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National Situation Update: Thursday, March 30, 2006

Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED).

Severe Spring Weather Forecast for Great Plains on Thursday

South:  There is the potential on Thursday and Friday for severe weather through a large section of the South especially in the Great Plains. The unsettled weather conditions could produce thunderstorms, large hail, destructive winds with gusts over 70 mph, and the possibility of tornadoes.

Midwest:  Large sections of the Midwest will also be dealing with severe weather on Thursday as unsettled weather moves northward from the South. Two storm systems are expected to move through the Midwest on Thursday with the first system bringing thunderstorms, gusty winds, and possible tornadoes to Nebraska, Kansas, the Dakotas, Iowa and Missouri. The other storm system will hit many of the same areas in South Dakota, Nebraska, and Kansas before moving northward and eastward on Friday.

West:  The Southwest will see dry weather and warm temperatures during Thursday through Saturday. Unfortunately, the Pacific Northwest is expected to see another storm system moving east out of the Gulf of Alaska on Thursday that will bring more rain and snow to the already saturated areas of Washington and Oregon. Moderate to heavy rain is forecast for Hawaii on Thursday and the National Weather Service has issued Flash Flood Watches.

Northeast:  The Northeast is expected to see sunny skies and warm temperatures during Thursday and Friday. Highs are expected to be in the 50s-60s on Thursday and into the 60s-70s on Friday. (NWS, Media Sources)

Tropical Activity

There are no tropical disturbances in the Atlantic or Pacific Oceans that affect the U.S. or U.S. interests. (National Hurricane Center, Central Pacific Hurricane Center, and the Joint Typhoon Warning Center)

Earthquake Activity

There was no significant earthquake activity during the previous 24 hours that affected the U.S. or U.S. interests. (Source: United States Geological Survey (USGS) Earthquake Hazards Program)

Preliminary Damage Assessments

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Wildfire Update

Current Situation: Wildland fire activity was moderate with 338 new fires reported. Eight new large fires were reported: one in DC, two in Florida, two in Mississippi, and three in Oklahoma. Ten large fires were contained: one each in Florida, Mississippi, and North Carolina, and seven in Oklahoma.
 
Weather Discussion: Red Flag warnings were issued for four or more hours of afternoon low humidity forecasts in northeast and central Florida. Fire weather watches are also in effect for low humidity and gusty winds on Thursday in western Texas and western Oklahoma.  (National Interagency Coordination Center, National Interagency Fire Center)

Disaster Declaration Activity

No new activity (FEMA HQ)