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National Situation Update: Sunday, December 14, 2008

Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED).

Significant National Weather

West:
Temperatures are forecast to reach arctic levels bringing heavy snow to the western U.S. today.  Rain will be limited to portions of southern Oregon and lower elevations of California, Arizona and New Mexico.  Some areas of the northern Rockies could get up to 18 inches of snow.
Winter Storm and Blizzard Warnings are in effect for several western states for strong winds and heavy, blowing snow.
High Wind Warnings and Watches are in effect for portions of northern and central New Mexico and southern California.
Midwest:
A severe winter storm will move across the northern Plains and portions of the Upper Midwest today bringing heavy snow and strong winds to the area.  Heavy rain and wind will move northward from Missouri into Michigan.  Winter Storm and Blizzard Warnings are in effect for a large portion of the Upper Midwest for heavy snow and winds gusting to 40 mph.  A Wind Advisory is in effect for portions of southeast Kansas and southwest Missouri for sustained south winds of 25 to 35 mph, gusting to 45 mph.  A Flood Warning continues for the Rock River near Joslin, IL.
South:
Above average temperatures and gusty winds will be seen in much of the South today. 
Heavy rain and thunderstorms are possible in Arkansas.  Flood Warnings remain in effect for numerous rivers throughout the region.
Northeast:
Cold and dry weather is forecasted for most of the Northeast today.  Light showers are possible in western Virginia.  Flood Warnings continue for rivers in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New York. (NOAA, National Weather Service and Various Media Sources)

Winter Storm Update

• The President signed Emergency Declarations for Massachusetts and New Hampshire.  An Interim JFO has been opened in Maynard at the Region I RRCC HQ.  Priorities for impacted areas are sheltering, communication and power restoration.

Maine

• State EOC activated at Level II
• Injuries: 2
• Power Outages: 149,320 (Region 1 SPOTREP)
• Shelters: 20 / Occupants: Unknown (Region 1 SPOTREP)
• 86 Roads and State Highways closed
• Numerous cellular towers are operating on battery power

Massachusetts

• State EOC activated at Level II
• Power Outages: 170,028 Region 1 SPOTREP
• Shelters: 63 / Occupants: 1,152  (Region 1 SPOTREP)
• 6 State Highways closed

New Hampshire

• State EOC activated at Level III
• Fatalities: 1
• Power Outages: 364,359 Region 1 SPOTREP
• Shelters: 46 / Occupants: 487 (Region 1 SPOTREP)
• 150 State and 186 local roads impacted by wires and debris

Vermont

• State EOC activated at Level III
• Power Outages: 13,545 Region 1 SPOTREP
• Shelters: 4 / Occupants: 0 (Region 1 SPOTREP)
• No Federal assistance anticipated

Connecticut

• State EOC not activated
• Power Outages: 4,400
• No shelters open
• No Federal assistance anticipated

Rhode Island

• State EOC activated at Level II
• Primarily a rain event; however, 2,800 residents remain without power

New York

• NY SEMO activated at Level III, 24/7; FEMA LNO deployed to NY SEMO
• The Governor has declared a State of Emergency for 16 counties 
• Power Outages: 218,000 (-35,068)
• Shelters: 22 / Occupants: 325 (Region II SITREP #1)
• Numerous roads remain closed in Rensselaer and Columbia Counties
• No unmet needs and no Federal or State assets requested at this time

New Jersey

Hawaii Storms December 10-11, 2008

A low pressure system impacted the State during the period of December 10-11, 2008 with heavy rain, high winds, and flooding.  Most of the damage occurred on Oahu where a reported 14 inches of rain fell in a 12 hour period causing flooding and wind damage to homes, businesses, and roads; state damage assessments are currently being conducted.  The Governor signed a Disaster Proclamation for Oahu, Kauai and Maui allowing the mobilization of National Guard personnel and providing access to temporary housing and loans by those affected by the storms.  The National Guard has 15 personnel supporting relief efforts including debris removal, distribution of supplies, disaster survey teams, transportaion support and Liaison Officers.  Some low lying areas had to be evacuated due to flooding.  There are currently three Red Cross shelters open with 60 occupants. Flooding and damage to homes and infrastructure were also reported on Wahiawa, Waipahu, Waialua, Haleiwa, Laie, Kailua, and Waimanalo. There have been no request for Federal assistance at this time. (Region IX DSAR, NGB SITREP, Various Media Sources)

Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG)

No activity. (FEMA HQ)

Tropical Weather Outlook

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Earthquake Activity

On December 13, 2008 at 12:16 p.m. EST, a 4.0M earthquake occurred in central California, 11 miles north of Trona, at a depth of 1.2 miles. There have been no reports of damage or injury. (USGS, Earthquake Hazards Program, Alaska Earthquake Information Center, Pacific Tsunami Warning Center, and West Coast/Alaska Tsunami Warning Centers)

Preliminary Damage Assessments

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Disaster Declaration Activity

On December 13, 2008, the President signed Emergency Declaration (FEMA-3296-EM) for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for a Severe Winter Storm that occurred on December 11, 2008, and continuing. The declaration designates Public Assistance and emergency protective measures (Category B), limited to direct Federal assistance at 75 percent Federal funding, for nine counties.

On December 13, 2008, the President signed Emergency Declaration (FEMA-3297-EM) for the State of New Hampshire for a Severe Winter Storm that occurred on December 11, 2008, and continuing. The declaration designates Public Assistance and emergency protective measures (Category B), limited to direct Federal assistance at 75 percent Federal funding, for 10 counties.  (FEMA HQ)