DENTON, Texas -- Both a toll-free registration telephone number and online registration are now operational for homeowners, renters and business owners in eight Texas counties who suffered property damage or loss from Hurricane Alex. Those counties include Cameron, Hidalgo, Jim Hogg, Maverick, Starr, Val Verde, Webb and Zapata.

LEXINGTON, Ky. -- Pike County residents affected by the July storms and flooding are urged to be alert for and report potential fraud during recovery and rebuilding efforts.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Homeowners rebuilding after the spring floods can receive valuable information from hazard mitigation specialists with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) at a home improvement store in Pulaski, beginning Monday, Aug. 9. This will be the last time the FEMA specialists will be available in Middle Tennessee.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Homeowners rebuilding after the spring floods can receive valuable information from hazard mitigation specialists with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) at home improvement stores in West Tennessee, beginning Monday, Aug. 9. This will be the last time the FEMA specialists will be available in West Tennessee.

Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED) Significant National Weather

West: 
Flash flooding will remain a possibility in the Four Corners region especially across western Colorado and northern New Mexico. There is also a slight risk of severe thunderstorms over northeastern Colorado, southwestern Nebraska, and northwestern Kansas. Red Flag fire risk conditions are in effect in Idaho as isolated dry thunderstorms are possible from eastern Oregon into central Idaho. High temperatures in the 90-100 degree range will persist in the Desert Southwest and dry, hot conditions will continue across much of southern and central California and into southern Nevada. 
Midwest:
A cold front will extend from southern Oklahoma into Tennessee and provide relief from the recent excessive heat. Ahead of this front, a broad area of instability will bring numerous thunderstorms, some of which may become supercells in western Nebraska and northwestern Kansas. The threat of severe thunderstorms continues across portions of the Middle Mississippi and Ohio Valleys. Dangerous heat and humidity continues across portions of southern Oklahoma and eastern Texas with high temperatures surpassing 100 degrees.
South:
An excessive heat warning was issued for portions of the Lower Mississippi and Tennessee Valleys where temperatures exceeding 115 degrees are possible. Scattered thunderstorms are forecast across the Southeast today. 
Northeast:
A cold front will extend from southern Oklahoma into Tennessee then northeasterly into New England by this afternoon. Ahead of this front, a broad area of strong instability will exist and numerous thunderstorms are expected. The Mid-Atlantic and New England regions are at risk for severe thunderstorms, hail, and high winds by this afternoon.  
(NOAA and media sources)

Mississippi Canyon 252 Update

FEMA is providing personnel and equipment support. Static kill operations are complete and the oil flow remains secured. The National Incident Commander has given BP permission to cement the well.  Approximately 650 miles of coastline is impacted and approximately 57,539 square miles in the Gulf of Mexico remain closed to fishing.  
(NIC Daily SitRep Update)

Tropical Weather Outlook

Atlantic, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico: 
The remnants of Tropical Storm Colin is now a broad area of low pressure a few hundred miles north of the Leeward Islands moving northwest at 20 to 25 mph. Satellite images indicate that the associated cloud pattern continues to show signs of organization but surface observations suggest that it lacks a well-defined circulation. Although upper-level winds are not favorable for significant development, the system has the potential to regain tropical storm status later today or on Friday. There is a medium chance, 40 percent, of this system becoming a tropical cyclone during the next 48 hours. In addition to Colin, a tropical wave exists over the western Caribbean Sea that may develop further during the next day or two before it moves over Central America. There is a low chance, 20 percent, of this system becoming a tropical cyclone during the next 48 hours.
Eastern Pacific 
An area of low pressure located 100 miles south-southwest of Puerto Escondido, Mexico appears conducive for development at any time during the next day or so. There is a high chance, 70 percent, of this system becoming a tropical cyclone during the next 48 hours.
Central and Western Pacific: 
No tropical cyclones are expected during the next 48 hours. 
(NOAA, JTWC)

Earthquake Activity

A 4.8 magnitude earthquake occurred Wednesday, Aug 4, at 8:04 p.m. EDT approximately 20 miles east northeast of Jackson, Wyo., at a depth of 3.1 miles. There are no reports of significant damage or injury. 
(USGS)

Preliminary Damage Assessments

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Wildfire Update

Rooster Rock Fire – Deschutes National Forest 
This fire in central Oregon has burned approximately 5,500 acres and is currently 30% contained.  Approximately 30 homes nearby were evacuated as a precaution. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
National Preparedness Level: 2
National Fire Activity as of Wednesday, August 4, 2010: 
Initial attack activity: light (159 new fires), new large fires: 2, large fires contained: 2
Uncontained large fires: 8, U.S. States affected: WA, OR, CA, ID, MT, WY, CO, AK & AR
(NIFC)

Disaster Declaration Activity

Amendment #1 for FEMA-1923-DR-WY was approved on August 4, 2010 adding Platte County for Public Assistance.
Amendment #2 for FEMA-1922-DR-MT was approved on July 30, 2010 closing the incident period for the disaster effective July 30, 2010. 
(HQ FEMA)    

OKLAHOMA CITY – State agencies, local and tribal governments as well as certain private nonprofits in three Oklahoma counties affected by the May 10-13 storms and tornadoes have just a few days left to file their official requests for assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

BLOOMINGTON, Minn. -- For 72 years, the Ramsey Park Swayback Bridge in Redwood Falls, Minnesota has withstood the test of time, and that of Mother Nature, with its concrete and granite stone solidly in place in the aftermath of severe weather and flooding last spring.

