Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED)

Significant National Weather

West

Under high pressure, most of the region will remain dry except the desert Southwest where isolated showers and thunderstorms will persist throughout the day. The strongest storms will bring lightning, brief heavy rain and wind gusts up to 40 mph in some areas.

Midwest

Thunderstorms are forecast from the western plains to the Mississippi River. Parts of South Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa, and Missouri could see severe thunderstorms possible of producing heavy rain, gusty winds, and hail. Flash Flooding is possible across Missouri and Illinois.

South

A heat advisory is in effect for southeast Georgia, southern South Carolina, and portions of northeast Florida today as temperatures will produce heat indices of near 115 degrees in some areas. Scattered thunderstorms are expected in the afternoon and evening across northeast Florida and may generate gusty winds and excessive lightning.

Northeast

Under high pressure today, most of the region will remain sunny and dry.   

(NOAA and media sources)

Flooding in Northern Arizona

On July 29 heavy rains continued to impact northern Arizona (Coconino and Navajo Counties) causing flooding and debris flows. In Navajo County, the Navajo and Hopi tribal lands are significantly impacted by the heavy rains and report sewer line, water line, and road damage. FEMA Region IX remains at a Watch/Steady State and a state liaison is on standby. There are no requests for federal assistance. (FEMA Region IX)

Oil/Natural Gas Leak - Barataria Waterway, Louisiana

On July 27, a dredge barge in the Barataria Waterway made impact with an oil/natural gas wellhead owned by the State of Louisiana. The well is releasing oil and gas and is impacting the nearby shoreline and marsh. Approximately 33,000 feet of boom is deployed to contain the oil. There is no request for federal assistance. (DHS NOC)

Oil Spill - Marshall, Michigan

On July 26, a 30-inch pipeline ruptured and released 19,500 barrels (819,000 gallons) of oil into Tallmadge Creek near Marshall, Mich. Although the ruptured pipeline is now repaired, the creek is a tributary of the Kalamazoo River so the oil has drifted 30 nautical miles down the river. It is now affecting the waterway south of Augusta, Mich. which is only 55 miles from Lake Michigan. The EPA is providing resources for personnel, oil skimming, containment, and recovery activities. The U.S. Coast Guard is also providing support but no additional federal resources are requested. (Region V)

Mississippi Canyon 252 Update

FEMA is providing personnel to the National Integration Center and additional Logistics and External Affairs support to the Federal On-Scene Coordinator. FEMA leads the Social Services and Small Business Interagency Working Group (Claims and Benefits). Approximately 11,652,000 feet of boom has been deployed to date and booming and skimming activities continue in the affected areas. (NIC Daily Situation Update)

Wildfire Activity

National Preparedness Level: 2

National Fire Activity as of Thursday, July 29, 2010:

Initial attack activity: light (267 new fires), new large fires: 6, large fires contained: 5, uncontained large fires: 16, U.S. States affected: NV, CA, MT, ID, CO, OR, WA, AK, & FL

(NIFC)

Bull Fire - Kernville, Calif.

Approximately 16,074 acres have been consumed and the fire is reported to be 20 percent contained. The fire destroyed 14 structures and 1,200 structures are threatened. There are 2,060 personnel fighting the fire. FMAG – 2849-CA was approved for this fire on July 27, 2010. 

West Fire – Tehachapi, Calif.

Approximately 1,658 acres have been consumed and the fire is reported to be 44 percent contained. To date, 25 structures are destroyed and 150 more are threatened. There are 1,205 personnel fighting the fire with seven helicopters and 107 fire engines. FMAG-2850-CA was approved for this fire on July 27, 2010. 

Crown Fire – Northern Los Angeles County, Calif.

Approximately 2,000 acres have been consumed and the fire is reported to be zero percent contained. The fire is threatening the community of Acton, Calif. including major power and communication lines and 2,000 primary residences. Mandatory evacuations are in effect. There are 388 personnel fighting the fire with 51 fire engines. FMAG-2851-CA was approved for this fire on July 30, 2010.

Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG)

On July 30, 2010, FMAG-2851-CA was approved for the Crown Fire for Los Angeles, CA on July 30, 2010. 

