New England to the 80s in the Mid-Atlantic.(NWS, Media sources)

Hurricane Names for 2006

When storm winds reach 39 mph (34 knots), tropical cyclones are given names. In 1979 a six year rotating list of Atlantic storm names was adopted - alternating between male and female hurricane names. Storm names are used to facilitate geographic referencing, for warning services, for legal issues, and to reduce confusion when two or more tropical cyclones occur at the same time. The names assigned for the upcoming 2006 Atlantic Basin Tropical Cyclones season are:

Alberto
Beryl
Chris
Debby
Ernesto
Florence
Gordon
Helene
Isaac
Joyce
Kirk
Leslie
Michael
Nadine
Oscar
Patty
Rafael
Sandy
Tony
Valerie
William

(Source: NOAA, National Hurricane Center)

Personal Preparedness for Hurricane Season

A Disaster Supply Kit should contain the following:

• Water - at least 1 gallon daily per person for 3 to 7 days
• Food - at least enough for 3 to 7 days Non-perishable packaged or canned food / juices, foods for infants or the elderly, snack foods, non-electric can opener, cooking utensils / fuel, paper plates, plastic utensils
• Blankets / Pillows and other bedding items
• Clothing - seasonal, rain gear, sturdy shoes
• Medical supplies - first aid kit, medicines, prescription drugs
• Special Items - for infants and the elderly
• Toiletries - hygiene items
• Moisture wipes
• Flashlight - extra batteries
• Radio - battery-operated and NOAA weather radio
• Cash - (Banks and ATMs may not be open or available for extended periods.)
• Important documents - in a waterproof container Insurance, medical records, bank account numbers, social security card, other
• Keys 
• Toys, books and games
• Tools -  keep a set with you during the storm
• Vehicle fuel tanks filled
• Pet care items Proper identification, immunization records, ample supply of food and water, a carrier or cage, medications, muzzle and leash

Maintain the Disaster Supply Kit so that it can be used either at home or at another location if an evacuation becomes necessary.

At home:   The disaster supply kit should contain essential food, water, and supplies for at least three days. Keep the kit in a designated place and have it ready in case you have to leave your home quickly. Make sure all family members know where the kit is kept. Additionally, consider having supplies for sheltering for up to two weeks.

At work:   The kit should be in one container, and ready to "grab and go" in case you are evacuated from your workplace. Make sure you have food and water in the kit. Also, be sure to have comfortable walking shoes at your workplace in case an evacuation requires walking long distances.

In the car:   In case you are stranded, keep a kit of emergency supplies in your car. This kit should contain food, water, first aid supplies, flares, jumper cables, and seasonal supplies.

To learn how one family has prepared for hurricanes in Florida, read the Best Practices story on the FEMA Web site at www.fema.gov/mitigationbp/index.jsp titled, "After Andrew, South Florida Family Keeps Vow to Be Hurricane-Ready.

• Mitigation Best Practices stories give information about successful ways to reduce damages in future storms.

Visit www.ready.gov, www.fema.gov and www.floridadisaster.org for a thorough look into disaster preparedness and a more detailed list of emergency supplies. Also, www.ready.gov/kids is an excellent resource for information on how to involve children in the process of assembling the family's Disaster Supply Kit.  (source: www.fema.gov, www.floridadisaster.org)

Tropical Weather Outlook

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Earthquake Activity

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Preliminary Damage Assessments

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Wildfire Update

Initial fire activity was moderate nationally with 210 new fires reported. Seven new large fires were reported, one in Arkansas, two in Texas, three in New Mexico, and one in Utah. Twelve large fires were contained. Very high to extreme fire indices were reported in Arizona, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Colorado, Kansas and Utah.

A very hot and dry air mass will remain across the Desert Southwest and Four Corners states (NM, AZ, CO, UT) under a strong upper ridge. Fire threat will continue to increase on Thursday due to persistent hot and dry weather.    (National Interagency Fire Center, NWS, Storm Prediction Center)

Disaster Declaration Activity

FEMA-DR-1629-NV JFO closing 05/26/2006.
FEMA-DR-1636-AR JFO closing 06/07/2006. (FEMA HQ)