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National Situation Update: Sunday, March 16, 2008

Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED).

Significant National Weather

West:
A Red Flag Warning is in effect this afternoon and evening for southern Arizona including the Colorado River Valley, the South-Central and South-Eastern Deserts.  High Wind Warnings are in effect through this evening for the eastern Sierra slopes, Owens Valley, White Mountains of Inyo County, Death Valley National Park, portions of the Mojave Desert and the Morongo Basin.  Strong gusty winds will cross southern California to west Texas Sunday and Monday picking up gulf moisture and fanning fires already burning in Texas.   

Midwest:
Flood warnings remain in effect for numerous rivers in Ohio, Illinois and Wisconsin.
Rain and snow will move across the western High Plains today and bring rain to the Midwest on Monday.

South:
Temperatures across the South will range from the 60s across the Tennessee Valley to the 90s in the Lower Rio Grande.  A Red Flag Warning is in effect through this evening across the Florida panhandle and Big Bend.  A Fire Weather Watch is in effect through this evening across southwest Georgia and southeast Alabama due to possible long durations of low relative humididies below 25 percent.  

Northeast:
Increased temperatures and resulting snow melt along with heavy rains will increase the threat of  flooding in the creeks and rivers in New Hampshire.  

Atlanta, Georgia Tornado Touchdown

The Georgia State EOC has elevated its activation level to Level 2.
There are now 2 confirmed fatalities believed to be weather related.
Georgia Power has reported an additional 25,000 customers without power (for a total of 37,000).

The Central Park ARC shelter has expanded from 5 to 38 occupants.
IA and PA PDAs have been postponed until 7:00 am EDT, March 16, 2008 due to severe weather.  

Crane Collapse in Mid-town Manhattan, NY

A 20-story crane collapsed on a 5-story building in New York City located at 305 E. 50th Street with a partial collapse of 301 E. 50th Street. Road closures are in effect as well as public transportation detours. Con Edison is on-scene to deal with any utility issues. Five residential 5-story buildings and one 19-story building with 180 apartments have been vacated.  There have been four deaths and 18 injuries.  ARC is setting up a shelter.   

Texas Wildfire

• Texas EOC Activated at Level II
• TX National Guard has provided 20 personnel & 5 aircraft (5 UH60s) to support wildfire operations from Austin and San Antonio.
• Cumulative fire information (Saturday 2:00 p.m. CDT)
  • Total Acres Burned:  681,319
  • Total Homes Threatened:  6,471
  • Total Homes Lost:  129
  • Total Homes Damaged:  36
• One FEMA-State liaison is deployed to the Texas SOC for enhanced wildfire risk.

Flooding Update

Midwest
Iowa
Iowa River at Marengo, IA is experiencing moderate flooding but is scheduled to fall below flood stage early Monday morning.
Iowa River at Wapello, IA is experiencing minor flooding with a forecast to moderate flooding until further notice.
English River at Kalona, IA is experiencing moderate flooding.  The river is near crest and is forecast to fall below flood stage this morning.

Illinois:
Moderate flooding is occurring on several rivers in Illinois, to include the following:  Skunk, Wapsipinicon, Cedar, Iowa, English, and Pecatonica.   
Rock River at Moline and Joslin, IL, moderate flooding is occurring; river has crested and will continue to fall to minor flood stage by Tuesday, March 18, 2008.
Rock River at Rockton, IL, moderate flooding is forecast until this evening.

South
Several rivers in Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas and Louisiana are experiencing minor flooding due to recent rainfall.  Rivers are expected to drop below flood stage by Tuesday afternoon, March 18, 2008.

Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG)

An FMAG (FEMA-2753-FM-TX) was approved today for the "Three Two Two Fire" near Cotulla, Texas.  (FEMA HQ)   

Tropical Weather Outlook

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Earthquake Activity

Two earthquakes, a magnitude 5.9 and 4.2 occurred on March 15, 2008 off the coast of Oregon, 112 miles west of Port Orford, Oregon, at a reported depth of 6.2 miles. A tsunami warning, watch, or advisory was not generated. (USGS/NEIC/WDC)

Preliminary Damage Assessments

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Disaster Declaration Activity

No new activity (FEMA HQ)