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National Situation Update: Thursday, November 13, 2008

Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED).

Significant National Weather

West:
A storm system continues to move over the Pacific Northwest Coast, producing heavy rain and increasing the possibility of flooding over western Washington.  Some areas will receive up to 7 inches of rain with localized mountain locations receiving over 10 inches.  River flooding is occurring but should quickly recede as rain tapers off later today.  Flood Watches and Advisories are in effect for several counties in northwest Oregon and northwest Washington.  Winter Weather Advisories are in effect for the northern and central mountains of western Colorado until 8:00 a.m. EST.  High Wind Warnings are in effect for portions of southeast Wyoming, central Montana, southern California and northeast Colorado; High Wind Watches are in effect for portions of western Wyoming.
Midwest:
Moisture from the Pacific Northwest storm will spread into the region bringing rain across the Northern Plains and into the Great Lakes.  A Flood Warning is in effect through this evening for the Buffalo River at Dilworth affecting Clay County, North Dakota.  High Wind Watches are in effect for portions of western Nebraska and western South Dakota.
South:
A front moving through the region may bring showers and thunderstorms to the Southeast and along the Gulf Coast.  Flood Warnings are in effect for portions of eastern coastal Texas.  Dense Fog Advisories are in effect for portions of Arkansas, Texas and Louisiana until about 10:00 a.m. EST.  Many areas will experience dense fog with visibilities at or below 1/4 mile.
Northeast:
Rain is forecast from northwest Pennsylvania to southeastern Virginia with some areas expected to receive up to one inch.  (NOAA, National Weather Service and Various Media Sources)

Pacific Northwest Storms

• Severe weather continues to affect western Washington and Oregon, causing a rapid rise in rivers and streams.  
• 17 rivers are expected to reach above flood stage.
• No Levees have breached, but some may overtop. 
• Seattle District USACE in flood fight at one location on Puyallup River at Orting, WA and three locations along Skagit River near Mount Vernon, WA
• Flooding is expected in Thunderbird, Cape Horn, Shangri-La and Town of Hamilton; the Town of Hamilton is preparing to evacuate.
• The American Red Cross opened one shelter in Hamilton (Skagit County); 9 residents have registered.
• Region X RRCC has placed LNOs in Washington and Oregon EOCs.
• USACE EOC was activated yesterday and personnel are deployed to the Olympic Mountains, Pierce and Snohomish Counties.
• There have been no requests for Federal assistance.

Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG)

No new activity to report. (FEMA HQ)

Tropical Weather Outlook

Atlantic/Caribbean:
No tropical cyclone formation is expected during the next 48 hours.
Eastern Pacific:
No tropical cyclone formation is expected during the next 48 hours.
Western Pacific:
No current tropical cyclone warnings. (NOAA, HPC,  National Hurricane Center, Central Pacific Hurricane Center and the Joint Typhoon Warning Center)

Earthquake Activity

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Preliminary Damage Assessments

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Disaster Declaration Activity

No new activity (FEMA HQ)