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National Situation Update: Friday, November 3, 2006

Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED).

Pacific Storm Systems Moves Into The Northwest

West:  
A series of Pacific storms will move across the coastal sections of the Pacific Northwest. The first storm will bring rain and continue into Saturday. Since the storms are coming from the central Pacific they bring mild air with them keeping snow levels quite high, mostly above 9,000 feet.  Some rain accumulations may reach double digits over the next few days, especially around the Olympic Peninsula. Winds will be gusty along the coast.  

South:  
The east coast of Florida will see some significant waves and gusty winds behind a cold front. Wind gusts may exceed 30 mph in many locations. This area can expect rip currents, choppy seas, the potential for coastal flooding and scattered showers through the weekend.

Northeast:   
There will be chilly temperatures across the Northeast and lake-effect snow. Several inches of snow will fall east of Lake Erie but most accumulating snow shall remain south of Buffalo. Some areas east of Lake Ontario, may pick up from 12 to 18 inches of snow through tonight, especially in areas north of Syracuse and into the southern Tug Hill Plateau region.

Midwest:   
Pockets of heavy lake-effect snow will fall, especially across the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Several locales in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan could pick up a foot of snow by the time the snow ends. A ridge of high pressure will move into these areas on Friday so the snow will wind down.  (National Weather Service, Media Sources)

Hawaii Mudslides and Water Run-off

Honolulu, HI - A sudden mudslide occurred at 3:39 pm EDT November 1st, at the entrance to the Pali Tunnel; one car was overtaken by the mud but the occupants were able to escape unharmed.  The Pali Highway has been closed in both directions due to mudslides following the landslide on the Honolulu-side of the Pali Tunnel, and remains closed for clean-up and safety inspections of the neighboring hillsides. Heavy rainfall in the area continues as highway maintenance crews are on-site clearing debris. On Kauai, the Hanalei River has neared flood stage.  Numerous mudslides on the island of Oahu have been reported and there is standing water on several of the major roads and highways, most notably on the windward side (northeast coast) of the island.  Major flooding occurred along the Kamehameha Highway at Waikane and led to a number of stalled and abandoned cars stranded.

Oahu, HI - Runoff from heavy rain in the Koolau Mountains on Thursday caused three more wastewater spills, including another one at the City?s Kaneohe Pretreatment Facility. An estimated 18,225 gallons of untreated wastewater overflowed from two manholes in the Kaneohe. An estimated 6,750 gallons of untreated wastewater overflowed from a manhole on Lilipuna Road and into Kaneohe Bay. An estimated 920 gallons spilled in the Dowsett area and was washed into nearby drainage systems that lead to Nuuanu Stream. The state Department of Health has posted warning signs and water samples are being tested from the affected bodies of water.   (FEMA Region IX, NICC)

Flood Task Force Formed In Dona Ana County, New Mexico

The Federal Emergency Management Agency said Dona Ana County residents who suffered from flooding last summer had applied for about $1.4 million in federal disaster assistance. 

The Village of Hatch suffered the worst flooding. A major arroyo through Hatch breached in August, flooding most of the town and damaging some homes beyond repair. The arroyo banks failed twice in the next two weeks, sending muddy water into chili fields and pecan orchards.

The Dona Ana County Commission created a task force in September to examine flooding problems across the southern New Mexico County. Las Cruces City Councilors joined the effort October 31, during a joint meeting with the commission. One of the jobs of the task force is to find ways to fund flood control projects.  The city receives $2.5 million annually for flood control to cover about 55 square miles. The county has $1.4 million for about 1,400 square miles.  (Media Resources)

Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG)

No new activity to report.  (FEMA HQ)

New Madrid Earthquake Preparation Poses Unique Challenges

Three earthquakes centered near the Missouri Bootheel town of New Madrid struck the region over a two-month period in 1811 and 1812 with thousands of aftershocks. They are the best known of the New Madrid quakes. These earthquakes along the New Madrid fault were so powerful, there are accounts of the Mississippi River temporarily flowing backward and church bells ringing in Boston. 

Emergency responders, government and economic development officials from 17 states came to St. Louis, Missouri November 2, 2006 to discuss preparations if a major quake along the fault happens again. The two-day conference was held by the Delta Regional Authority, an economic development agency working in Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri and Tennessee.  Participants are encouraged to examine their own communities for hazards, develop partnerships and focus on reducing risks and improving response capabilities. 

Planning for earthquakes is different from many other disasters because there could be no warning with an earthquake and the potential of a large geographic area that could be affected. If a major New Madrid earthquake begins, an area including Memphis, Tennessee, St. Louis and hundreds of rural communities could be affected. The executive director of the Central United States Earthquake Consortium said a major New Madrid quake could destroy buildings, bridges, roads and other infrastructure, disrupt communications and isolate areas.  (Media Resources)

Tropical Weather Outlook

Atlantic/Gulf of Mexico/Caribbean Sea:
Tropical cyclone formation is not expected through Friday.

Central and Eastern Pacific:
Tropical storm formation is not expected through Friday.

Western Pacific:
No new activity to report. (USDOC/NOAA/NWS, NHC, Central Pacific Hurricane Center, and the Joint Typhoon Warning Center)

Earthquake Activity

Nothing significant to report.  (USGS, Earthquake Hazards Program, Alaska Earthquake Information Center, Pacific Tsunami Warning Center)

Preliminary Damage Assessments

Nothing new to report.  (FEMA HQ)

Disaster Declaration Activity

• Due to Severe Storms in Missouri on October 16, a Presidential declaration FEMA-1667-DR-MO has been declared for Public Assistance for the Independent City of St. Louis and Hazard Mitigation all jurisdictions.
• Due to Serves Storms and Flooding in Louisiana from July 19-21, a Presidential declaration FEMA-1668-DR-LA has been declared for 11 parishes for Individual Assistance, 12 parishes for Public Assistance and 18 parishes for Hazard Mitigation.
• FEMA-1649-DR-PA Joint Field Office will be closing effective COB on November 18, 2006.  
• FEMA-1662-DR-IN Joint Field Office will be closing effective COB on November 16, 2006. (FEMA HQ)