(FEMA HQ)

Tropical Weather Outlook

Atlantic, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico:
A westward tropical wave is associated with disorganized clouds and a few thunderstorms over the southeastern Caribbean Sea. There is a low chance, 10 percent, of this system becoming a tropical cyclone during the next 48 hours. A second area of disturbed weather located over the Eastern Atlantic is 700 miles southwest of the Cape Verde islands and moving slowly westward. There is a low chance, 20 percent, of this system becoming a tropical cyclone during the next 48 hours.

Central Pacific:
A low level trough centered about 400 miles south-southeast of the Big Island of Hawaii is moving west at around 15 mph. There are isolated thunderstorms associated with the trough and there is a low chance, near zero percent, of the system becoming a tropical cyclone in the next 48 hours.

Western Pacific:
No activity.(NOAA, JTWC)

Earthquake Activity

On July 28-29, 2010, three magnitude 6.4 earthquakes, at depths ranging from six to nine miles, were reported in the Aleutian Islands of Alaska. No damages or injuries were reported. (USGS)

Preliminary Damage Assessments

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Disaster Declaration Activity

Iowa:
The President approved a major disaster declaration (FEMA-1930-DR-IA) for Iowa as a result of severe storms, flooding, and tornadoes that occurred June 1, 2010 and continuing. The declaration makes 32 counties eligible for the Public Assistance Program and all Iowa counties eligible for the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.

South Dakota:
The President approved a major disaster declaration (FEMA-1929-DR-SD) for South Dakota as a result of severe storms, flooding, and tornadoes that occurred June 16-24, 2010. The declaration makes three counties and the Cheyenne River Indian Reservation eligible for the Public Assistance Program and all South Dakota counties eligible for the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.

Kentucky:
Amendment #1 to FEMA-1925-DR-KY, effective July 29, 2010, amends the major disaster declaration to make Shelby County eligible for the Public Assistance Program. (FEMA HQ)

Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED)

Significant National Weather

West
From eastern Washington to Montana, some thunderstorms could be severe with heavy downpours, large hail and strong winds. Rain and thunderstorms are expected across the region from the Central Great Basin to the desert Southwest.
Midwest 
Scattered showers and thunderstorms are forecast across the upper Mississippi Valley and the Northern Plains, some flash flooding or strong wind gusts are possible. Severe thunderstorms are forecast for western Montana to northern Nebraska and may bring strong winds, heavy rainfall, and large hail.
South
The region will be hot and humid with temperatures in the 90s. Rain and thunderstorms will continue throughout the Southeast with the most concentrated storms from western Mississippi to the Carolinas. Heavy downpours and frequent lightning are possible with these storms.
Northeast
Rain and thunderstorms will move eastward from western Virginia to central New England. Some strong winds and small hail may accompany this system. 
(NOAA and media sources) 

Severe Thunderstorms-Mid-Atlantic

 Severe storms and damaging winds moved across the DC area on July 25 causing downed trees, power lines, and major power outages. Approximately 19,000 customers remain without power in the DC Metro area. There are no requests for federal assistance.  (FEMA Region III) 

Oil/Natural Gas Leak - Barataria Waterway in Louisiana

On July 27, a dredge barge in the Barataria Waterway made impact with an oil/natural gas wellhead owned by the State of Louisiana. The well is releasing oil and gas and created an oil slick 50 yards wide and 1 nautical mile long along the shoreline and nearby marsh. Approximately 18,400 feet of boom was deployed to contain the oil. There is no request for federal assistance. 
(DHS NOC) 

Oil Spill - Marshall, Michigan

 On July 26, a 30-inch pipeline ruptured and spilled 19,500 barrels (819,000 gallons) of oil into Talmadge Creek and impacting 16 miles of the Kalamazoo River. The Environmental Protection Agency responded but there are no additional requests for Federal assistance.  (Region V) 

Mississippi Canyon 252 Update

 FEMA is providing personnel to the National Integration Center and additional Logistics and External Affairs support to the Federal On-Scene Coordinator. FEMA leads the Social Services and Small Business Interagency Working Group (Claims and Benefits). Booming and skimming continues as weather permits. The spill has impacted approximately 640 miles of coastline.
(NIC Daily Situation Update) 

