Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED) Hurricane Alex

Hurricane Alex made landfall at 10:00 p.m. EDT, June 30, as a Category II hurricane. Currently, Alex has weakened to a Category I hurricane. On July 1, at 5:00 a.m. EDT, the center of Hurricane Alex was located approximately 20 miles north of Ciudad Victoria, Mexico, and 160 miles southwest of Brownsville, Texas. Alex is moving toward the west near 12 mph, and the motion is expected to continue for the next 24-48 hours. Maximum sustained winds have decreased to near 80 mph, with higher gusts.  Hurricane force winds extend outward 35 miles. Tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 205 miles. The Tropical Storm Warning for the Coast of Texas from the mouth of the Rio Grande to Port O’Connor has been discontinued. A Hurricane Warning is in effect for the Coast of Mexico from Rio San Fernando to La Cruz. Additional weakening will occur as the tropical cyclone moves over land. Alex is expected to weaken to a tropical storm later today and dissipate over Mexico in the next 24-36 hours.

Alex is expected to produce total rainfall accumulations of 6 to 12 inches over portions of northeastern Mexico, with isolated amounts of up to 20 inches. Alex is expected to produce rainfall accumulations of 4 to 8 inches over portions of southern Texas, with possible isolated amounts around 10 inches. The storm tide and waves will gradually diminish today. Isolated tornadoes reported in portions of southern Texas.(NOAA, NWS, and National Hurricane Center)

Federal and State Actions: 
Federal

The National Response Coordination Center is activated to Level II with Emergency Support Functions # 1, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 13, and 15 activated. Randolph Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas is serving as a staging area and continues to collect prepositioned assets from FEMA Logistics. The Region VIII MERS team from Denver, Colo. is also deploying to that staging area and will arrive July 1.

On June 29, the President declared an emergency exists in 25 Texas counties and that federal aid is available to supplement state and local response efforts due to the emergency conditions resulting from Tropical Storm Alex beginning on June 27, 2010, and continuing.
Federal funding is available to coordinate all disaster relief efforts with the purpose of alleviating the hardship and suffering caused by the emergency on the local population, and to provide appropriate assistance for required emergency measures, authorized under Title V of the Stafford Act, to save lives and to protect property and public health and safety, and to lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe.

Region VI 
The Region VI Regional Response Coordination Center is activated Level I (24/7 operations) with most ESFs activated. The Region VI IMAT team is deployed to the TSOC, located in Austin, Texas.

Significant National Weather

West 
Hot temperatures continue from eastern Montana southwest to Utah, Nevada and the southern half of interior California. A few areas could reach 100-degrees. In the deserts, the temperatures should reach 100 to 120 degrees with the hottest readings occurring in Death Valley.
Isolated to scattered thunderstorms are forecast over central and eastern Montana and extreme northern Wyoming. A few of the storms could become severe producing damaging wind gusts and some small hail.
A few thunderstorms are expected at higher elevations in southern Utah, central Colorado and the mountainous areas of central Arizona. More widespread showers and thunderstorms are likely in New Mexico.
South 
A cold front from the north will produce showers and thunderstorms from Louisiana to the eastern Carolinas and north Florida. Some heavy rain is possible in these areas.
Northeast 
Some rain is possible from northeastern New York to northern Vermont and New Hampshire.
Midwest
Isolated thunderstorms are forecast to develop later in today in western North Dakota and western South Dakota. Some of those thunderstorms could turn severe, producing damaging wind gusts.(NOAA’s National Weather Service, the Hydrometeorological Prediction Center and media sources)

Mississippi Canyon 252 Update

Federal Response:
FEMA is providing personnel and equipment support
Situational Update:
Mississippi Canyon 252

The estimated oil spill rate is between 35,000 to 60,000 barrels per day. The current amount of landfall impacted is 225.5 miles. The beach cleanup has been suspended in Mississippi, the counties of Mobile and Baldwin, Alabama and parts of Florida due to weather. All shipping channels/ports remain open in the Gulf Coast Region with the exception of three ports (Brownsville, TX; Corpus Christi and Victoria, TX ports) due to Hurricane Alex. (NIC Daily Situation Update, DHS NOC SLB, Deepwater Horizon Response and FL Situation Report)

Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG)

No activity (FEMA HQ) 

Tropical Weather Outlook

Atlantic, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico 
Hurricane Alex as discussed above.
Eastern Pacific 
No tropical cyclone activity expected in the next 48 hours.
Central Pacific:
No tropical cyclones are expected through Friday afternoon.
Western Pacific:
No tropical cyclone activity expected in the next 24 hours. (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 Wednesday, June 30, 2010: 
Initial attack activity: Light (134 new fires)
New large fires: 3
Large fires contained: 2
Uncontained large fires: 10
States affected: AZ, NM, CO, AK, ID & FL (NIFC)

Disaster Declaration Activity

Montana
On Jun 29, the Governor requested a Major Disaster Declaration as a result of severe storms, ground saturation, and flooding beginning on June 15, 2010, and continuing. (FEMA HQ)

Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED) Hurricane Alex

 Alex is now a Category One Hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Scale and the first June Atlantic Hurricane since 1995. At 5:00 a.m. EDT, the center was approximately 235 miles southeast of Brownsville, Texas moving west near 7 mph. Alex is expected to make landfall late today or early Thursday. Currently the storm has maximum sustained winds near 80 mph, with higher gusts. The hurricane force winds extend outward 25 miles and tropical storm force winds extend outward 200 miles. Alex will continue in a general west-northwest motion during the next 24-48 hours and is expected to strengthen prior to landfall but will then weaken once it moves inland.

A Hurricane Warning is now in effect for the Texas coast from Baffin Bay to the Rio Grande and south along the Mexican coast to La Cruz. Tropical Storm Warnings exist from Baffin Bay north to Port O’Connor and along the Mexican coast south of La Cruz to Cabo Rojo.

Alex is expected to produce rainfall accumulations of 6 to 12 inches over portions of northeastern Mexico and southern Texas, with isolated amounts of up to 20 inches. A dangerous storm surge will raise water levels as much as 3 to 5 feet above ground level along the immediate coast within the warning areas. Isolated tornadoes are also possible over portions of extreme southern Texas today.
(NOAA) 

Federal Response:
National
The National Response Coordination Center is activated to Level II with Emergency Support Functions # 1, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 13, and 15 activated. Randolph Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas is serving as a staging area and continues to collect prepositioned assets from FEMA Logistics. The Region VIII MERS team from Denver, Colo. is also deploying to that staging area and will arrive July 1.

On June 29, the President declared an emergency exists in 25 Texas counties and that federal aid is available to supplement state and local response efforts due to the emergency conditions resulting from Tropical Storm Alex beginning on June 27, 2010, and continuing.

Federal funding is available to coordinate all disaster relief efforts with the purpose of alleviating the hardship and suffering caused by the emergency on the local population, and to provide appropriate assistance for required emergency measures, authorized under Title V of the Stafford Act, to save lives and to protect property and public health and safety, and to lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe.

Region VI 
The Region VI Regional Response Coordination Center is activated to Level II (Mid – Level Staffing), with most Emergency Support Functions activated. The Region VI IMAT team deployed to the Texas State Operations Center in Austin, Texas.
(FEMA HQ, Region VI)

Significant National Weather

South 
A cold front from the north will produce rain and thunderstorms for parts of the Southeast today. The front will move toward the northern Gulf Coast on Thursday and Friday, continuing to produce thunderstorms that may cause flash flooding.

West
Moderate rain and severe thunderstorms are forecast in Montana later today. The severe threat includes damaging wind gusts, hail and possible tornadoes. Rainfall accumulations near an inch are possible. Some thunderstorms are anticipated in isolated areas of the Rockies and in southern New Mexico. Red Flag Warning will be in effect this afternoon for southern Utah due to strong winds and low relative humidity.

Northeast
Some rain and a few thundershowers are possible from northern New York to northern Maine. Red Flag Warnings will be in affect this afternoon until tonight for western Pennsylvania and most of New Jersey due to strong winds and low relative humidity.

Midwest 
A few severe thunderstorms are possible in western North Dakota late in the day.
(NOAA and media sources)

Mississippi Canyon 252

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).

An estimated 2.3 – 4.1 million barrels of oil has been released as of 28 June. The estimated oil spill rate has been revised to between 35,000 to 60,000 barrels per day. Approximately 78,597 sq miles, or 33 percent, of the Gulf of Mexico exclusive economic zone is closed to commercial and recreational fishing. Drilling of relief wells should not be impacted by the high sea states.
(NIC Daily Situation Update)

Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG)

No activity (FEMA HQ)

Tropical Weather Outlook

Atlantic, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico 
Hurricane Alex as discussed above.

