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National Situation Update: Monday, April 20, 2009

Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED).

Significant National Weather

Northeast 
Rain, heavy at times, is likely to develop in parts of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, and West Virginia by morning. The system will move into New York and western New England by early evening. Thunderstorms could develop during the late afternoon from southern Pennsylvania and southern New Jersey south through Virginia. Stronger storms may contain hail and damaging wind gusts. Total rainfall of one to two inches is possible over much of the region. 

South  
There is a threat of severe thunderstorms Monday afternoon and evening along the Southeast Coast. Thunderstorms may contain large hail, damaging wind gusts and a few tornadoes. Milder thunderstorms are predicted along the Florida peninsula.

Midwest  
Rain and showers are forecast throughout the Midwest from the Mississippi River eastward. The rain, at times, will mix with and change to snow across northeast Minnesota, northern Wisconsin, and northern Michigan. Some accumulations are possible. Showers over the Ohio Valley could become thundershowers, possibly producing small hail and gusty winds in the afternoon and evening hours.

West 
A few light showers or sprinkles are expected in far northwest and northeast Washington through Tuesday. Temperatures should run 10 to 25 degrees above average with afternoon highs ranging from the 50s and 60s in the mountains; 70s and lower 80s over the interior valleys, and 90s to lower 100s over the deserts. Temperatures should climb into the middle 80s to middle 90s in Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco areas. The warm temperatures could lead to rapid snow melt over the mountains and, in turn, increase water in the streams and rivers. Some areas could have localized flooding due to the rapid melting. (National Weather Service, Various media Sources)

Texas Wildfires and Flooding – Update

The State Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is activated at Level I (wildfire support). Fire activity has diminished. There was intense rainfall on Saturday, April 18, 2009 in eastern Texas resulting in flooding and flash-flooding. Media reported five unconfirmed fatalities due to a vehicular accident in high water. Flood warnings remain at many river locations in eastern Texas and southwest Louisiana. 100 homes were evacuated in La Porte (east of Houston); residents were sheltered with family members. Several farm-to-market roads are closed due to water across roadways.

Region IV Severe Weather Recovery

RRCC is operating at Watch/Steady State, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. EDT. Region IV ERT-A and Liaison Officer are deployed to the Florida EOC, which is at Level II due to recovery operations for the recent weather situation. Most river locations in northern Florida have crested and are slowly receding. Several locations along the Suwannee River continue to rise but should crest later today or Tuesday.

Region IV Severe Storms - April 19-20, 2009

A strong line of severe weather crossed Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia on Sunday night into early Monday morning. There were numerous reports of strong thunderstorms, tornadoes, high winds and quarter-sized hail. There was an unconfirmed report of two storm related fatalities in Alabama (Marshall and Morgan Counties). Flash flooding was reported in several locations. Numerous trees and power lines were downed. Power outages have been reported in Talladega County, Alabama. Several homes and buildings were damaged or destroyed. State EOCs are not activated.

Red River Flooding Update

Region VIII:
RRCC is activated at Level III, 6:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. MDT. North Dakota State EOC is activated at Level I, 24/7. There are four Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) open. There is one shelter open with a  population of eight (Barnes County, ND). The sewer system failed in portions of Valley City (Barnes County) on April 17; a sewer bypass was completed, but the city will continue to have water restrictions in place for approximately 30 days.
Region V:
RRCC activated at Level III, 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. CDT. Minnesota State EOC is at normal operations, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. CDT. One FEMA Liaison Officer remains at the Minnesota EOC. Region V Logistics Incident Staging Base (ISB) is operational in Dilworth, MN. Two DRCs are open in MN. There are three Red Cross shelters open with 0 population (two located in Lewiston and one in Elgin). Minnesota PA PDAs have been completed.

Region X - Mt. Redoubt, Alaska Volcano Activity

The Mt. Redoubt volcano remains at Aviation Color Code: ORANGE and Alert Level: WATCH. The eruption of Redoubt volcano continues. Seismic data suggest continued lava dome growth. Satellite imagery shows a vigorous steam plume above and downwind of the volcano. Additional explosive events producing ash clouds, ash fall, and mudflows are possible and can occur with little or no warning. AVO will maintain 24/7 operations in order to quickly detect renewed significant explosive activity and other hazardous phenomena. The Alaska State Emergency Coordination Center (SECC) remains at Level YELLOW: Elevated.

Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG)

No activity. (FEMA HQ)

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)