Tropical Weather Outlook

Atlantic, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico:
No tropical cyclone activity expected in the next 48 hours.
Eastern Pacific
A broad low pressure system located about 250 miles south of Guatemala is producing widespread cloudiness and scattered thunderstorms. Environmental conditions are somewhat conducive for gradual development of this disturbance over the next few days as it moves westward or west-northwestward at 10 to 15 mph. There is a low chance (20 percent) of this system becoming a tropical cyclone during the next 48 hours.
Central Pacific:
A low level trough 670 miles southeast of the Big Island of Hawaii is moving west at 15 mph. There is a low chance, near 0 percent, of this feature becoming a tropical cyclone in the next 48 hours. A second low level trough located 920 miles southwest of Kauai, Hawaii is moving west at 15 mph. There is a low chance, near 0 percent, of this feature becoming a tropical cyclone in the next 48 hours.
Western Pacific:
No activity. 
(NOAA, JTWC) 

Earthquake Activity

On July 28, 2010 at 6:51 p.m. EDT, a magnitude 5.1 earthquake was reported in the Northern Mariana Islands at a depth of 25 miles. No damages or injuries were reported.
(USGS) 

Preliminary Damage Assessments

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Wildfire Update

 National Preparedness Level: 2 
National Fire Activity as of Wednesday, July 28, 2010:
Initial attack activity: light (237 new fires), new large fires: 6, large fires contained: 0, uncontained large fires: 17, U.S. States affected: NV, CA, MT,UT, ID, CO, WA, AK, FL, LA, & NJ
(NIFC)
California Wildfires
Bull Fire - Kernville, Calif. 
Approximately 15,900 acres have been consumed and the fire is reported to be 12 percent contained. The fire destroyed 14 structures and 1,200 structures are threatened. There are 2,249 personnel fighting the fire with 16 helicopters and 67 fire engines. An FMAG – 2849-CA was approved for this fire on July 27, 2010. 
West Fire – Tehachapi, Calif.
Approximately 1,400 acres have been consumed and the fire is reported to be 25 percent contained. To date, 25 structures are destroyed and 150 more are threatened. There are 800 personnel fighting the fire with seven helicopters and 18 fire engines. An FMAG-2850-CA was approved for this fire on July 27, 2010. 
(FEMA HQ) 

Disaster Declaration Activity

Montana: 
Amendment No 1 to FEMA-1922-DR-MO was approved on July 28 and adds one county for Public Assistance.
(FEMA HQ) 

Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED)

Significant National Weather

West:
The region can expect scattered thunderstorms through the next few days. Red Flag Warnings are in effect for the Northern Intermountain Region through tonight; dry lighting is likely. Thunderstorms from central Oregon to Montana could turn severe with strong wind gusts and hail. Thunderstorms and localized flash flooding is possible for the Four Corners states.

Midwest:
A frontal boundary stretching from the Great Lakes to the Central Plains will move across the region. Thunderstorms are forecast along the front as far south as Missouri; damaging wind gusts are possible.

South:
The region will remain hot and humid with temperatures in the upper 90s. Thunderstorms are forecast with the possibility of localized flash-flooding, damaging wind gusts, and small hail.

Northeast:
The region will be generally dry under high pressure with the possibility of a few thunderstorms in the Virginias. Later today, the frontal system moving in off the Great Lakes will produce showers and thunderstorms from Pennsylvania to New England. A few of these storms could turn severe across New York and Pennsylvania with gusty winds the primary threat. Tonight and tomorrow, the cold front and thunderstorms will continue to move across the region.  (NOAA and media sources)

Mid-Atlantic – Severe Thunderstorms

Severe thunderstorms passed through the region on Sunday, July 25.  Approximately 47,000 customers remain without power in the DC Metro area. There is no request for federal assistance.  (FEMA Region III)

Louisiana Barataria Waterway – Wellhead Release

On July 27, a dredge barge made impact with an oil/natural gas wellhead owned by the State of Louisiana. The well is releasing oil and gas and created an oil slick 50 yards wide and 1 nautical mile long along the shoreline and nearby marsh. A 6,000 foot boom was deployed to contain the oil. There is no request for federal assistance.  