Eastern, Central, Western Pacific 
No tropical cyclone activity expected in the next 24 hours.  
 (NOAA)

Earthquake Activity

On June 30 at 2:22 a.m. EDT, an earthquake measuring a magnitude 6.5 occurred 25 miles northeast of Pinotepa Nacional, Oaxaca, Mexico at a depth of 6.2 miles. There were no reports of damage or injury and no tsunami was generated.
(USGS)

Preliminary Damage Assessments

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Wildfire Update

National Preparedness Level 2
National Fire Activity as of Tuesday, June 29, 2010: 
Initial attack activity:  Moderate (233 new fires), new large fires: 2, large fires contained: 3, Uncontained large fires: 9, states affected:  AZ, NM, CO, AK, TX & NJ

Shultz Fire
The Shultz Fire, located 4 miles north of Flagstaff (Coconino County), Arizona was approved for an FMAG on Jun 20, 2010. Approximately 15,075 acres have burned and the fire is now 90% contained. All evacuation orders were lifted and no injuries or fatalities were reported. Resources continue to demobilize; yesterday weather conditions assisted in mop-up efforts for fire fighters.
(NIFC)

Disaster Declaration Activity

Texas 
As discussed above.

South Dakota
Amendment No. 4 for FEMA-1900-DR-MN was approved on June 29, 2010 to add Nicollet County for Public Assistance.
(FEMA HQ)

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

As of 5:00 a.m. EDT, the center of Tropical Storm Alex was located 460 miles southeast of Brownsville, Texas with tropical storm winds extending outward 105 miles. The storm is strengthening and is expected to strengthen to a hurricane today. Alex is moving north-northwest near 8 mph and is expected to turn northwest later today then toward the west-northwest on Wednesday.  Maximum sustained winds are near 70 mph with occasional higher gusts.
(NOAA)
Federal and State Actions:
FEMA NRCC 
The National Response Coordination Center will activate to Level II today. The majority of the Emergency Support Functions will also be activated today.  FEMA Logistics is prepositioning assets at Randolph Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas.
Region VI – RRCC
The Region VI Regional Response Coordination Center is activated to Level II (Mid – Level Staffing) with most Emergency Support Functions activated. The region is maintaining contact with the National Weather Service, the NRCC and the Texas Department of Emergency Management State Operations Center. The Region VI IMAT is deployed to the Texas State Operations Center. 
 (FEMA HQ, Region VI)

Significant National Weather

West: 
The Desert Southwest will remain dry today, with temperatures rising into the 100s from central California to the Northern Rockies. A low pressure system will produce scattered precipitation and cooler temperatures over the next couple of days from Oregon to the Northern Rockies. Isolated thunderstorms are forecast from the Central Great Basin to the Rockies this evening.     
Midwest:
A low pressure system over the region will bring an end to the heat wave and precipitation for most of the region. The Northern and Central Plains will continue to experience temperatures in the 90’s stretching from North Dakota to Kansas.
South:
Temperatures will remain hot and humid in the Gulf Coast region.  Unsettled weather, with ample moisture and hot temperatures will fuel scattered showers and thunderstorms throughout the week.
Northeast:
The low pressure system moving out of the Midwest will bring an end to the heat wave on the East Coast. The low will gradually move into the New England region; the resulting cloud cover will cool temperatures down into the 60’s and 70’s. Today, scattered thunderstorms are still possible from New England to southern Virginia.
(NOAA and media sources)

Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) No activity(FEMA HQ) 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).
An estimated 2.3 – 4.1 million barrels of oil has been released as of 28 June. Booming, skimming and in situ burn operations continue as weather permits, and relief well drilling continues. The estimated oil spill rate has been revised to between 35,000 to 60,000 barrels per day. Approximately 78,597 sq miles, or 33 percent, of the Gulf of Mexico exclusive economic zone is closed to commercial and recreational fishing.
(NIC Daily Situation Update)

Tropical Weather Outlook

Atlantic, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico 
Tropical Storm Alex as discussed above.
Eastern Pacific 
As of 5:00 am EDT, a large area of showers and thunderstorms located over portions of southeastern Mexico, Guatemala, and El Salvador is associated with the southern circulation of Atlantic Tropical Storm Alex. Locally heavy rains are possible during the next several days as Alex moves over the southwestern Gulf of Mexico. These rains could cause life-threatening flash flood and mud slides, especially over higher terrain. There is a minimal chance of this system becoming a tropical cyclone during the next 48 hours. Elsewhere, tropical cyclone formation is not expected during the next 48 hours.
Remnant Low Celia
As of 5:00 am EDT, remnant low Celia was located approximately 1,035 miles west-southwest of the southern tip of Baja California, Mexico. Maximum sustained winds are near 35 mph, with higher gusts.  Additional weakening is expected and the remnant low is forecast to dissipate in the next day or two. This storm is not a threat to U.S. interests.
Remnant Low Darby 
As of 5:00 am EDT, Remnant Low Darby is located approximately 315 miles south southwest of Zihuatanejo, Mexico.  Maximum sustained winds are near 30 mph, with higher gusts. Additional weakening is expected and the remnant low is forecast to dissipate overnight. This storm is not a threat to U.S. interests.
Central and Western Pacific:
No tropical cyclones are expected through Wednesday evening.  
(NOAA, JTWC)

Earthquake Activity

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Preliminary Damage Assessments

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Wildfire Update

Wildfire Activity
National Preparedness Level 2
National Fire Activity as of Monday, June 28, 2010: 
There were 121 new fires, 1 new large fire, 1 large fire contained and 1 uncontained large fire and
six states are affected:  AZ, NM, CO, AK, TX & NJ.
Shultz Fire
The Shultz Fire, near Flagstaff (Coconino County), Arizona was approved for an FMAG on Jun 20, 2010. Thus far, 15,075 acres have burned and the fire is 75% contained. All evacuation orders have been lifted and no injuries or fatalities were reported.
(NIFC)

Disaster Declaration Activity

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

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

 Alex is getting better organized while moving slowly away from the Yucatan Peninsula.
As of 5:00 am EDT, the center of Tropical Storm Alex was located about 440 mi east-southeast of Tampico, Mexico and 710 south of New Orleans, LA. Alex is moving toward the northwest near 6 mph and this general motion is expected to continue for the next 48 hours.
Maximum sustained winds are near 50 mph with higher gusts.  Additional strengthening is forecast during the next 48 hours and Alex could become a hurricane later today or Tuesday. Tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 70 miles from the center. There are no coastal watches or warnings in effect. However, a tropical storm watch may be required later today for the coastal regions of northeastern Mexico and south Texas.
(NOAA)
Federal Actions:
Region VI 
The Region VI Regional Response Coordination Center (RRCC) will increase to Level III at 8:00 am CDT, today. The region is maintaining contact with the National Weather Service and Texas Division of Emergency Management. An IMAT advanced element is scheduled to arrive at the Texas Division of Emergency Management today and other liaisons are on standby. Emergency Support Function liaisons will deploy to the Region VI RRCC if the activation level increases to Level II.
(FEMA HQ, Regions IV) 

Significant National Weather

West: 
A frontal system will produce precipitation from Washington and Oregon to the Northern Rockies. Afternoon thunderstorms are in the forecast for the Four Corners area.
High temperatures will exceed 100 in the Central Valley of California and could break 110 in the Desert Southwest.
Midwest:
High pressure ridging into the region will bring a break in the precipitation for most areas.  The only significant weather will be showers and thunderstorms along the cold front stretching from the Great Lakes to Texas. Areas of heavy precipitation, as much as an inch, will result in localized flash flooding.
South:
The southern end of the cold front will produce showers and thunderstorms from Arkansas to the Southern Plains. Areas of heavy precipitation, as much as an inch and a half, will result in localized flooding.  The portion of the region southeast of the front will continue to be hot (90s) and humid, so expect widespread showers. Scattered thunderstorms during afternoon and evening hours are likely.
Northeast:
A strong cold front will move across the region today producing extensive showers and thunderstorms. Ahead of the front temperatures will be in the 90s with very high humidity.  Severe thunderstorms are forecast from the Mid-Atlantic to southern New England. Primary threats are gusty winds and hail. Tomorrow, the front will be offshore except for southeastern Virginia where it will continue to produce showers and thunderstorms. 
(NOAA and media sources) 

Mississippi Canyon 252 Update

Federal Response:
FEMA is providing personnel and equipment support
Situational Update:
Mississippi Canyon 252
The FL EOC is at Level I (Full Activation); AL EOC remains at Level III (Partially Activated); MS EOC is at Level IV (Normal Operations).  Approximately 38,927 personnel, 6,458 vessels, and 109 aircraft assigned. Booming, skimming and in situ burn operations continue as weather permits.  Relief well drilling continues
Landfall & Impacts
The estimated oil spill rate is between 35,000 to 60,000 barrels per day.  An estimated 2.4 – 4.1 million barrels of oil have been released from the well as of 26 June.  Approximately 78,500 sq miles or 33 percent of the Gulf of Mexico exclusive economic zone closed to commercial and recreational fishing (NIC Daily Situation Update, DHS NOC SLB, Deepwater Horizon Response and FL Situation Report) 