BLOOMINGTON, Minn. -- It's been more than a month since tornadoes sent debris flying through parts of northwestern and southern Minnesota, however, family emergency preparedness remains the number one topic on the minds of Minnesotans, especially among those who survived the twisters last June in Otter Tail, Wadena, Freeborn and Steele counties. That’s where the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) answered questions and offered important safety tips recently as part of its community outreach displays at area home supply stores and local fairs.

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico -- Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) officials recommend purchasing flood insurance now to protect your property, before the peak of the hurricane season. Flooding events are the most common disaster and most homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- If you sustained damage from the spring storms and floods in Tennessee and have not registered for federal disaster assistance, tomorrow is the last day to do so. The deadline is Thursday, Aug. 5, 2010.

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano today applauded President Obama's intent to appoint Warren Stern as Director of DHS' Domestic Nuclear Detection Office (DNDO).

Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED) Significant National Weather

West: 
The region will be mostly dry except for occasional showers stretching from Montana to northern parts of Arizona and New Mexico. High temperatures between 100 and 119 degrees will persist in the Desert Southwest.
Midwest:
A frontal system stretching across the region will produce severe thunderstorms in portions of Wyoming, Nebraska and South Dakota. Further east, the front will produce showers and thunderstorms from the Middle Mississippi Valley to the Ohio Valley. Some of the thunderstorms will be severe, with gusty winds and the risk of flash flooding in some locations. An excessive heat warning has been issued for much of the Middle Mississippi Valley with high temperatures surpassing 100 degrees.
South:
Excessive heat warnings are in effect for much of the Southeast with high temperatures surpassing 100 degrees. Scattered thunderstorms are expected across the Southeast.
Northeast:
A frontal system moving eastward will bring severe thunderstorms to the Mid Atlantic region producing gusty winds and heavy precipitation.
(NOAA and media sources)

Mississippi Canyon 252 Update

FEMA is providing personnel and equipment support. The static kill operation including cementing the oil well is ongoing. The second drill rig is holding operations at 10,743 feet below the sea floor awaiting results of the primary relief well effort. Approximately 643 miles of coastline are impacted by the oil spill.
 (NIC Daily Situation Update)

Geomagnetic Storm

On August 1, Earth-orbiting satellites detected a solar flare originating from an Earth-facing sunspot. This type of solar flare, known as a C-class, is relatively small with few noticeable consequences here on Earth besides auroras (often known as the Northern Lights). Beginning on Aug. 4, the effects from this flare will be visible as auroras in the northern latitudes of the United States from northern Michigan to Maine. On Aug. 5, the flare’s effects will be felt more strongly and could result in some radio and minor power grid fluctuations. The aurora may be visible as far south as New York and Idaho. The Sun goes through a regular activity cycle about 11 years long. The last solar maximum occurred in 2001 and its recent extreme solar minimum was particularly weak and long lasting. These kinds of eruptions are one of the first signs that the Sun is waking up and heading toward another solar maximum expected in 2013.
(NASA, NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center (http://www.swpc.noaa.gov/ and FEMA HQ)

Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG)

No activity (FEMA HQ)

Tropical Weather Outlook

Atlantic, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico: 
The remnants of Tropical Storm Colin are located about 250 miles east of the Leeward Islands moving west-northwestward near 25 mph. Upper-level winds are expected to remain unfavorable for redevelopment for the next day or two. There is a low chance, 10 percent, of this system becoming a tropical cyclone again during the next 48 hours. Locally heavy rains and strong gusty winds are possible over portions of the Leeward and Virgin Islands today and tonight. 
Elsewhere in the region, disorganized cloudiness showers and thunderstorms over the Central Caribbean Sea are associated with a tropical wave. Some slow development of this disturbance is possible over the next few days as it moves generally westward at 15 to 20 mph. There is a low chance, 20 percent, of this system becoming a tropical cyclone during the next 48 hours.
Eastern Pacific
A broad area of low pressure about 700 miles south of Baja California, Mexico is producing disorganized showers and thunderstorms. This system is moving west- northwestward at 5 to 10 mph and upper-level winds are expected to remain unfavorable for development. There is a low chance, 10 percent, of this system becoming a tropical cyclone during the next 48 hours.
Central Pacific: 
 A surface trough about 800 miles southeast of Hilo is moving west at 18 mph. Isolated thunderstorms around this trough persist but are poorly organized. There is a low chance, 10 percent, of a tropical cyclone developing within this trough over the next 48 hours.
Western Pacific:
No activity. 
(NOAA, 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, August 3, 2010: 
Initial attack activity: light (165 new fires), new large fires: 3, large fires contained: 3
Uncontained large fires: 9, U.S. States affected: WA, OR, CA, ID, MT, WY & NV
(NIFC)

Disaster Declaration Activity

Texas
The President approved a major disaster declaration (FEMA-1931-DR-TX) for Texas as a result of damage caused by Hurricane Alex from June 30 and continuing. The declaration makes nine counties eligible for the Individual Assistance and Public Assistance Programs and all Texas counties eligible for the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.
(HQ FEMA)  

Following is a summary of key federal disaster aid programs that can be made available as needed and warranted under President Obama’s major disaster declaration issued for the State of Texas.

WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today that federal aid has been made available for Texas to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area struck by Hurricane Alex beginning on June 30, 2010, and continuin

Major Disaster Declaration number 1931 declared on Aug 03, 2010

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Got 20 minutes? Then you have time to register for federal disaster assistance if you sustained damage from the spring storms and floods in Tennessee.

LEXINGTON, Ky. -- Mold can be a growing problem in the aftermath of floods and can be a health risk if you don’t take care of it.

Secretary Napolitano announced a series of initiatives to support state and local law enforcement and community groups across the country in identifying and mitigating threats to their communities and expanded DHS' "If You See Something, Say Something" campaign to the Washington, D.C., area in conjunction with National Night Out, an annual anticrime campaign involving citizens, police and neighborhood groups.

Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED) Tropical Storm Colin

 At 5:00 am EDT, the center of Tropical Storm Colin was located 945 miles east of the Lesser Antilles Islands. Colin is moving toward the west-northwest near 23 mph and this general motion is expected to continue for the next day or two. Colin is forecast to pass well to the northeast and north of the Leeward Islands late Wednesday to early Thursday. Maximum sustained winds are near 40 mph with higher gusts and tropical storm force winds extend outward 35 miles from the center. Some additional strengthening is forecast during the next 36 hours or so.
(NOAA)

Significant National Weather

West: 
Thunderstorms forecast for the Four Corners area continue to be the type resulting from the meteorological phenomenon known as the North American Monsoon, sometimes called the Arizona Monsoon or the Southwest United States Monsoon. This is when high pressure built up over the dry land is intermittently impacted by moisture, often drawn up from the Gulf of Mexico. The result is sudden bursts of heavy precipitation, often an inch or more. This pattern is known to produce flash flooding when the sudden influx of water hits the compacted desert soil, rolls off and collects in low-lying areas. This pattern is expected to weaken tomorrow. High temperatures will reach the 90s in the Great Basin and between 100 and 119 degrees in the Desert Southwest. Elsewhere in the region, a cold front moving southward will produce showers and thunderstorms from Montana to Washington.
Midwest: 
A frontal system will produce showers and thunderstorms from the Central Plains to the Great Lakes and the Ohio Valley. Some thunderstorms will be severe, with gusty winds and flash flooding in some locations. The lower part of the region will be hot and humid from a high pressure ridge to the south. High temperatures will range from the 90s in the Ohio Valley to more than 100 degrees in Missouri and Kansas.
South:
For the next few days, extreme heat and humidity will continue. Numerous heat advisories are in effect from the Central Gulf Coast to the Middle Mississippi Valley and Central Plains. Daytime temperatures will approach 100 degrees with heat indices ranging between 105 and 110 degrees. The region will be dry except for a few thunderstorms in the Southeast.
Northeast:
Showers and thunderstorms are likely across the region. The heaviest activity will be along the Canadian Border where they could see gusty winds and heavy precipitation. Thunderstorms will continue to develop as cold fronts rotate into the Northeast over the next few days.
(NOAA and media sources)

Oil Spill - Marshall, Michigan

The U.S. Coast Guard continues to monitor the situation. The ruptured pipeline is secured and clean-up and recovery operations are ongoing. There are no requests for FEMA assistance.  
(FEMA Region V)

Mississippi Canyon 252 Update

FEMA is providing personnel and equipment support. The static kill operation including cementing the oil well is scheduled to begin today. The second drill rig is holding operations at 10,743 feet below the sea floor awaiting results of the primary relief well effort. Approximately 620 miles of coastline are impacted by the oil spill.
 (NIC Daily Situation Update)

Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG)

 No activity.  
(FEMA HQ)

Tropical Weather Outlook

Atlantic, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico: 
In addition to Tropical Storm Colin, mentioned above, a tropical wave is present over the southeastern Caribbean Sea and adjacent land areas. The weather activity in the area is disorganized and there is a low chance, near 20 percent, of the system becoming a tropical cyclone during the next 48 hours.
Eastern Pacific
A large area of disturbed weather centered about 600 miles south-southwest of Manzanillo, Mexico is moving slowly westward. Development of this system, if any, is expected to be slow due to the influence of strong upper-level winds. There is a low chance, near 10 percent, of this system becoming a tropical cyclone during the next 48 hours.
Central and Western Pacific: 
No tropical cyclone formation expected during the next 48 hours. 
 (NOAA, 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 Monday, August 2, 2010: 
Initial attack activity: light (139 new fires), new large fires: 1, large fires contained: 3
Uncontained large fires: 9, U.S. States affected: CA, WA, NV, MT, WY, & ID
(NIFC)

Disaster Declaration Activity

No new activity (FEMA HQ)