(DHS NOC) 

Oil Spill – Marshall, Michigan

On July 26, a 30-inch pipeline ruptured and spilled 19,500 barrels (819,000 gallons) of oil into Talmadge Creek and impacting 16 miles of the Kalamazoo River. The Environmental Protection Agency responded but there are no additional requests for Federal assistance.  (Region V) 

Mississippi Canyon 252 Update

FEMA is providing personnel to the National Integration Center and additional Logistics and External Affairs support to the Federal On-Scene Coordinator. FEMA leads the Social Services and Small Business Interagency Working Group (Claims and Benefits). Booming and skimming continues as weather permits. The spill has impacted approximately 640 miles of coastline. (NIC Daily Situation Update)

Wildfire Activity

National Preparedness Level: 2
National Fire Activity as of Tuesday, July 27, 2010:
Initial attack activity: light (337 new fires), new large fires: 5, large fires contained: 13
Uncontained large fires: 12, U.S. States affected: NV, CA, WY, MT,UT, ID, CO, WA, AK & FL (NIFC) 

California Wildfires

Bull Fire - Kernville, Calif.
Approximately 4,500 acres have been consumed and 2,000 residents were evacuated. There are 1,200 structures threatened and 296 personnel fighting the fire with 12 helicopters and 23 fire engines. An FMAG – 2849-CA was approved for this fire on July 27, 2010.

West Fire – Tehachapi, Calif.
Approximately 700 acres have been consumed. To date, 30 homes are destroyed, 50 homes faced mandatory evacuation and 400 more evacuated voluntarily. Currently, 150 residences and a wind turbine generating plant is threatened. The fire is 15 percent contained. An FMAG-2850-CA was approved for this fire on July 27, 2010. (FEMA HQ)

Tropical Weather Outlook

Atlantic, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico:
No tropical cyclone activity is expected in the next 48 hours. Eastern, Central and Western Pacific:
No tropical cyclone activity is expected in the next 48 hours. (NOAA, JTWC) 

Earthquake Activity

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Preliminary Damage Assessments

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Disaster Declaration Activity

Idaho:
On July 27, 2010, the President signed a major disaster declaration (FEMA-1927-DR-ID) for severe storms and flooding from June 2-10, 2010. Seven counties are eligible to apply for the Public Assistance Program and all counties in the state are eligible to apply for the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.

Oklahoma:
On July 27, 2010, the President signed a major disaster declaration (FEMA-1926-DR-OK) for severe storms, tornados, straight-line winds and flooding from June 13-15, 2010. Seven counties are eligible to apply for the Public Assistance Program and all counties in the state are eligible to apply for the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. (FEMA HQ)

Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED)

Significant National Weather

West: 

A cold front dropping out of Canada will produce thunderstorms in eastern Idaho, southern Montana and northern Wyoming with gusty winds and hail. Isolated thunderstorms are forecast for higher elevations across the West. Red Flag warnings are in effect for much of Oregon and Idaho due to dry lightning, when lightning is observed but little if any precipitation reaches the ground. These lightning strikes could touch off wildfires.

Midwest:

A cold front dropping out of Canada into the northern Midwest will produce severe thunderstorms from the Dakotas to the Great Lakes. The primary threat is gusty winds, but hail and tornadoes are possible. Heavy precipitation is forecast and northern Minnesota could receive as much as 2 inches. The remainder of the region will be dry except for isolated thunderstorms from Missouri to Ohio.

South:

A frontal system draped across the region and moist flow off the Gulf of Mexico will produce widespread precipitation across the region. Showers and scattered thunderstorms will produce gusty winds and localized flash flooding. Severe thunderstorms are expected in Georgia and the Carolinas. Showers and thunderstorms are forecast for the Texas and Louisiana coastlines. South of the front, high temperatures will be in the 90s with high humidity.

Northeast:

Under high pressure, the region will be dry except for possible thunderstorms in parts of the Virginias.   

(NOAA and media sources)

Mid-Atlantic – Severe Thunderstorms

Severe thunderstorms passed through the region Sunday, July 25. Numerous trees were blown down knocking out power to thousands of customers. In Washington, D.C., approximately 7,500 customers are without power. In Maryland, approximately 140,000 customers are without power in Montgomery and Prince Georges counties. There are no requests for federal assistance. (FEMA Region III)

Flooding on the Rio Grande River

The controlled release of water from the Falcon and Amistad reservoirs will keep the Rio Grande River at Rio Grande City, Texas at five feet above flood stage through the week. Voluntary evacuations have been lifted for Hidalgo and Starr counties. All joint Preliminary Damage Assessments are complete. (FEMA Region VI) 

Kentucky Flooding

The President approved a major disaster declaration for Pike County on July 23. Two Mobile Disaster Recovery Centers are staged at the Joint Field Office in Lexington, Ky. The water sewage treatment plant in Pike County remains inoperable and a Boil Water Advisory remains in effect for 25,000 customers. Joint Preliminary Damage Assessments are ongoing. (FEMA Region IV) 