Tropical Weather Outlook

Atlantic, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico 
Tropical Storm Alex as discussed above.
Eastern Pacific
Tropical Storm Celia
On Jun 28, at 5:00 a.m. EDT, the center of Tropical Storm Celia was located approximately 1,070 miles west-southwest of the southern tip of Baja California, Mexico.  Celia is moving toward the southwest near 2 mph and this system is expected to remain nearly stationary during the next two days.   Maximum sustained winds have decreased to near 40 mph, with higher gusts.  Slow weakening is forecast during the next 48 hours.  Celia is expected to become a remnant low by Tuesday. This storm is not a threat to any U.S. interests.
Tropical Storm Darby
On Jun 28, at 5:00 a.m. EDT, the center of Tropical Storm Darby was located approximately 240 miles south southwest of Zihuatanejo, Mexico.  Darby is moving east-northeast at 6 mph and this motion is expected to continue during the next couple of days.  Maximum sustained winds are near 40 mph, with higher gusts. Some weakening is forecast during the next 48 hours and it is expected to become a remnant low by Tuesday. This storm is not a threat to any U.S. interests.
Central and Western Pacific:
No tropical cyclones are expected through Tuesday evening.   
(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 Sunday, June 27, 2010: 
There were 116 new fires, 3 new large fires, 0 large fires contained, 0 uncontained large fires and 6 states affected:  AZ, NM, CO, AK, TX & NJ
Shultz Fire
The Shultz Fire, near Flagstaff, AZ (Coconino County) has an approved FMAG from Jun 20. All evacuation orders have been lifted and no injuries or fatalities were reported. At this point, 15,075 acres have burned with 65% containment. 
(NIFC) 

Disaster Declaration Activity

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

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

West:
Weather in the region will be limited to showers and thunderstorms in Idaho, Montana, the Sierra Nevada and the higher elevations of eastern Arizona, Colorado and New Mexico. High temperatures across the Desert Southwest will reach as high as 110 degrees.
Midwest: 
A developing frontal system will produce showers and thunderstorms across the Northern Plains, the Upper Midwest and the Great Lakes. Some of the thunderstorms will be severe with large hail and gusty winds and even isolated tornadoes. Temperatures in the Central and Southern Plains to the Mississippi Valley will reach the 90s, which will help the region dry out a bit.
South:
A weak front will produce a swath of precipitation from Texas to the Carolinas. Scattered thunderstorms are forecast for much of the region. Severe thunderstorms are possible in the Carolinas.
Northeast:
Under high pressure, the region will be precipitation free with no significant weather. The Mid-Atlantic region will see highs in the 90s, but humidity levels will be more moderate than yesterday.
(NOAA and media sources)

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).
An estimated 2.3 – 4 million barrels of oil has been released as of 22 June. Booming, skimming and in situ burn operations continue as weather permits, and relief well drilling continues. The estimated oil spill rate has been revised to between 35,000 to 60,000 barrels per day. Approximately 78,597 sq miles, or 33 percent, of the Gulf of Mexico exclusive economic zone is closed to commercial and recreational fishing.
(NIC Daily Situation Update)
Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG)

No activity.(FEMA HQ)

Tropical Weather Outlook

Atlantic, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico 
A broad area of low pressure is centered about 150 miles east-northeast of Cabo Gracias a Dios on the Honduras-Nicaragua border. This system has changed little in organization during the past several hours. Upper-level winds appear conducive for some increasing development of this system as it moves slowly northwestward. The system could become a tropical depression before it reaches the Yucatan Peninsula and there is a high chance (60 percent) of it becoming a tropical cyclone during the next 48 hours.
Eastern Pacific
Hurricane Celia
At 5:00 a.m. EDT, the center of Hurricane Celia, a Category 5 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson scale, was located about 805 miles south-southwest of the southern tip of Baja California, Mexico. Celia is moving west-northwest near 13 mph and will continue in this direction with a decrease in forward speed during the next few days. Maximum sustained winds are near 160 mph with hurricane-force winds extending 50 miles from the center and tropical storm force winds extending out 140 miles. This storm poses no threat to U.S. interests.
Hurricane Darby
At 5:00 a.m. EDT, the center of Hurricane Darby, a Category 2 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson scale, was located about 25 miles south of Acapulco, Mexico. Darby is moving west-northwest near 7 mph and will turn toward the west-southwest with a decrease in forward motion to a near stationary position by late Saturday. Maximum sustained winds are near 105 mph with hurricane-force winds extending 25 miles from the center and tropical storm force winds extending out 70 miles. This storm poses no threat to U.S. interests.
Central and Western Pacific:
No tropical cyclones are expected through Saturday afternoon.
(NOAA, JTWC)

Earthquake Activity

Alaska
On Jun 25, at 12:56 a.m. EDT, a magnitude 4.7 earthquake occurred 83 miles northeast of Anchorage at a depth of 16.4 miles. No damage or injuries were reported.
(USGS)

Preliminary Damage Assessments

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Wildfire Update

National Preparedness Level 2
National Fire Activity as of Thursday, June 24, 2010: 
Initial attack activity:  light (124 new fires), new large fires: 2, large fires contained: 2
Uncontained large fires: 11, U.S. States affected:  AK, AZ, NM, CO, CA & TX
Schultz Fire, Arizona
The Shultz Fire, near Flagstaff (Coconino County), Arizona is now at 14,800 acres with 40% contained. All evacuation orders have been lifted. A Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) was approved on June 20, 2010 (FEMA-2846-FM-AZ)
(NIFC, FEMA HQ)

Disaster Declaration Activity

West Virginia 
On Jun 24, the President declared FEMA-1918-DR for West Virginia. The declaration authorizes Individual Assistance and Public Assistance in four counties. All counties in West Virginia are eligible to apply for assistance under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.
Puerto Rico
On Jun 24, the President declared FEMA-1919-DR for the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. The declaration authorizes Public Assistance in 10 municipalities. All municipalities in Puerto Rico are eligible to apply for assistance under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.
(FEMA HQ)

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

Midwest
Today, severe thunderstorms remain a threat across the northern plains. The strongest storms may produce damaging winds, hail and isolated tornadoes. Flood Watches and Warnings remain in effect across the Midwest. River gauges on the Mississippi River from Burlington, Iowa to Cape Girardeau, Kentucky continue to report moderate flooding. Flooding is expected to continue on the Illinois River from Henry to Beardstown through most of the week. River gauges along the James River, in South Dakota, are indicating major flooding from Stratford to Mitchell. River levels are slowly falling, but major flooding is expected to continue through the end of the month.
Northeast
Thunderstorms will be on the increase today, across all of eastern New York and western New England. There is a slight risk of these thunderstorms becoming severe, with damaging wind gusts in excess of 58 mph possible. Other scattered thunderstorm activity is forecast from West Virginia to Maine throughout the day. The storms should develop in the heat of the day as temperatures rise into the 80s and very low 90s. A few areas along the I-95 corridor from Washington, D.C. to the Virginia/North Carolina border could approach 100 degrees. Heat advisories will remain in effect through this evening across the Mid-Atlantic.
South
Very hot and humid conditions will continue across the south today and heat indices are expected to be between 95 and 110 degrees from the Carolinas to eastern Texas. Overnight lows in the mid 70s to low 80s will provide little relief as this pattern continues through the weekend. The only relief from hot weather today will come in the form of scattered thunderstorms, as a cold front moves into the mid-south. Areas most likely to experience a cooling thunderstorm are southeastern Texas, Louisiana, southern Mississippi, southern Alabama, Florida, northern Carolina and the southern Appalachian Mountains. Heat advisories remain in effect for much of the mid-south, except portions of northwest Tennessee
West
The threat of showers and thunderstorms across the Pacific Northwest today will be limited to central Washington and central Oregon. A weak high pressure system should bring drier and warmer conditions to the region this weekend. Today, scattered thunderstorms will also develop in the afternoon heat over eastern Colorado and eastern New Mexico.
(NOAA and media sources)
  

Severe Weather

June Flood Response and Recovery - Update
Background:
Heavy rains from June 11-13 led to flooding in parts of Nebraska, South Dakota, Iowa, northern Missouri, Indiana, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Texas. In early June, heavy rain and warm temperatures resulted in rapid snowmelt-induced flooding across portions of Idaho, Wyoming and Colorado. On June 23, severe weather affected northern Illinois, northwest Indiana and Ohio. High winds and flooding were the main threats from these storms; however, several reports of funnel clouds were received throughout the event. Flood watches and warnings remain in effect for the affected areas.
FEMA Response:
The Regions V, VII and VIII Regional Response Coordination Centers are activated at Level III and local IMAT teams are on alert to support flood response and recovery. FEMA liaisons are deployed to the Indiana and Minnesota Emergency Operations Centers. USACE (ESF-3) representatives are activated to provide flood-fighting expertise. There have been no additional requests for federal assistance.
(NOAA, FEMA HQ)

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, skimming and in situ burn operations continue as weather permits, and relief well drilling continues. The estimated oil spill rate has been revised to between 35,000 to 60,000 barrels per day. Approximately 78,597 sq miles, or 33 percent, of the Gulf of Mexico exclusive economic zone is closed to commercial and recreational fishing.
(NIC Daily Situation Update)

