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National Situation Update: Wednesday, February 1, 2006

Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED).

Storms Continue to Hit the Pacific Northwest

West:  The Pacific Northwest has experienced one of its wettest Januarys on record and the weather forecast for the beginning of February indicates there may be no relief in sight. Astoria, Oregon received nearly 24 inches during January. The Pacific Coast storms have included high winds and large accumulations of snowfall in addition to the excessive rainfall. Flood watches remain posted for much of western Oregon and a portion of southwest Washington. High wind warnings were issued for the Oregon coast where wind gusts of 70-75 mph are forecast. Winter storm warnings were posted for northern California and into the mountains of northern Idaho. The Pacific Northwest is expected to see some dry weather on Wednesday and Thursday, but another storm system is forecast for the weekend. Dry weather will continue in southern California and other parts of the Southwest on Wednesday.

Midwest:  Most of the region will continue to see unseasonably mild temperatures with highs ranging from the 20s in North Dakota and Minnesota to the 60s in southern Kansas. Light rain and snow is forecast for the northern tier in Minnesota, Wisconsin and parts of Michigan. The Upper Peninsula in Michigan may see several inches of snow.

Northeast:  The Northeast will see moderate weather on Wednesday as the storm systems move out to sea. Some gusty winds may occur along the coastal areas in New England on Wednesday morning. Temperatures will be above average with highs ranging from the 20s in northern Maine to the 50s in Virginia.

South:  Most of the South will be dry on Wednesday with above average temperatures. The Southwest including Southern California, Arizona, and New Mexico will continue to see dry weather and temperatures in the 70s on Wednesday. High temperatures in the South will range from the 50s to the 70s, north to south.  (NWS, Media Sources)

Alaskan Augustine Volcano Update

The Augustine Volcano continued to erupt on Tuesday, with the volcano producing a continuous plume of steam, and ash and gas flowing down the flanks of the volcano and into the sea. The volcano, located on an uninhabited island, has been erupting since Saturday, with explosions sending particles almost five miles into the surrounding skies.
 
Airlines flying through the area have resumed all flights to and from Kodiak Island and the state's largest air hub located in Anchorage.

Scientists at the Alaska Volcano Observatory indicate the volcano's constant release of gas, rock and ash -- rather than a quiet buildup beneath the mountain -- may be averting a more powerful eruption. Eruptions are expected to continue. No injuries or damages have been reported.  (NOAA/NWS, Alaska Volcano Observatory, Media Sources)

Tropical Activity

There are no active tropical disturbances in the Atlantic or Pacific areas affecting United States interests. (USDOC/NOAA/NWS, National Hurricane Center, Central Pacific Hurricane Center, and the Joint Typhoon Warning Center)

Earthquake Activity

No major earthquake activity affecting U.S. interests during the previous 24 hours.  (United States Geological Survey (USGS) Earthquake Hazards Program)

Preliminary Damage Assessments

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Wildfire Update

The National Interagency Fire Center indicated that wildfire activity was light nationally on Monday with 87 new fires reported. Five new large fires were reported:  two in Texas, two in Missouri, and one in New Jersey. Five large fires were contained: two in Oklahoma, two in Missouri, and one in New Jersey.

Gusty winds and low humidity are expected in southern and eastern New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, and portions of Kansas and Missouri. Florida is predicted to have drier air filtering through the state.

Severe drought conditions expanded this past week to cover more of eastern Arizona and western New Mexico. Tucson, Arizona has recorded 0.32 inches of rainfall for the water year, which is 9% of normal. The higher than normal temperatures accompanied by significant lack of rainfall in the Southwest has created extreme drought conditions which in turn have heightened the wildfire threat over a large area.  (NIFC, NOAA)

Disaster Declaration Activity

The JFO for FEMA-DR-1622-MN will close February 10, 2006.(FEMA HQ)