Iowa Flooding

Severe storms moved across south - central Iowa July 23-24. Record flooding on the Maquoketa River caused a 100% failure of the Hartwick Dam on Lake Delhi. The Hopkinton city sewer plant flooded but city drinking water was not contaminated. There are no requests for federal assistance. (FEMA Region V, FEMA Region VII)

Mississippi Canyon 252 Update

FEMA is providing personnel to the National Integration Center and additional Logistics and External Affairs support to the Federal On-Scene Coordinator. FEMA leads the Social Services and Small Business Interagency Working Group (Claims and Benefits). Vessels and drill rigs have returned to the scene. The Ram Capping Stack continues to leak minor amounts and is being monitored. Booming, skimming and in situ burning continues as weather permits. The spill has impacted approximately 638 miles of coastline. (NIC Daily Situation Update)

Wildfire Activity

National Preparedness Level: 2
National Fire Activity as of Monday, July 26, 2010:
Initial attack activity: light (201 new fires), new large fires: 8, large fires contained: 0
Uncontained large fires: 10, U.S. States affected: NV, WY, MT, CA, ID, UT, WY, CO, WA, AK & AZ
(NIFC)

Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG)

California
FMAG-2849-CA was issued for the Bull Fire in Kern County, Calif. The fire is zero percent contained and has burned more than 4,500 acres. There have been 500 mandatory evacuations and 1,500 voluntary evacuations. The fire has destroyed 35 structures thus far and 150 residences and 5 businesses are at risk.
(FEMA HQ)

Tropical Weather Outlook

Atlantic, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico:
No tropical cyclone activity expected in the next 48 hours

Eastern, Central and Western Pacific:
No tropical cyclone activity expected in the next 48 hours

Earthquake Activity

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Preliminary Damage Assessments

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Disaster Declaration Activity

Oklahoma:
The President approved a major disaster declaration for seven counties in Oklahoma (FEMA-1926-DR-OK) on July 26, 2010 for severe storms, tornadoes, straight line winds and flooding that occurred from June 13-15, 2010. The Public Assistance Program is available to the identified seven counties and all counties in the state are now eligible to apply for Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funds.

Minnesota
Amendment 1 to FEMA-1921-DR-MN adds seven counties for Public Assistance.
(FEMA HQ)

Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED)

Significant National Weather

West:
The region will be dry except for thunderstorms across higher elevations. Red Flag warnings are in effect for northern California, much of Nevada, southeastern Oregon, western Idaho and western Utah   due to dry thunderstorms and gusty outflow winds. High temperatures will reach 100 in central Washington and as much as 118 in the Desert Southwest.

Midwest: 
High pressure over the Great Lakes will keep most of the region dry with partly cloudy skies. The front stretching from the Carolinas to Kansas will produce showers and thunderstorms across the southern part of the region. This evening, North Dakota and northern Minnesota will see a few severe thunderstorms.

South: 
The front discussed above, combined with warm moist air off the Gulf of Mexico will produce widespread showers and thunderstorms across the region. Precipitation will be heavy at times and some areas will see an inch or more. Areas south of the front will be humid with temperatures ranging from 85 to 95 producing heat indices of 100 to 110. Thunderstorms are in the forecast for the region again tomorrow.  

Northeast:
The high pressure over the Great Lakes will produce gusty northwest winds over New England.  Precipitation will be limited to showers across northern Maine and thunderstorms in southern Virginia and West Virginia. With the front south of the region, humidity will be greatly reduced and temperatures will be near seasonal averages (upper 60s in northern Maine to 90s in the Mid-Atlantic).  
(NOAA and media sources)

Mid Atlantic – Severe Thunderstorms

Severe thunderstorms passed through the region Sunday evening. Numerous trees fell knocking out power to thousands of customers. Widespread power outages were reported in Maryland, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. Approximately 280,000 customers in the D.C. metropolitan area, 4,000 customers in Pennsylvania and 10,000 customers in West Virginia are without power. (FEMA Region III and media sources)

Possible Record Hail Recorded in South Dakota

On July 23, a super cell thunderstorm developed in western South Dakota and produced very large hail near the town of Vivian.