Tropical Weather Outlook

Atlantic, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico 
A tropical wave located over the western Caribbean Sea continues to produce showers and a few thunderstorms across portions of Hispaniola, Jamaica, Cuba, the Cayman Islands and the adjacent waters of the northern Caribbean Sea. Although the low-level circulation of the wave appears to be improving, the associated shower activity still lacks organization and is located mainly to the east of the wave axis. Upper-level winds appear conducive for some slow development of this system as it moves westward or west-northwestward around 10 mph over the next couple of days. A U.S. Air Force Reserve unit reconnaissance aircraft is tentatively scheduled to investigate the system this afternoon, if necessary. There is a medium chance (40 percent) of this system becoming a tropical cyclone during the next 48 hours. Widespread showers and thunderstorms are also affecting Puerto Rico and the northern Leeward Islands, but are not directly associated with the tropical wave.
Eastern Pacific
Hurricane Celia   
At 2:00 a.m. PDT, the center of Hurricane Celia, a Category 2 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson scale, was located about 735 miles south of the southern tip of Baja, California. Celia is moving toward the west near 13 mph, and a turn toward the west-northwest is expected over the next day or so. Maximum sustained winds are near 105 mph, with occasional higher gusts. Some strengthening is possible during the next day or so, followed by gradual weakening. Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 25 miles from the center, tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 85 miles. This storm poses no threat to U.S. interests.
Tropical Storm Darby 
At 2:00 a.m. PDT, Tropical Storm Darby was located about 295 miles south-southwest of Salina Cruz, Mexico. Darby is moving west-northwest near 12 mph and it will continue this direction with a slight decrease in forward speed during the next 48 hours. Maximum sustained winds are near 65 mph, with higher gusts. Some strengthening is forecast during the next 48 hours and Darby could become a hurricane later today. This storm is not a threat to any U.S. interests.
Central and Western Pacific:
No tropical cyclones are expected through Friday evening.
(NOAA, JTWC)

Earthquake Activity

International
On Jun 23, at 1:41 p.m. EDT, a magnitude 5.0 earthquake occurred 35 miles northeast of Ottawa, Canada at a depth of 10.2 miles. No damage or injuries were reported.
(USGS)

Preliminary Damage Assessments

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Wildfire Update

Wildfire Activity
National Preparedness Level 2
National Fire Activity as of Wednesday, June 23, 2010: 
Initial attack activity:  Light (106 new fires), new large fires: 2, large fires contained: 1
Uncontained large fires: 13, states affected:  AK, AZ, NM, CO, CA & TX

Schultz Fire, Arizona
The Shultz Fire, near Flagstaff (Coconino County), Arizona, is burning 14,000 acres with 20% contained. Power lines, municipal watershed & pipelines, buried gas lines & communications sites are threatened. All evacuation orders were lifted.  A Type 1 Incident Management Team is in command. A Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) was approved on June 20, 2010 (FEMA-2846-FM-AZ).
(NIFC, FEMA HQ)

Disaster Declaration Activity

South Dakota
Amendment No. 2 for FEMA-1915-DR-SD was approved on June 20, 2010 to close incident period for this declaration on June 20, 2010. (FEMA HQ)
(FEMA HQ)

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

Midwest 
The frontal boundary that has been in place over the central Great Plains and the Ohio Valley will continue to be the focus for additional rainfall and a few strong thunderstorms through Thursday.  The heaviest rainfall is forecast in the upper Midwest and into the Great Lakes region. Flash Flood Warnings are in effect through this morning for portions of Nebraska, South Dakota and Iowa. Tornado watches are in effect through this morning for portions of Iowa.  Flash Flood Watches are in effect through this evening for portions of Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin. Flood Warnings remain in effect across the region
South 
A strong sub-tropical ridge of high pressure over the Gulf Coast continues to supply heat and humidity to the central and eastern U.S. Although most areas across the Southeast will be, rain free, scattered thunderstorms are possible from eastern Texas, southern Arkansas, Louisiana, Florida, and across the southern Appalachians.
Northeast 
Severe thunderstorms, accompanied by heavy rain and damaging winds, will move into western New York, western Pennsylvania, western Maryland and West Virginia this afternoon and evening. The main severe threat will be damaging wind gusts. 
West 
A system off the Pacific Northwest Coast will produce showers in the Cascades and possible thunderstorms in eastern Colorado and eastern New Mexico.
(NOAA and media sources) 

 

Severe Weather June Flood Response and Recovery - Update

Background:
Heavy rains from June 11-13 led to flooding in parts of Nebraska, South Dakota, Iowa, northern Missouri, Indiana, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Texas. Rivers were reported outside of their banks more than six feet in some locations in Kansas and Nebraska. In early June, heavy rain and warm temperatures resulted in rapid snowmelt-induced flooding across portions of Idaho, Wyoming and Colorado.
Current Situation:
Though the stationary system that has been causing much of the rain and severe weather across the Plains and Midwest will begin to move eastward later this week, conditions will remain favorable for additional rain and severe weather at least through today. These areas should be on the lookout for Flood Watches and Warnings, including Flash Flood Warnings in some areas.
FEMA Response:
The Regions V, VII and VIII Regional Response Coordination Centers are activated at Level III and local IMAT teams are on alert to support flood response and recovery. FEMA Logistics pre-positioned water, meals, cots, and blankets in Kansas City, Missouri, as a precaution. FEMA liaisons are deployed to the Nebraska and Minnesota Emergency Operations Centers. USACE (ESF-3) representatives are activated to provide flood-fighting expertise. There have been no additional requests for federal assistance.
(NOAA, FEMA HQ)

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, skimming and in situ burn operations continue as weather permits, and relief well drilling continues. The estimated oil spill rate has been revised to between 35,000 to 60,000 barrels per day. Approximately 86,985 sq miles, or 36 percent, of the Gulf of Mexico exclusive economic zone is closed to commercial and recreational fishing.
(NIC Daily Situation Update)
Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) No activity. (FEMA HQ)
Tropical Weather Outlook

Atlantic, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico 
A tropical wave over the central Caribbean Sea is moving westward about 10 mph and is spreading cloudiness and thunderstorms over portions of the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Jamaica, and eastern Cuba. This system has changed little but environmental conditions are forecast to become more favorable for slow development as the wave reaches the western Caribbean Sea in a day or two. There is a low chance, 20 percent, of this system becoming a tropical cyclone during the next 48 hours.
Eastern Pacific
Hurricane Celia   
At 2:00 a.m. PDT, the center of Hurricane Celia, a Category 1 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson scale, was located about 770 miles south of the southern tip of Baja, California. Celia is moving toward the west near 10 mph, and a turn toward the west-northwest is expected over the next day or so. Maximum sustained winds are near 85 mph, with occasional higher gusts. Some strengthening is possible during the next couple of days. Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 25 miles from the center, tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 85 miles. This storm poses no threat to U.S. interests.
Tropical Storm Darby 
At 2:00 a.m. PDT, satellite images indicate that the tropical depression south of the southern Mexico coast has strengthened to a tropical storm with sustained winds near 40 mph, with higher gusts. The center of Tropical Storm Darby was located about 335 miles south-southeast of Salina Cruz, Mexico. The storm is moving toward the northwest near 9 mph and is expected to turn toward the west-northwest and then west through Thursday. Additional strengthening is forecast during the next 48 hours.
Central and Western Pacific:
No tropical cyclones are expected through Thursday afternoon.
(NOAA, JTWC)

Earthquake Activity

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Preliminary Damage Assessments

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Wildfire Update

Wildfire Activity
National Preparedness Level 2
National Fire Activity as of Tuesday, June 22, 2010: 
Initial attack activity: light (156 new fires), new large fires: 5, large fires contained: 0
Uncontained large fires: 14, States affected:  AK, AZ, NM, CO & TX
Hardy Fire Update
The Hardy Fire near Flagstaff (Coconino County), Arizona is 282 acres and is 80% contained. No spot fires have been reported in the last 48 hours. The Type II Incident Management Team will turn incident management over to Flagstaff Fire Department today. Fire mop-up and patrols will continue over the next seven days. A Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) was approved on June 19, 2010 (FEMA-2845-FM-AZ).
Schultz Fire, Arizona
The Shultz Fire, also near Flagstaff (Coconino County), Arizona, is burning 14,000 acres with 20% contained. Power lines, municipal watershed & pipelines, buried gas lines & communications sites are threatened. Approximately 570 properties were evacuated, with an estimated 1,000 people affected.  A Type 1 Incident Management Team is in command. An FMAG was approved on June 20, 2010 (FEMA-2846-FM-AZ).
(NIFC)

Disaster Declaration Activity

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

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

Midwest
A weakening east-west frontal boundary will continue to affect the Midwest today from Nebraska to Ohio, while a strong upper-level disturbance and developing cold front begins to move into the northern Plains.  Severe thunderstorms and flash flooding are likely from the Dakotas and Nebraska to the Great Lakes. Some thunderstorms may move southward into northern Kansas, northern Missouri and the north side of the Ohio Valley.  Predominant threats will be from heavy rain, damaging wind gusts and hail. Exceptionally heavy rains have brought flash flooding and rapid rises in river levels.  Additional heavy rainfall is likely through Wednesday evening and rain accumulations up to six inches are possible in some areas. Flood and Flash Flood Watches and Warnings remain in effect across the Dakotas and portions of the Midwest.
South 
Hot, humid weather will continue across the South today.  Most areas will be rain free, but isolated to scattered thunderstorms are possible from Louisiana to the Carolinas, southward to Florida.
Northeast 
Thunderstorms are forecast across Upstate New York and Pennsylvania, but may reach southwestern New England, western Maryland and the northern parts of West Virginia and Virginia. Some storms will be severe, producing damaging wind gusts.  Rain accumulations up to two inches are possible in some areas.
West
Isolated thunderstorms could re-develop in parts of Idaho, Montana and Wyoming, but the total rain accumulation and the risk for severe weather will be minimal. Isolated storms are also possible in eastern New Mexico.  Flash Flood Warnings are in effect through this morning for portions of southeastern Montana.  Red Flag Warnings remain in effect through tonight for portions of Colorado. (NOAA and media sources) 

Severe Weather June Flood Response and Recovery - Update

Background:
Heavy rains from June 11-13 led to flooding in parts of Nebraska, South Dakota, Iowa, northern Missouri, Indiana, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Texas. Rivers were reported outside of their banks more than six feet in some locations in Kansas and Nebraska. In early June, heavy rain and warm temperatures resulted in rapid snowmelt-induced flooding across portions of Idaho, Wyoming and Colorado.

