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National Situation Update: Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED).

Significant National Weather

Northeast
Winter Storm Watches and Advisories are in effect as rain, snow and sleet move into the Mid-Atlantic region Tuesday. Mostly light snow and sleet are expected in southern Pennsylvania and northern New Jersey; a mix of sleet and freezing rain in western Maryland, northern West Virginia and northwest Virginia.

Snow is forecast for New York State and New England late Tuesday into Wednesday, where the precipitation will change over to sleet and freezing rain.

South
Rain will soak much of the South from far eastern Texas to North Carolina. The heaviest downpours, perhaps 2 or 3 inches, will occur in areas from Mississippi to the Tennessee-Carolina border.

Scattered, severe thunderstorms and heavy rain, combined with a cold front, moves eastward from eastern Texas into Alabama.

With temperatures predicted in the 70s and 80s, highs will approach record territory across eastern South Carolina, central and southern Georgia, and much of Florida.

West
Winter Storm Warnings are in effect for portions of the Northwest. Heavy snow continues in the mountains of Idaho, the Wasatch and Grand Tetons, and the higher Cascades. Heavy rain and rising snow levels will cause melting of snow packs in western Washington and northwest Oregon today, contributing to Flood Watches for parts of Oregon, Washington, and Idaho through midweek.

Midwest
Winter Weather Advisories are posted for eastern Illinois, Indiana and Ohio, as a mix of light snow, sleet and freezing rain moves eastward. Some freezing rain and sleet will develop over parts of the Middle Mississippi Valley on Tuesday morning.

The Dakotas and Minnesota may experience light snow and flurries. (NOAA, NWS)

Flood Warning Updates for the Illinois River

The Illinois River at Meredosia crested at Major Flood Stage Monday evening, January 5 and will fall below Major Flood Stage Saturday morning. Some local roads may experience minor flooding.

The remaining gauges along the Illinois River from LaSalle, Illinois to Valley City, Illinois are reporting moderate to minor flooding. Although Flood Warnings continue, most levels are decreasing and should fall below moderate flood stage by Tuesday, January 13. The Flood Warnings are a result of the recent heavy rain event and snow melt from the end of last year. (NWS)

Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG)

No significant activity to report.(FEMA HQ)

Tropical Weather Outlook

Western Pacific:
No activity is forecast that affects United States territories. (NOAA, HPC, National Hurricane Center, Central Pacific Hurricane Center and the Joint Typhoon Warning Center)

Earthquake Activity

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Preliminary Damage Assessments

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Disaster Declaration Activity

On January 5, 2009, the President signed Major Disaster Declaration FEMA-1813-DR for the State of Massachusetts for Severe Winter Storm and Flooding that occurred December 11, 2008 and continuing. The declaration designates Public Assistance for Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire, and Worcester Counties, including direct Federal assistance and Hazard Mitigation statewide. The FCO is Mark H. Landry of the National FCO Program. Additional designations may be made at a later date after further evaluation.

On January 5, 2009, the President signed Major Disaster Declaration FEMA-1814-DR for the State of Hawaii for Severe Storms and Flooding that occurred December 10-16, 2008. The declaration designates Individual Assistance and Public Assistance for the City and County of Honolulu, Public Assistance for Kauai County, and Hazard Mitigation statewide. The FCO is Kenneth R. Tingman of the National FCO Program. Additional designations may be made at a later date after further evaluation. (FEMA HQ)