While conducting damage surveys the following day, a meteorologist from the NOAA National Weather Service in Aberdeen, South Dakota came in contact with a man that had saved several large hail stones.  The observer reported the largest hailstone he found had a diameter of 11 inches but melted partially in the freezer when the power went out.  The largest stone the Weather Service staff saw measured 8 inches in diameter with a circumference of 18.5 inches. The current U.S. record for the largest hailstone is 7 inches in diameter with a circumference of 18.75 inches, which fell in Aurora, Nebraska, on June 22, 2003. Extensive structure damage occurred in the town of Vivian from the storm including broken windows and holes in roofs due to the large hail.  (NOAA, NWS Kansas City, Mo.)

Flooding on the Rio Grande River, Texas

Flood Warnings continue for the Rio Grande River. The controlled release of water from the Falcon and Amistad reservoirs will keep the Rio Grande River at Rio Grande City, Texas at major flood stage through the week. (FEMA Region VI)

Midwest Storms and Flooding

In Illinois, up to seven inches of rain fell across metropolitan and suburban Chicago on July 24. Flood cleanup continues across northern Illinois. In Wisconsin, local damage surveys and flood clean up are ongoing across central and southern Wisconsin from thunderstorms that occurred on July 22 – 23. In Iowa, a cluster of severe storms swept across south-central Iowa Friday evening through Saturday morning. Record flooding on the Maquoketa River caused a 100 percent failure of the Hartwick Dam on Lake Delhi. The Hopkinton, Iowa sewer plant flooded but the city drinking water has not been contaminated. There are no requests for Federal assistance at this time. (FEMA Regions V, VII)

Tropical Weather Outlook

Atlantic, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico: 

No tropical cyclone activity expected in the next 48 hours

Eastern, Central, Western Pacific

No tropical cyclone activity expected in the next 48 hours.
(NOAA, JTWC)

Earthquake Activity

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Preliminary Damage Assessments

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Disaster Declaration Activity

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED)

Significant National Weather

Midwest
Storms are expected through Friday from North and South Dakota into Minnesota, Iowa and Indiana.  Some thunderstorms in the region could be severe, with the main threats being large hail and strong gusty winds.  Excessive Heat Warnings are in effect for areas of southeastern Kansas, eastern Oklahoma, and northwestern Arkansas through Friday, July 23.  Flood Warnings are in effect for portions of the northern plains and the upper and middle Mississippi Valleys.

Northeast
Rain and thunderstorms will continue over much of Maine as the system that affected the area on Wednesday exits the region.  The Mid Atlantic region will be hot and humid, with temperatures reaching the mid-90s and a slight risk of afternoon thundershowers.

South
The region will remain very hot and humid with some relief associated with afternoon showers and thunderstorms.  High temperatures will be in the 90s with very high humidity.  Heat index values may reach near or above 105 degrees today and Friday.

West
The central and eastern Rocky Mountains will see a chance of afternoon thunderstorms.  Some thunderstorms could produce heavy rainfall and cause localized flooding.  Desert high temperatures may reach 100 – 110 degrees.  (NOAA’s National Weather Service, the Hydrometeorological Prediction Center and media sources)

XXI Central American and Caribbean Games: July 17 – August 1, 2010

The games continue as scheduled. A Flash Flood Watch was in effect for portions of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands through this afternoon.  Many areas have already received in excess of 4 inches of rain this week

Flooding on the Rio Grande River, Texas – Update

Situational Update:
NWS reports that Flood Warnings continue for the Rio Grande River.  The Rio Grande River at Rio Grande City remains at Major Flood Stage, but appears to have crested and is slowly receding. The river will remain at 55.6 ft through midnight, July 22 and is expected to drop one-half a foot by this weekend.  Recent rain in the area will keep the Rio Grande at flood stage for the next few days, but should not exacerbate existing flood conditions. Flood operations continue at the Amistad and Falcon reservoirs.  Releases from the Falcon Reservoir were 60,000 cfs, and 13,000 cfs at Amistad.  Pool elevation for the Falcon Reservoir continues to fall.

Mandatory evacuations continue for the subdivisions of de la Garza, Campo Verde, and Garza in the City of Roma as well as areas in the City of La Grulla (Starr County) and the City of Los Ebanos. Voluntary evacuations continue in the cities of La Joya, and in Penitas and south of the city of Pharr (both in Hidalgo County) due to flooding.  Three American Red Cross shelters remain open with 65 occupants.