Current Situation:
Though the stationary system that has been causing much of the rain and severe weather across the Plains and Midwest will begin to move eastward later this week, conditions will remain favorable for additional rain and severe weather at least through Wednesday. These areas should be on the lookout for Flood Watches and Warnings, including Flash Flood Warnings in some areas.

FEMA Response:
The Regions V, VII and VIII Regional Response Coordination Centers are activated at Level III to support flooding response and recovery. FEMA Logistics pre-positioned water, meals, cots, and blankets in Kansas City, Missouri, as a precaution. FEMA liaisons are deployed to the Nebraska and Minnesota Emergency Operations Centers. USACE (ESF-3) representatives are activated to provide flood-fighting expertise. There have been no additional requests for federal assistance.

 

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, skimming and in situ burn operations continue as weather permits, and relief well drilling continues. The estimated oil spill rate has been revised to between 35,000 to 60,000 barrels per day.  As of June 20th, an estimated 2,205,000 to 3,780,000 barrels of oil has been released.  Approximately 86,985 sq miles, or 36 percent, of the Gulf of Mexico exclusive economic zone is closed to commercial and recreational fishing.
(NIC Daily Situation Update)

Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) No activity.(FEMA HQ) Tropical Weather Outlook

Atlantic, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico 
A vigorous tropical wave located from eastern Hispaniola southward over the central Caribbean Sea is producing widespread cloudiness and showers across much of the central and eastern Caribbean Sea, Hispaniola, Puerto Rico, and northern Venezuela. This disturbance continues to show signs of increased organization, and upper-level winds are conducive for a tropical depression to form during the next couple of days. This weather system could produce locally heavy rainfall and gusty winds over portions of Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, and the Netherlands Antilles during the next day or so as the system moves west-northwestward at 10 to 15 mph. There is a medium chance, 50 percent, of this system becoming a tropical cyclone during the next 48 hours.

Eastern Pacific
Hurricane Celia   
At 2:00 a.m. EDT, the center of Hurricane Celia was located about 500 miles south of Manzanillo, Mexico. Celia is moving toward the west near 8 mph, and this general motion is expected to continue during the next couple of days. Maximum sustained winds are near 105 mph, with higher gusts. Celia is a Category Two hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson scale. Additional strengthening is forecast during the next 36 hours and Celia could become a major hurricane possibly by later today. Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 25 miles from the center. This storm poses no threat to U.S. interests.
Remnant Low Blas        
As of 11:00 p.m. EDT, the center of Remnant Low Blas was about 750 miles WSW of the southern tip of Baja, CA. Blas is moving west at 13 mph with maximum sustained winds at 30 mph.
Other notable systems
A large low pressure system centered a few hundred miles south of Guatemala is accompanied by a broad area of scattered showers and thunderstorms. Environmental conditions appear favorable for gradual development of this system and a tropical depression could form during the next couple of days. There is a high chance, 60 percent, of this system becoming a tropical cyclone during the next 48 hours as it moves west-northwestward at about 10 mph.

Central and Western Pacific:
No tropical cyclones are expected through Wednesday afternoon. 
 (NOAA, JTWC)

Earthquake Activity

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Preliminary Damage Assessments

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Wildfire Update

Hardy Fire Update
The Hardy Fire near Flagstaff (Coconino County), Arizona had burned 300 acres and is 25% contained. All mandatory evacuations have been lifted. An Arizona Type 2 Incident Management Team is managing operations. There have been no structures lost and there are no power outages. A Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) was approved on June 19, 2010 (FEMA-2845-FM-AZ).

Schultz Fire, Arizona
The Shultz Fire is 6 1/2 miles from the Hardy Fire, near Flagstaff (Coconino County), Arizona. Approximately 10,000 acres have burned and the fire is now ten percent contained. Power lines, municipal watershed & pipelines, buried gas lines & communications sites are threatened, as well as 2,000 residences, 100 commercial properties and 3,000 outbuildings in 3 communities. No structures have been lost. A Type 1 Incident Management Team is in command. An FMAG was approved on June 20, 2010 (FEMA-2846-FM-AZ).
(NIFC)

Wildfire Activity
National Preparedness Level 2
National Fire Activity as of Monday, June 21, 2010: 
Initial attack activity:  light (93 new fires), new large fires: 3, large fires contained: 4
Uncontained large fires: 10, States affected:  AK, AZ, NM, UT, ID, CO, CA & TX
(NIFC)

Disaster Declaration Activity

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

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

Midwest
Several thunderstorm complexes moving from the Northern Plains and Central Plains will track eastward across the Middle and Upper Mississippi Valley and into the southern Great Lakes and northern Ohio Valley. Flash flooding, large hail and damaging wind gusts are possible and rainfall could locally reach 4-6 inches. As the day progresses, severe thunderstorms will develop along the outflow boundaries from the morning's thunderstorm complexes. Later today, a new set of severe thunderstorms will develop in the Plains with damaging wind gusts, hail and a few tornadoes. Temperatures will be 5 and 15 degrees above average in the southern portions of the region with. highs reaching the 90s in the Ohio Valley and near 100 in western and central Kansas. Tonight into Tuesday, the Plains' severe thunderstorms will develop into several more thunderstorm complexes, again moving east through the Mississippi Valley and into the Great Lakes and northern Ohio Valley. Damaging winds and flash flooding are possible.

South 
The hot and muggy and weather continues in the South. Temperatures will vary from near average to 15 degrees above average, with highs reaching the 90s and low 100s. Nashville, Memphis and Little Rock could set record highs as temperatures reach or top 100. Thunderstorms, if any, will only impact the northern Gulf and Atlantic Coasts and west Texas.
Northeast 
The region will be dry today but by Tuesday, the thunderstorm complexes affecting the Midwest will move into the Northeast, bringing rain to New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New England. Today, temperatures will be 5 to 10 degrees above average with highs reaching the low 90s across much of the Mid-Atlantic.

West
Showers and thunderstorms will develop from eastern Washington and eastern Oregon to the northern high Plains. Later today, some of the thunderstorms could become severe from eastern Montana to northeastern Colorado, with damaging wind gusts, large hail and a few tornadoes possible. Some flash flooding is possible in Idaho and Montana. The Southwest will be dry, although a few isolated thunderstorms could develop across the southern High Plains later in the day. Temperatures will be 5 to 15 degrees below average in the Northwest and 5 to 15 degrees above average across the eastern sections of Colorado and New Mexico. Highs could reach105 in southeastern California and southwestern Arizona. (NOAA’s National Weather Service, the Hydrometeorological Prediction Center and media sources)

Severe Weather June Flood Response and Recovery - Update

Background:
Heavy rains from June 11-13 resulted in flooding across parts of Nebraska, South Dakota, Iowa, northern Missouri, Indiana, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Texas.  Rivers were reported up to six feet outside of banks at some locations in Kansas and Nebraska.  In early June, heavy rain and warm temperatures resulted in rapid snowmelt-induced flooding across portions of Idaho, Wyoming and Colorado.
Current Situation:
Severe storms continue through Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota and Wisconsin. These storms have the possibility of bringing heavy rain, damaging winds, large hail, and possible tornadoes. Flood Warnings/Advisories remain in effect throughout Illinois and Indiana. The Flash Flood Watch has been extended to June 23. Severe storms continue through Iowa, Missouri, Kansas and Nebraska, possibly producing quarter size hail, damaging winds in excess of 60 mph and very heavy rainfall. Flood and Flash Flood Warnings remain in effect for this area and flash flooding is possible from Nebraska to Iowa.
FEMA Response:
Region VII RRCC is activated at Level III (Monitoring) with to support flooding response and recovery.  Two USACE (ESF-3) representatives were activated to the RRCC to provide flood-fight expertise.  Two Region VII State Liaison Officers are deployed to the Nebraska state EOC.  The Region VII IMAT team remains on alert.  Commodities are pre-positioned in the area in case they are needed.  Region VIII RRCC is activated at Level III to support flood response.  A FEMA Liaison has been deployed to the Minnesota state EOC.  Joint Preliminary Damage Assessments (PDAs) are on-going or scheduled to begin in Nebraska, Wyoming, Oklahoma, Utah and Minnesota.  No additional requests for federal assistance have been received.

