National Situation Update: Monday, March 17, 2008

Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED).

Significant National Weather

West:
Rain showers and mountain snow are forecast for the Pacific Northwest today.  A low pressure system will leave snow over much of Colorado and eastern Utah.
Rain and snow showers will affect eastern Arizona and New Mexico.  Denver may receive five to eight inches of snow.  High temperatures will range from the 20s in the Rockies to the 70s in parts of California and southwest Arizona.

Midwest:
Heavy rain is forecast for northern Missouri.  Severe thunderstorms may travel over eastern Kansas and Missouri.  A swath of snow is forecast for Nebraska through southeast South Dakota into Minnesota and northwest.  Wisconsin. High temperatures will range from near 30 in northeast North Dakota to the 50s across southern Kansas, southern Missouri and most of Kentucky

South:
Showers and thunderstorms are forecast for Oklahoma and the eastern half of Texas today.  A few storms may form over parts of Arkansas and Louisiana.  Some of the storms are expected to become severe, with possible tornadoes, especially over central Texas.  Red Flag Warnings are in effect for all of south Texas, a strong surface low pressure system will move across the state today into Tuesday producing strong southeast winds.  These strong winds, combined with abundant cured fuels and low relative humidity, will result in an enhanced risk of dangerous wildfire.  High temperatures will range from the 50s in the western Panhandle of Oklahoma to the 90s in southern Texas.  

Northeast:
Northern New York and Vermont will experience periods of light snow or freezing drizzle early this morning, then will transition to periods of snow showers.  High temperatures will range from the upper 20s in far northern Maine to the 50s south of the Mason-Dixon Line. (NOAA)

Atlanta, Georgia Tornado

NWS reported that an EF-2 tornado struck downtown Atlanta at approximately 9:45 p.m. Friday, March 14, 2008.  Georgia Dome, Phillips Arena, CNN Center, Olympic Park, and other buildings incurred damage.  Additional storm systems moved through central Georgia Saturday evening; and a second tornado touched down on Saturday, March 15, 2008.  Significant damage was reported in Jefferson County and the City of Wrens.  Governor declared a State of Emergency for the City of Atlanta and Fulton County.  Georgia EOC is at Level III (normal operations).  FEMA Region IV LNO is at GEMA.  Georgia Emergency Management Agency reported 28 people injured.  Two confirmed fatalities; one in Polk County and the other in Floyd County.  All residents of Floyd County have been accounted for; status of residents in Columbia County is on-going.  Georgia Power currently reports an estimated 2,175 customers without power.  ARC has one shelter open with a population of 45. Georgia State Patrol (GSP) is providing helicopter support for recovery operations.  Five Joint IA (including SBA) and PA PDA teams are on-going for the following five counties: Fulton, Polk, Floyd, Bartow and Jefferson.(FEMA Region IV, GEMA)

Crane Collapse in Mid-town Manhattan, NY

A 20-story crane collapsed on March 15, 2008.  One building destroyed; several buildings damaged and numerous buildings evacuated.  A five-story building in downtown New York City was partially collapsed (301 E. 50th Street).  Four fatalities and 24 injuries have been reported and three people are missing.  ARC has opened one shelter.  The collapsed crane is being dismantled on 50th Street.  Preparations are underway to further dismantle and lower the damaged crane on 51st Street.  The New York Fire Dept is coordinating with all agencies to conduct safe dismantling of damaged crane andis on standby to search voids, if necessary.  The New York Police Dept. is coordinating with all agencies to conduct safe dismantling of damaged crane and is coordinating with the Coreners Office for forensic evidence gathering.  Coordinating all traffic diversions and closures.  NYPD ESU is on standby to search voids, if necessary.  MTA Bus: Addressed issue of rerouting buses for Monday morning rush hour.  All agencies on site are aware of timeline and potential impact to pedestrian and vehicle traffic flow.(FEMA Region II, NICC)

Texas Wildfire

The Texas EOC is activated at Level III (Normal Operations).  Region VI State LNO is at Texas EOC and Region VI Operations and Planning is monitoring daily TX fire activity.  The TX National Guard has provided 22 personnel & 5 aircraft (5 UH60s) to support wildfire operations from Austin and San Antonio.  Cumulative fire information  as of  Sunday 2:00 p.m. CDT;  Total Acres Burned:  831,561, Total Homes Threatened:  6,869, Total Homes Lost:  131 and Total Homes Damaged:  36. (FEMA Region VI)

Flooding Update

Midwest:
Minor to moderate flooding continues on four tributary rivers in central and eastern Iowa due to snow melt and continued precipitation.  Ice jams are also possible, and continue to cause rapid fluctuations in river levels along the Iowa and English Rivers.  Moderate flooding occurring in several rivers of Iowa.  All rivers will crest and fall below moderate flood stage by Tuesday, March 18, 2008. 

Upper Midwest:
Minor flooding is possible in areas of southern Wisconsin, southern Minnesota, northern and central Illinois, southwest Michigan, and multiple rivers in Ohio due to recent snowmelt and rainfall.  All rivers in the region are at Minor Flood Stage.

South:
Flood Warnings continue for minor flooding in eastern Texas, southwest Louisiana, and eastern Arkansas.  Flash flooding is possible across the region. (NOAA)

Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG)

No activity to report .(FEMAHQ)

Tropical Weather Outlook

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Earthquake Activity

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Preliminary Damage Assessments

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Disaster Declaration Activity

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Last Modified: Monday, 17-Mar-2008 08:44:41 EDT