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National Situation Update: Friday, November 14, 2008

Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED).

Significant National Weather

West:
High Wind Warnings and Advisories are in effect for several counties in southern coastal California, as well as portions of northern Utah and north-central Wyoming.
Warm, dry weather is forecast for much of the West today.  Strong and locally damaging Santa Ana winds are expected across portions of southern California through Saturday.  Red Flag Warnings will be in effect for southwestern California from 8:00 am PST Friday until 4:00 pm PST Saturday.  A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for Colorado until 12:00 pm MST Friday.  Flood Warnings are in effect along several points of the Snoqualmie River in northwestern Washington.
Midwest:
The cold front that has brought rain and snow to the Northern Plains will push east into the Ohio Valley today.  This system will bring strong winds and much colder temperatures to the Midwest and eastern U.S.  Light snow accumulation is expected along the Northern Plains into the Upper Mississippi Valley.
High Wind Warnings and Watches are in effect for portions of western North Dakota, northern and northeastern South Dakota, north and south central Kansas and Nebraska.  A Flood Warning is in effect for the Buffalo River near Dilworth affecting Clay County in North Dakota.
South:
A low pressure system originating in Texas will continue to push eastward and up the Atlantic Seaboard, producing rain and thunderstorms.  Rain and thunderstorms possible along Gulf and Atlantic Coasts.  Flood Warnings remain in effect for portions of eastern coastal Texas.
Dense Fog Advisories are in effect along the Southeast and Mid Atlantic, in addition to portions of the Tennessee Valley, until approximately 10:00 a.m. EST.  Many areas will experience dense fog with visibilities at or below 1/4 mile.
Northeast:
Much of the Northeast will be affected by dense fog and light drizzle.   (NOAA, National Weather Service and Various Media Sources)

Pacific Northwest Storms

• Heavy rains have ended, and dry weather is expected through the weekend.
• Washington and Oregon Rivers are expected to fall below Major Flood Stage over the next two days.
• No levees have overtopped.
• FEMA Regional liaisons for Washington and Oregon EOC's have demobilized.
• Washington:
  • There have been no reports of serious injuries or significant damage.
  • All County EOCs are closed.
  • Washington State EOC is currently at Phase 1 OPS.
  • Initial damage assessments for all jurisdictions will be provided to the state by Monday, November 17.
  • There have been no requests for Federal assistance.
• Oregon
  • Seven injuries have been reported.
  • All County EOCs are closed.
  • Columbia County is investigating the report of an older water reservoir above Woodson area (near Clatskanie), with a possible crack.
  • No shelters are open at this time.
  • There have been no requests for Federal assistance.

California Wildfire – Tea Fire

• A wildland fire was reported near the cities of Montecito and Santa Barbara, California.
• Approximately 500 acres have burned and more than 10 buildings have been destroyed.
• Structures threatened include 1,000 residences.
• The fire is burning within Santa Barbara city limits and is currently uncontained.
• There are reports of 5 civilian burn injuries.
• There are mandatory evacuation orders for 1,550 residences and voluntary evacuations for 1,000 residences.
• One Shelter is open; unknown occupants.
• A proclamation of local emergency was received from the County of Santa Barbara, requesting that the proclamation be forwarded to the Governor of California.
• Santa Barbara County Emergency Operations Center (EOC), City of Montecito EOC, and OES Southern Region Emergency Operations Center (REOC) are activated.
• FMAG-2790-CA approved on November 14, 2008. (FEMA Region IX , CA OES and FMAG report)

Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG)

FMAG-2790-CA was requested and issued November 14, 2008 for the Tea Fire near Montecito and Santa Barbara, CA. (FEMA HQ)

Tropical Weather Outlook

Atlantic/Caribbean:
A surface low pressure trough interacting with an upper-level low is producing an area of showers and thunderstorms about 200 miles northeast of Puerto Rico.  This system has become less organized during the past several hours and development, if any, should be slow to occur as it moves westward at 10 to 15 mph.

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

FEMA-1809-DR was approved for Missouri for severe weather occurring September 11-14, 2008. (FEMA HQ)