Mississippi Canyon 252 Update

Federal Response:
FEMA is providing staff support to the Social Services and Small Business Assistance Interagency Working Group (Claims & Benefits).  The Unified Area Command moved to New Orleans on June 16.
Situational Update:
Booming, skimming and in situ burn operations continue as weather permits. Five In Situ burns were conducted on June 19. The Flow Rate Technical Group estimates the flow of oil remains between 35,000 and 60,000 barrels per day.  The FRTG estimates that the total oil release is between 2,135,000 and 3,660,000 barrels.  BP has been directed to expand their current containment strategy to increase oil capture to 40,000-53,000 barrels per day by the end of June and 60,000-80,000 barrels per day by mid July.  As of June 20, 8,487 barrels of oil and 16.9 million cubic feet of gas have been recovered from TOP HAT over the last 24 hours; 236,989 barrels of oil and 491.9 million cubic feet of gas have been recovered to date.  The Q-4000 oil production for June 19 was 5,133 barrels of oil and 9.0 million cubic feet of gas.

Drill Rig DDII drilling operations continue, current depth is 4,662 ft. below sea floor (9,970 ft. below drill floor); 20% complete.  Drill Rig DDIII continues to drill the first relief well, now at a depth of 10, 677 feet below sea floor (15,936 feet below drill floor); 44% complete.  The DDIII will not wait until the DDII well reaches an intersection of the original well.  Long term containment and disposal projects include the installment of freestanding riser components. The outer riser is complete and the first free standing riser components installation is complete. Components for the second free standing riser are scheduled for early July delivery.  There are 33,733 personnel and over 6,245 vessels supporting response activities. 
Current Impact/Oil Landfall
Shoreline clean up continues in Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, and Mississippi. Alabama is conducting 24 hour operations for beach cleanup on impacted shorelines. Florida is preparing for oil and tar balls to appear in the Panhandle region. Louisiana continues boom maintenance and repair. Mississippi began deployment of boom but no new oil has been observed on the shoreline. The Food and Drug Administration is addressing seafood contamination issues and is coordinating with the National Center for Health Services.

State Response Levels
The Florida EOC is at Level I (Full Activation), with Florida Department of Environmental Protection as the lead agency.  The Louisiana EOC is at Level III (Modified/ Partial Activation); Alabama EOC is at Partial Activation; Mississippi EOC remains at normal operations. (NIC Daily Situation Update, DHS NOC SLB, Deepwater Horizon Response and FL Situation Report)

Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) FMAG-2846-FM-AZ was approved on June 20, 2010, for the Schultz Fire, near Flagstaff in Coconino County, Arizona. 5,000 acres have been burned and it is zero percent contained.  Mandatory evacuations are in place for 1,000 residents, and 1,000 homes, 4 businesses and 4 churches are threatened. (FEMA HQ) Tropical Weather Outlook

Atlantic, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico
Area 1 
A tropical wave over the eastern Caribbean Sea is producing a large area of disorganized cloudiness, showers, and thunderstorms over the eastern Caribbean and the adjacent land areas. This system could produce locally heavy rainfall and gusty winds over portions of northern Venezuela, the Lesser Antilles, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands during the next 24-48 hours as it moves west-northwestward at 10 to 15 mph. Conditions are only marginally conducive for tropical cyclone development and there is a low chance (20%) of this system becoming a tropical cyclone during the next 48 hours.
Eastern Pacific
Tropical Depression Blas        
At 5:00 a.m. EDT, the center of Tropical Depression Blas was located 575 miles southwest of the southern tip of Baja California, Mexico. Blas is moving toward the west at 13 mph. A general westward motion is expected for the next 48 hours. Maximum sustained winds are near 35 mph with higher gusts.  Some weakening is forecast and the system is expected to become a remnant low in the 24 to 48 hours.
Hurricane Celia     
At 5:00 a.m. EDT, the center of Hurricane Celia was located 380 miles south-southwest of Acapulco, Mexico. Celia is moving toward the west at 9 mph and this general motion is expected to continue over the next 48 hours.  Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 80 mph with higher gusts.  Celia is now a Category One hurricane. Additional strengthening is forecast during the next 48 hours.
Area 1
A broad area of low pressure located a few hundred miles south of Guatemala and El Salvador is accompanied by a large area of cloudiness and showers. The system is moving west-northwestward at 10 mph and is showing some signs of organization. There is a low chance (20%) of this system becoming a tropical cyclone over the next 48 hours.

Earthquake Activity

On Sunday, June 20, 2010, at 1:28 p.m. EDT, an earthquake measuring 4.5 magnitude occurred 103 miles ESE of Anchorage and 29 miles SW of Valdez, AK at a depth of 7.2 miles. There were no reports of damage or injury and no tsunami was generated. (USGS) 

Preliminary Damage Assessments

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Wildfire Update

 Hardy Fire Update
The Hardy Fire near Flagstaff (Coconino County), Arizona had burned 300 acres and is 25% contained. All evacuations have been lifted. 500-1,000 residences remain threatened but no structures have been lost and there are no power outages. One Red Cross shelter is open with 12-15 occupants. A Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) was approved on June 19, 2010 (FEMA-2845-FM-AZ).

Schultz Fire, Arizona
The Shultz Fire is 6 1/2 miles from the Hardy Fire, near Flagstaff (Coconino County), Arizona. 5,000 acres have burned and the fire is zero percent contained. Mandatory evacuations are in place for 1,000 residents and 1,000 homes, 4 major businesses and 4 churches are threatened in three communities. No structures have been lost and there are no power outages. An FMAG was approved on June 20, 2010 (FEMA-2846-FM-AZ).

Wildfire Activity
National Preparedness Level 2
National Fire Activity as of Sunday, June 20, 2010: 

• Initial attack activity:  Light (68 new fires)
• New large fires:  2
• Large fires contained: 2
• Uncontained large fires:  9
• States affected:  AK, AZ, NM, UT, ID, CO & TX (NIFC)
  

 

Disaster Declaration Activity

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

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

Midwest 
A strong low pressure area will move from Montana into North Dakota bringing winds with gusts over 50 mph across portions of the western and central Dakotas.  Severe thunderstorms, likely to produce large hail, damaging winds, and a few tornadoes are forecast for portions of North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota and western Iowa.
South 
Scattered thunderstorms are forecast for much of the region from the Mississippi River east to South Carolina.  The most widespread storms will occur from Missouri to Florida and Georgia, bringing the possibility of gusty winds and hail.  Texas will be dry except for an isolated storm or two along the Gulf Coast area.
Northeast 
Sunny and warm conditions are forecast over the entire region.
West 
Rain and wind are forecast for Idaho and Montana.  Some rain could be heavy in northern Montana.  Snow is forecast for the mountains of Montana into Wyoming including the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone National Park.  Washington and western Oregon will receive a few showers.(NOAA’s National Weather Service, Hydrometeorological Prediction Center and media sources)

June Flood Response and Recovery - Update

Background:
Heavy rains from June 11-13 led to flooding in parts of Nebraska, South Dakota, Iowa, northern Missouri, Indiana, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Texas. Rivers were reported up to six feet outside of banks at some locations in Kansas and Nebraska. Waters began to recede Monday, June 14 across much of the affected areas. In early June, heavy rain and warm temperatures resulted in rapid snowmelt-induced flooding across portions of Idaho, Wyoming and Colorado.
Current Situation:
Flash flooding is possible over the next few days for portions of Montana, Wyoming, North and South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, and Missouri. Strong storms are expected overnight in northern and eastern Nebraska, aggravating already high water levels and flood conditions throughout the region. Along the Missouri River, additional rain may add to rises expected due to increased release of water from Gavin’s Point Dam.
FEMA Response:
The Region VII and Region VIII Regional Response Coordination Centers are activated at Level III to support flooding response and recovery. FEMA Logistics pre-positioned water, meals, cots, and blankets in Kansas City, Missouri, as a precaution. A FEMA liaison is currently deployed to the Nebraska Emergency Operations Center. USACE (ESF-3) representatives are activated to provide flood-fighting expertise.

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).

U.S. government and independent scientists estimate the most likely flow rate of oil is between 35,000 and 60,000 barrels per day. Relief well, booming/skimming, and in situ burning operations continue as weather permits. BP is required to expand their current long-term containment and disposal strategy to increase oil capture to 40,000-53,000 barrels per day by the end of June, and 60,000-80,000 barrels per day by mid July.

Shoreline cleanup continues in Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, and Mississippi. The coastline west of Panama City, Fla. may be impacted by Friday June 18. NOAA expanded the closed fishing area in the Gulf of Mexico to Panama City Beach in order to include additional areas off of the Florida Panhandle. The space represents 33% (80,806 square miles) of the exclusive commercial and recreational economic fishing zone.

Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG)

No activity. (FEMA HQ) 

Tropical Weather Outlook

Atlantic, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico 
A strong tropical wave is expected to move across the Lesser Antilles today accompanied by a large area of thunderstorms.  There are no signs of a surface circulation and upper winds are forecast to remain unfavorable for development.  There is a low chance, 20 percent, of this system becoming a tropical cyclone during the next 48 hours.  Elsewhere, tropical cyclone formation is not expected during the next 48 hours.