Kentucky Flooding

Flooding is ongoing as a result of severe weather July 17 – 21, 2010.  States of Emergency have been declared in 4 counties and 1 independent city.  Over 130 homes were flooded with 22 homes suffering major damage.  Numerous roads and 21 bridges are affected by flood waters.  Isolated power outages occurred in several counties.  Five sewage plants were damaged.  Approximately 2,400 people are without water.   Boil Water Advisories have been issued impacting 25,000 people.  One shelter is known to be open in Carter County.  The number of occupants at that shelter is unknown

Mississippi Canyon 252 Update

Federal/State Response:

FEMA is providing personnel and equipment support. The oil flow remains secured.  The capping stack developed five minor gasket leaks and hydrate formation that will continue to be monitored and evaluated with no acoustic or visual anomalies noted.  Well integrity test remains satisfactory.  Pressure has been increased to 6,840 (+34) pounds per square inch.  No In Situ Burning (ISB) has been conducted or aerial dispersant flights flown on July 21, 2010.  More than 821,000 barrels of oil and 1.863 billion cubic feet of gas have been recovered to date.  Relief Well Drilling - Drill Rig DIII: Depth is 12,618 feet below sea floor. Drill Rig DII: Depth is 10,743 feet below sea floor.

Coastline impact has increased to approximately 626 miles, impacting AL, FL, LA, MS, and TX.  Clean up continues across impacted areas.  Due to current weather, small vessels, barges, and Vessels of Opportunity have been instructed to recover equipment, enter decontamination, and seek safe harbor in Alabama and Mississippi.  (NIC Daily Situation Update, DHS NOC SLB, Deepwater Horizon Response and FL Situation Report)

Tropical Weather Outlook

Atlantic, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico: 

The National Hurricane Center is monitoring two disturbances, 97L and 98L.

97L is a tropical wave located near the southeastern Bahamas.  The system is moving westward or west northwestward at 10 to 15 mph.  Locally heavy showers and gusty winds associated with this disturbance will spread over the Bahamas and portions of Cuba and southern Florida.  There is a medium chance (40%) of this system becoming a tropical cyclone during the next 48 hours.

The second system, 98L, has shower activity associated with a broad low pressure over the Bay of Campeche and is becoming better organized.  The system is expected to move westward or northwestward at 10 to 15 mph.  There is a medium chance (40%) of this system becoming a tropical cyclone during the next 48 hours.

Eastern and Central Pacific: 

No tropical cyclone activity expected in the next 48 hours.

Western Pacific:

No systems affecting U.S. interests.(NOAA, NWS, NHC, CPHC JTWC)

Earthquake Activity

A 4.5 magnitude earthquake occurred at 8:45 p.m. EDT near Charlotte Amale in the U.S. Virgin Islands (about 80 miles east of San Juan, Puerto Rico).  USGS recorded the tremor at a depth of 73 miles.  No injuries or damages were reported and no tsunami was generated.

Preliminary Damage Assessments

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Wildfire Update

National Preparedness Level: 2

National Fire Activity as of Wednesday, July 21, 2010:

• Initial attack activity:  Light (157 new fires)
• New large fires:  4
• Large fires contained:  2
• Uncontained large fires:  9
• States Affected: AK, AZ, CA, CO, ID, WA, and, UT(NIFC)

Cowiche Mills Fire Update

 The Cowichie Mills Fire, located 10 miles northwest of Yakima, Washington State, started on Sunday, July 18, at approximately 3:30 p.m. PDT; cause unknown. High heat, low humidity, and high winds have driven the fire to spread quickly; currently approximately 6,200 acres have burned with 55% contained. Three residential structures have burned; approximately 150 residential structures remain threatened.

