National Situation Update: Monday, January 15, 2007
Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED).
National Weather Summary
South:
Freezing rain, some of which could be heavy, is expected to down power lines and snarl travel in parts of southeast and south-central Texas and northwest Louisiana.
Heavy rain of a non-freezing variety is forecast from northeast Louisiana northeastward into Tennessee.
Northeast:
From Pennsylvania and New Jersey northward a storm will move northeastward through the region.
North of the storm, snow is forecast from northern New York and New England.
A mix of snow, sleet and freezing rain is expected south from western New York through Massachusetts and the southern reaches of Vermont and New Hampshire.
Farther south, rain is forecast across Pennsylvania into northern Virginia, New Jersey and southern New England.
Midwest:
Light snow and flurries are expected to over much of the Midwest with the exception of northern Minnesota, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky where rain is expected as a storm center moves eastward.
Gusty winds will produce freezing wind chills in areas with below temperatures highs.
West:
The West will remain dry and unusually cold.
Highs tomorrow will range from the single digits in Yellowstone N. P., the Rockies and parts of the Great Basin to around 60 along the Southern California coast. (NWS, Media Sources)
Severe Weather
Oklahoma:
On Sunday January 14, the President declared Emergency, FEMA-3272-EM, authorizing Public Assistance Category B (emergency protective measures), including direct Federal assistance, for all 77 counties requested.
The State EOC is activated and the State is in contact with affected communities.
As of 5:30 pm EST Sunday, the State reported about 122,338 customers without power Statewide.
About 900 people were reported in shelters.
On Sunday, FEMA Logistics dispatched emergency water to Oklahoma, to be followed Monday by more water plus emergency generators.
ESF-7 (General Services Administration) has been notified and is coordinating a leasing specialist for Oklahoma City for the location of a Joint Field Office (JFO).
Initial Situation Reporting, Planning and Operations will be implemented through the FEMA RVI RRCC and the Denton MERS MOC.
Texas:
Freezing rain continues in Texas.
Limited power outages are reported at this time, but maintaining electric power over next few days will be a critical challenge as ice accumulates on power lines and trees.
The State has increased its number of personnel and vehicles to support winter weather response operations and is treating roadways.
The Salvation Army and the American Red Cross are prepared to assist with sheltering as needed.
The State will continue to monitor and report on the situation.
Missouri:
Missouri reports about 300,000 customers without power and 6 shelters open.
180 NG are on State active duty, and a Disaster Medical Assistance Team (DMAT) has been placed on standby. FEMA Region VII anticipates a State request for an expedited major disaster declaration.
The State EOC is currently activated 24/7.
Arkansas:
16 counties report minor to moderate flooding impacts since the ice storm.
Numerous roads are closed and several bridges are in danger from rising waters.
About 5,000 customers are reported without power.
1 shelter has been opened.
The State NG has been activated. (FEMA HQ, FEMA Region VI, FEMA Region VII, OK State Emergency Management, TX State Emergency Management)
Tropical Weather Outlook
No new activity (FEMA HQ)
Earthquake Activity
No new activity (FEMA HQ)
Preliminary Damage Assessments
No new activity (FEMA HQ)
Wildfire Update
For the week ending January 12, 2007, Wildland fire activity remained light throughout the country with 99 new fires reported.
Three new large fires were reported: one each in Oklahoma, Texas, and California. The large fire was contained in California.
No critical fire weather areas are forecast for the next two days. (National Interagency Fire Center)
Disaster Declaration Activity
No new activity (FEMA HQ)
Last Modified: Tuesday, 16-Jan-2007 08:14:05 EST