Eastern Pacific 
At 2:00 a.m. PDT the center of Tropical Storm Blas was located about 270 miles SW of Manzanillo, Mexico.  Blas is moving toward the west-northwest at 5 mph.  This general motion is expected to continue today with a gradual turn to the west.  Maximum sustained winds are near 40 mph with higher gusts.  Little change in strength is expected during the next 48 hours.

An area of showers and thunderstorms centered a few hundred miles south of the Gulf of Tehuantepec is associated with a tropical wave.  There are no signs of organization, and development, if any, is expected to be slow to occur as the system moves west-northwest near 10 mph.  There is a low chance of this system becoming a tropical cyclone during the next 48 hours.

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 Thursday, June 17, 2010: 
There were 113 new light fires, 2 new large fires, of which 1 is contained, and11 uncontained large fires affecting the states of Alaska, Arizona, Florida, New Mexico, Utah, and Texas. (NIFC)
Disaster Declaration Activity

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

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

Midwest
A potent weather system moving eastward from the Northern Rockies will impact parts of the Northern Plains and Upper Midwest with severe thunderstorms, large hail, and damaging winds, especially in parts of the eastern Dakotas, Minnesota and Iowa. A few tornadoes are also possible with this system from the Northern and Central Plains to Minnesota and Wisconsin.
South 
Hot, humid conditions from the Gulf of Mexico northward will likely contribute to the formation of scattered thunderstorms from the lower Mississippi Valley to the Gulf Coast and Florida Peninsula. Thunderstorms are also likely along the coastal Carolinas.
Northeast 
Northern sections of New York and New England may see scattered showers. Elsewhere, the region will remain dry.
West 
Scattered showers are forecast for Washington and Wyoming. Rain and high winds are forecast for Montana and northern Idaho. Rain could be heavy in northern Montana. Snow levels in western Montana and northwest Wyoming, including the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone National Park, may dip below 6,000 feet, where a light accumulation is expected. 
(NOAA and media sources)

June Flood Response and Recovery - Update

Background:
Heavy rains from June 11-13 led to flooding in parts of Nebraska, South Dakota, Iowa, northern Missouri, Indiana, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Texas. Rivers were reported up to six feet outside of banks at some locations in Kansas and Nebraska. Waters began to recede Monday, June 14 across much of the affected areas. In early June, heavy rain and warm temperatures resulted in rapid snowmelt-induced flooding across portions of Idaho, Wyoming and Colorado.

Current Situation:
Flash flooding is possible over the next few days for portions of Montana, Wyoming, North and South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, and Missouri. Strong storms are expected overnight in northern and eastern Nebraska, aggravating already high water levels and flood conditions throughout the region. Along the Missouri River, additional rain may add to rises expected due to increased release of water from Gavin’s Point Dam.

FEMA Response:
The Region VII and Region VIII Regional Response Coordination Centers are activated at Level III to support flooding response and recovery. FEMA Logistics pre-positioned water, meals, cots, and blankets in Kansas City, Missouri, as a precaution. A FEMA liaison is currently deployed to the Nebraska Emergency Operations Center. USACE (ESF-3) representatives are activated to provide flood-fighting expertise.

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).

U.S. government and independent scientists estimate the most likely flow rate of oil is between 35,000 and 60,000 barrels per day. Relief well, booming/skimming, and in situ burning operations continue as weather permits. BP is required to expand their current long-term containment and disposal strategy to increase oil capture to 40,000-53,000 barrels per day by the end of June, and 60,000-80,000 barrels per day by mid July.

Shoreline cleanup continues in Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, and Mississippi. The coastline west of Panama City, Fla. may be impacted by Friday June 18. NOAA expanded the closed fishing area in the Gulf of Mexico to Panama City Beach in order to include additional areas off of the Florida Panhandle. The space represents 33% (80,806 square miles) of the exclusive commercial and recreational economic fishing zone. 
 (NIC Daily Situation Update)

Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG)

No activity.  (FEMA HQ) 

Tropical Weather Outlook

Eastern Pacific
On June 17 as of 2:00 a.m. EDT, Tropical Depression Two-E, is located about 30 miles southwest of Puerto Escondido, Mexico, and 91 miles southeast of Punta Maldonado, Mexico, moving toward the west-northwest at 9 mph. Maximum sustained winds are 30 mph. The government of Mexico has issued a tropical storm warning for Salina Crux through Acapulco and a tropical storm watch from west of Acapulco to Zihuatanejo.

A second low-pressure system is located 50 miles south-southwest of Puerto Angel, Mexico and continues to show signs of organization. There is a high chance (60 percent) of this system becoming a tropical cyclone during the next 48 hours as the depression dr ifts west-northwestward.

Atlantic, Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico and Western Pacific: Tropical cyclone formation is not expected during the next 48 hours.

Earthquake Activity

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Preliminary Damage Assessments

National Preparedness Level 2
National Fire Activity as of Wednesday, June 16, 2010: 
There were 122 new light fires and 3 new large fires, of which none are contained. 14 large fires are affecting the states of AK, AZ, FL, NM, & TX.
(NIFC)

Wildfire Update Disaster Declaration Activity

Amendment #6 FEMA-1912-DR-Kentucky signed on June 16, amends the Major Disaster Declaration to include Clark, Ballard, Carlisle, and Hickman Counties for Public Assistance (Clark County is already designated for Individual Assistance) for damages due to Severe Storms, Flooding, Mud Slides and Tornadoes May 1 to June 1, 2010.

On June 16 FEMA-1901-DR-Nebraska; Amendment #1, and FEMA-1907-DR-Nebraska; Amendment #2, were signed amending two Major Disaster Declarations to appoint Dolph A Diemont as the Federal Coordinating Officer for both disasters. (FEMA HQ)

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

 Northeast 
The frontal boundary that recently brought widespread heavy rain to the Central Plains is forecast to move towards the East Coast this afternoon. Widespread showers and thunderstorms are expected across the entire Northeast, with the possible exception of northern Maine. A few of these storms may become severe over the Mid Atlantic region, especially across southern Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia, where damaging wind gusts, hail, and locally heavy rain is possible.
South
A deep southerly flow is bringing in heat and humidity, especially for the Deep South and the Southeast states. Daily highs have approached 100 degrees in a few areas, and scattered to numerous thunderstorms have been developing during peak afternoon heating; this trend is expected to continue through the day. Scattered thunderstorms, some severe, will increase across the Southeast creating brief, damaging wind gusts, hail, and localized rain.
Midwest 
One storm system will exit into the Northeast, reducing the thunderstorm threat in the Ohio Valley and southern Missouri and stopping the showers Michigan. A new, vigorous storm will move in from the west, bringing thunderstorms to the Plains and, by late day, the threat of hail, damaging wind gusts and a few severe tornadoes from western North Dakota to northern Kansas before moving into the eastern Dakotas, eastern Nebraska, Minnesota, Iowa and Wisconsin on Thursday. 
West 
The weather pattern in the western U.S. is expected to remain active today with another low-pressure system forming over the Great Basin. This system will move northeastward over the northern High Plains, connecting to a very active cold front stretching from eastern Montana to southern Nevada.  Heavy rain is expected from the Northern Rockies into southern Canada, along with temperatures that will be well below average across the Northwest today and Thursday. Snow showers are possible for the highest mountain peaks. Severe thunderstorms, including a few tornadoes, will target Montana, eastern Idaho and Wyoming. Strong winds are expected in parts of Nevada and Utah, with gusts exceeding 60 mph possible. (NOAA’s National Weather Service, the Hydrometeorological Prediction Center and media sources)

June Flood Response and Recovery - Update

Background:
In early June, heavy rain and warm temperatures resulted in rapid snowmelt-induced flooding across portions of Idaho, Wyoming and Colorado.

Storms moving across the Midwest brought heavy rain, widespread flooding, strong winds and golf ball sized hail to portions of Indiana and Illinois. Beginning June 9, up to six inches of rain fell in east central Illinois and central Indiana, followed by severe thunderstorms crossing through the area on Tuesday June 15. Some areas received up to 8 inches of rainfall.

Heavy rains from June 11-13 led to flooding in parts of Nebraska, South Dakota, Iowa, northern Missouri, Indiana, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Texas. Rivers were reported up to six feet outside of banks at some locations in Kansas and Nebraska. Waters began to recede Monday, June 14 across much of the affected areas; but additional rainfall over the next day or so could cause additional flooding.

FEMA Response:
The Region VII and Region VIII Regional Response Coordination Centers are activated at Level III to support flooding response and recovery. FEMA Logistics pre-positioned water, meals, cots, and blankets in Kansas City, Missouri, as a precaution. A FEMA liaison is currently deployed to the Nebraska Emergency Operations Center.

Mississippi Canyon 252 Update

FEMA is supporting the operation by providing personnel to the National Integration Center and additional Logistics and External Affairs support to the Federal On-Scene Coordinator. FEMA is also leading the Social Services and Small Business Interagency Working Group (Claims and Benefits).

The Unified Area Command will relocate to New Orleans, Louisiana today, June 16.

