National Situation Update: Friday, February 16, 2007
Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED).
National Weather Summary
West: Gusty winds will be produced by the tight pressure gradient between the high over the Great Basin and an deep clipper low-pressure system moving southeastward out of North Dakota. Gusty winds and snow are forecast for Montana, Wyoming and Colorado. Some locations along the eastern slopes of the Rockies may have gusts between 75 and 100 mph. The gusty winds combined with 2 to 4 inches of snowfall and snow already on the ground will produce blizzard conditions.
Midwest: The clipper low-pressure system will move from North Dakota across the Midwest later today. West-to-northwest winds across the Dakotas, Nebraska, and Kansas will gust to over 60 mph at times. Up to 4 inches of snow from Dakotas to Iowa will produce blizzard conditions and large drifts.
South: The South will be dry but still cold with high temperatures 10 to 20 degrees below average everywhere except western Texas.
Northeast: Most of the region will be under high pressure. The low over the North Atlantic will produce gusty winds and snow showers over New England. Lake-effect snow will continue over Oswego and Oneida Counties in New York tapering off tonight. (National Weather Service, various media reports)
Tropical Weather Outlook
No new activity (FEMA HQ)
Earthquake Activity
No new activity (FEMA HQ)
Preliminary Damage Assessments
Louisiana: The Individual Assistance (IA) PDA's in Orleans Parish and Public Assistance (PA) PDA's in Jefferson Parish are anticipated to be finished today. (FEMA Region VI, FEMA HQ)
Wildfire Update
No significant activity. National preparedness level is 1 (lowest on a 1-5 scale).(National Interagency Fire Center)
Disaster Declaration Activity
The Joint Field Office for FEMA DR-1659-NM will close today, February 16, 2007. (FEMA HQ)
Last Modified: Friday, 16-Feb-2007 07:51:42 EST