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National Situation Update: Thursday, March 2, 2006

Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED).

Stormy Weather for Many Parts of the U.S. on Thursday

West:  A storm system moving eastward from the Gulf of Alaska will bring rainy and windy weather to the coastal areas of northern California and Oregon. As the storm system moves through the Pacific Northwest, it will drop several inches of snow in the higher elevations. There will be some light rain and snowfall in Colorado and New Mexico. High temperatures will range from the 20s in northern Montana to the 70s in the desert Southwest. 

Midwest:  The temperatures in the Midwest are expected to drop considerably on Thursday with highs ranging from the 20s-30s in the Great Lakes area to the 60s in Kansas and southern Missouri. Some rainfall is expected in the Ohio River Valley. A mix of snow and rain is forecast for the lower Great Lakes and the Upper Midwest. There could be up to 3 inches of snow on the Great Plains. Strong winds caused by a storm system moving eastward will blow across the Midwest on Thursday with average speeds of 15-25 mph and gusts up to 50 mph.
 
Northeast:  A rapidly moving storm system is expected to drop up to several inches of snow on Thursday in the region extending through southern New York (including New York City and Long Island), northern Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. Possible freezing rain and rain showers are expected in the areas of southern Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia. Highs will range from the 20s in New York and New England to the 60s in southern Virginia.
 
South:  The South can expect the warm weather to continue on Thursday with highs ranging from the 60s to the 80s. There is a possibility of brief rainfall in scattered areas. Temperatures in the Texas Panhandle and Oklahoma, where the threat of wildfires will continue, are expected to drop to the 50s.  (NWS, Media Sources)

Flooding in Utah

Unseasonably warm weather in the 50s-60s triggered melting snow which caused the Weber River to begin overflowing. The ground is still frozen and the tributaries were unable to hold the water caused by melting snow. The snow pack is 150% above normal. A storm which produced heavy snow and ice contributed to the melting snows.  Flooding occurred near the town of Morgan UT located north of Salt Lake City on Tuesday. Slush and flood waters caused some damage to approximately 20 homes. There were reports of at least two feet of standing water in some homes. A 70' tree fell bringing down a power line which affected a dozen homes.
 
The waters receded late Tuesday night, but weather experts are concerned that warmer temperatures could cause more flooding. More snow is expected on Friday.  (FEMA Region VIII)

Wildfire in Southwest

A wildfire burned more than 12,000 acres near Miami, NM on Wednesday. The fire caused several residents to evacuate, but most were able to return by Wednesday night. FEMA issued a Fire Management Assistance Grant to assist with the costs of fighting the fire. Cooler weather and high humidity aided the firefighters.

New Mexico as well as the surrounding states of Arizona, Colorado, Oklahoma, and Texas have experienced exceptionally dry weather since mid-October which has raised the threat of wildfires for the foreseeable future. (FEMA HQ, media sources)

Volcano Activity

The Alaska Volcano Observatory indicates the Augustine Volcano activity may be coming to an end. All indicators provide evidence that activity is slowing down. The Color Code for Augustine is still ORANGE. Seismicity remains at low levels but is still above background. Small avalanches and rock falls continue to be recorded.   (United States Geological Survey (USGS) Earthquake Hazards Program, Alaska Volcano Observatory)

Tropical Activity

There are no active tropical disturbances in the Atlantic or Pacific Oceans. (National Hurricane Center, Central Pacific Hurricane Center, and the Joint Typhoon Warning Center)

Earthquake Activity

A light earthquake (magnitude 4.0) struck approximately 200 miles southeast of Honolulu, HI on Wednesday. No reports of damages or injuries. No other significant earthquake activity during the previous 24 hours that affected the U.S. or U.S. interests.  (USGS Earthquake Hazards Program )

Preliminary Damage Assessments

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Disaster Declaration Activity

No new activity (FEMA HQ)