U.S. government and independent scientists estimate the most likely flow rate of oil is between 35,000 and 60,000 barrels per day. Relief well, booming/skimming, and in situ burning operations continue as weather permits. BP is required to expand their current long-term containment and disposal strategy to increase oil capture to 40,000-53,000 barrels per day by the end of June, and 60,000-80,000 barrels per day by mid July. Shoreline cleanup continues in Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, and Mississippi.

Oil and gas continues to flow to the Enterprise vessel for processing. On June 15, lightning struck a secondary vent on the Enterprise vessel and ignited a fire. The vent flame arrestor successfully extinguished the fire. Operations resumed following a brief shut down, and no injuries or damage were reported. 
 (NIC Daily Situation Update)

Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) No activity.  (FEMA HQ)
Tropical Weather Outlook

Atlantic, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico:
On June 16, as of 2:00 a.m. EDT, shower and thunderstorm activity associated with the low pressure system located about 850 miles east of the Lesser Antilles has increased but upper-level winds are unfavorable for tropical cyclone formation. There is a low chance (10 percent) of this system becoming a tropical cyclone during the next 48 hours as it moves west northwestward to northwestward near 15 mph.

Eastern Pacific:
On June 16, as of 2:00 a.m. EDT, a nearly stationary low-pressure system is located about 300 miles south-southwest of Manzanillo, Mexico. The associated shower activity is poorly organized at this time; however, environmental conditions remain marginally conducive for slow development, and a tropical depression could form from this system as it moves little over the next day or two. There is a medium chance (50 percent) of this system becoming a tropical cyclone during the next 48 hours.

A broad area of low pressure centered near the Gulf of Tehuantepec has become a little better organized. Environmental conditions appear conducive for some slow development of this system over the next couple of days, as it remains nearly stationary. There is a medium chance (50 percent) of this system becoming a tropical cyclone during the next 48 hours. Regardless of development, heavy rains are possible over the coastal sections of southeastern Mexico during the next couple of days.

Central and Western Pacific:
No tropical cyclones are expected through Thursday, June 17. 
 (NOAA, JTWC)

Earthquake Activity

The U.S. Geologic Survey reports that a magnitude 6.4 earthquake occurred on June 15 at 11:06 p.m. EDT, near the north coast of Papua, Indonesia at a depth of 15.6 miles. This earthquake was followed ten minutes later by a magnitude 7.0 earthquake in the same area.

The West Coast/Alaska Tsunami Warning Center issued a Tsunami Bulletin stating that a tsunami is not expected along the California/Oregon/Washington/British Columbia or Alaska coasts. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center in Hawaii determined that a destructive Pacific-wide tsunami was not expected.
(USGS)

Preliminary Damage Assessments

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Wildfire Update National Preparedness Level 2
National Fire Activity as of Tuesday, June 15, 2010: Initial attack activity:  light (111 new fires)
New large fires: 1, large fires contained: 2, uncontained large fires: 12
States affected:  AK, AZ, HI, FL, NM, & TX
(NIFC)
Disaster Declaration Activity

FEMA-1912-DR-Kentucky; Amendment #5, effective June 15, amends the Major Disaster Declaration to include Fayette County for Individual Assistance for damages due to Severe Storms, Flooding, Mud Slides and Tornadoes May 1 to June 1, 2010.

FEMA-1874-DR-Virginia; Amendment #4, effective June 15, amends the Major Disaster Declaration to include King George County for Public Assistance and Culpepper and King George counties for Emergency Protective Measures (Category B) for damages due to a Severe Winter Storm and Snowstorm Dec 18-20, 2009. (FEMA HQ)

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

Midwest 
An area of low pressure will slowly cross the Midwest during the next 2 days. This system will produce the threat of thunderstorms and heavy rain across the Upper Mississippi Valley and the Ohio Valley into the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes. The western portion of this front will gradually weaken over the Southern Plains with the potential for additional heavy rain, severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, large hail and some damaging wind gusts.
South 
Scattered thunderstorms are expected from the Mississippi River into the Southeast, particularly in northern Arkansas, eastern Oklahoma and northern Texas. Rainfall totals could locally top six inches, causing new areas of flash flooding. The southeast will remain warm and humid with scattered afternoon thunderstorms. Temperatures will range from near average to 10 degrees above average as highs peak in the 90s with near 100-degree readings in central South Carolina, eastern Georgia and southwest Texas.
West 
A cold front across the northwestern U.S. will continue to advance slowly south and east across the Great Basin and Northern Rockies, bringing cooler temperatures and a chance for showers and a few thunderstorms across portions of the Interior West during the next few days. Parts of Montana, Idaho and northwest Wyoming could experience thunderstorms, tornadoes and locally heavy rainfall. Severe thunderstorms are possible in easternmost New Mexico.
Northeast 
A front moving across the southwest corner of the region from Ohio to northeast North Carolina may bring thunderstorms to southwestern Pennsylvania, West Virginia, western Maryland and western Virginia. Some of the thunderstorms could be severe with damaging wind gusts and heavy rain. 
(NOAA and media sources)

June Flood Response and Recovery - Update

Background:
Heavy rains from June 11-13 led to flooding in parts of Nebraska, South Dakota, Iowa, northern Missouri, Indiana, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Texas. Rivers were reported up to six feet out of banks at some locations in Kansas and Nebraska. Waters began to recede Monday, June 14 across much of the affected areas; but rainfall over the next 48 hours could cause additional flooding.

In early June, heavy rain and warm temperatures resulted in snowmelt induced flooding across portions of Idaho, Wyoming and Colorado.

FEMA Response:
Region VII RRCC is activated at Level III to through June 18, 2010 to support flooding and potential flooding response and the Region VII type II IMAT team is on alert. A FEMA state liaison has been deployed to the Nebraska EOC. The Region has pre-positioned two truckloads of water and one truckload of meals to Kansas City, Missouri, as a precaution only. The region has one truckload of cots and blankets “in-region”.

Region VIII RRCC will activate at Level III with select positions beginning 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. MDT, June 15, to support flooding response.

Mississippi Canyon 252 Update

Federal Response:

The Unified Area Command will relocate to New Orleans, La. on June 16, 2010. FEMA is currently supporting the operation by providing personnel to the National Integration Center and additional Logistics and External Affairs support to the Federal On-Scene Coordinator. FEMA is also leading the Social Services and Small Business Interagency Working Group (Claims and Benefits). The Small Business Administration has approved 63 economic injury assistance loans to date, totaling more than $3.8 million for small businesses in the Gulf Coast impacted by the BP oil spill. The Gulf Coast states authorized 17,500 National Guard personnel for activation in order to participate in the BP oil spill response.

Approximately 67.2 miles of Gulf Coast shoreline is currently experiencing impacts from the oil leak; 34.6 miles in Louisiana, 7.5 miles in Mississippi, 11.7 miles in Alabama, and 10.4 miles in Florida. Relief well, booming/skimming, and in situ burning operations continue as weather permits. Thirty-two percent of all federal waters are closed to fishing and 11 shellfish areas have been closed.(NIC Daily Situation Update)

Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) No activity.  (FEMA HQ) Tropical Weather Outlook

Atlantic, Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico:
On June 15, as of 2:00 a.m. EDT, a low-pressure system located about 1,150 miles east of the Lesser Antilles has become a little better organized during the past several hours. Environmental conditions are expected to remain marginally favorable for this system to become a tropical depression today before upper-level winds become less favorable on Wednesday. There is a medium chance (50 percent) of this system becoming a tropical cyclone during the next 48 hours as it moves west northwestward to northwestward at about 15 mph.

Eastern Pacific:
On June 15, as of 2:00 a.m. EDT, cloudiness and showers have decreased in association with a low-pressure system located about 325 miles west-southwest of Acapulco, Mexico. Environmental conditions are marginally conducive for some slow development over the next couple of days as the low remains nearly stationary. There is a medium chance (30 percent) of this disturbance becoming a tropical cyclone during the next 48 hours.

A broad area of low pressure continues to producing widespread cloudiness and a few thunderstorms from the Gulf of Tehuantepec southward for a few hundred miles. This disturbance has changed little tonight and further development, if any, should be slow to occur over the next day or two as the system remains nearly stationary. There is a low chance (20 percent) of this system becoming a tropical cyclone during the next 48 hours.

Central Pacific:
No tropical cyclones are expected through Wednesday, June 16.
Western Pacific:
No significant activity. 
(NOAA)

Earthquake Activity

A magnitude 5.7 earthquake occurred at 12:26 a.m. EDT in Southern California approximately five miles southeast of Ocotillo, Calif. and approximately 65 miles east of Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico. The earthquake occurred at a depth of 4.3 miles.

This earthquake is another in a series of earthquakes that have followed the magnitude 7.2 earthquake that occurred in Northern Baja, Mexico on April 5. More that 35 earthquakes of a magnitude 3.0 or greater occurred in this general vicinity in the last 24 hours. (USGS)

Preliminary Damage Assessments

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Wildfire Update

National Preparedness Level 2
National Fire Activity as of Sunday, June 13, 2010: 
Initial attack activity:  light (85 new fires), new large fires: 2, large fires contained: 2
Uncontained large fires: 10, states affected:  AK, AZ, NM, TX, & HI.
(NIFC)

Disaster Declaration Activity

No new activity (FEMA HQ)