Disaster Declaration Activity

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED)

Significant National Weather

Midwest
Thunderstorms and perhaps one or two thunderstorm complexes will affect an area from the western Dakotas, Nebraska and northern Kansas to Ohio and Kentucky. Some of these storms could become severe, with damaging wind gusts and downpours of 1 to 3 inches of rain, possibly causing flash flooding. High humidity will continue to affect the region from the Ohio Valley to Nebraska.
Northeast
Thunderstorms are possible throughout the Northeast. Some of the storms could become severe, with damaging wind gusts and downpours of 1 to 3 inches of rain. South-central and southeast Virginia will see high temperatures from the upper 90s to almost 100 degrees – 10 degrees above average.
South
The region will remain dry except for eastern Texas, southern Louisiana, and parts of Tennessee, which may see thunderstorms.
West
Scattered thunderstorms are possible from Montana to Arizona and New Mexico. Some of these storms could become severe in eastern Montana, eastern Wyoming, and northeast Colorado; the primary threat will be damaging wind, large hail, and heavy rainfall. (NOAA’s National Weather Service, the Hydrometeorological Prediction Center and media sources)

XXI Central American and Caribbean Games: July 17 – August 1, 2010

Overview
The games continue as scheduled.

Federal/FEMA Response
FEMA Region II is at Level III (24/7) for the duration of the Games. Caribbean Area Division personnel are staffing the Multiagency Coordination Center (MACC) in Puerto Rico.

Flooding on the Rio Grande River, Texas – Update
NWS reports that Flood Warnings continue for the Rio Grande River. The Rio Grande River at Rio Grande City remains at Major Flood Stage, but appears to have crested and is slowly receding. The river: flood elevation was recorded at 55.69 feet, as of 1:15 a.m. EDT on July 21. The Rio Grande River at Laredo and at Columbia Bridge is at Minor Flood Stage, and continues to recede. Flood operations continue at the Amistad and Falcon reservoirs. Releases from the Falcon Reservoir were 60,040 cfs, and 12,360 cfs at Amistad and the pool elevation for the Falcon Reservoir continues to fall. Mandatory evacuations continue for the subdivisions of de la Garza, Campo Verde, and Garza in the City of Roma; some areas in the City of La Grulla (Starr County) and the City of Los Ebanos. Voluntary evacuations continue in the cities of La Joya, and in Penitas and south of the city of Pharr (both in Hidalgo County) due to flooding.  (FEMA Region VI, DHS/NOC Steady State Incident Report, TX SOC SITREP, media sources)

Mississippi Canyon 252 Update

FEMA is providing personnel and equipment support.  The oil flow remains secured. The capping stack developed five minor gasket leaks and hydrate formation continues to be monitored and evaluated with no acoustic or visual anomalies noted. The well integrity test remains satisfactory and pressure has increased. Coastline impact has increased to approximately 630.7 miles, impacting AL, FL, LA, MS, and TX. Clean up crews in Alabama covered more than 40 miles of shoreline on July 19 – the largest effort to date in a single operational period. Tar balls were removed from Perdido Pass and the beach between Wrecking Ball and Laguna Key. A decontamination team is being stood up in Louisiana. Clean up crews in Mississippi responded to light impact on Cat and Ship Islands.(NIC Daily Situation Update, DHS NOC SLB, Deepwater Horizon Response and FL Situation Report) 

Cowiche Mills Fire Update

The fire started on Sunday, July 18, at approximately 3:30 p.m. PDT; cause unknown. High heat, low humidity, and high winds have driven the fire to spread quickly; currently approximately 6,200 acres have burned with 35% contained. Three residential structures have burned; approximately 150 residential structures remain threatened.

Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG):

No activity.(FEMA HQ) 

Tropical Weather Outlook

Atlantic, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico: 
A tropical wave located near the eastern Dominican Republic and extending northward over the Atlantic Ocean for a few hundred miles is moving west northwestward at 10 mph. There is a high chance (70%) of this system becoming a tropical depression or a tropical storm during the next 48 hours. Gusty winds and locally heavy rainfall associated with this system are likely to affect the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Haiti, eastern Cuba, Bahamas, and the Turks and Caicos Islands during the 48 hours. The heavy rains could cause life-threatening flash floods and mudslides in mountainous areas.
Eastern and Central Pacific: 
No tropical cyclone activity expected in the next 48 hours.
Western Pacific:
No systems affecting U.S. interests.(NOAA, NWS, NHC, CPHC JTWC)

Earthquake Activity

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Preliminary Damage Assessments

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Wildfire Update

National Preparedness Level: 2
National Fire Activity as of Tuesday, July 20, 2010:

• Initial attack activity: Light (182 new fires)
• New large fires: 4
• Large fires contained: 3
• Uncontained large fires: 8

States Affected: CA, WA, CO, MT, ID, AZ & AK. (NIFC)

Disaster Declaration Activity

No new activity (FEMA HQ)