The USA Disaster Situation Report
The Daily USA Disaster Situation Report
For August 18, 2000
Christopher Effgen, Editor, host{at}disastercenter.com
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IN THIS ISSUE
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=> USA Daily Temperature Extremes
=> Special Reports
=> Current Atlantic Hurricane Forecast
=> Current Active National Weather Service Warnings:
=> Severe Weather Probability Forecast
=> Precipitation Forecast and Excessive Rainfall Forecast
=> USA Flood Report
=> USA Fire Report and Forecast
=> USA Earthquake Report
=> Yesterday's USA Severe Weather Reports
=> Guest Column
=> National Drought Summary -- August 15, 2000
=> Hurricane Storm Surge Maps for Georgia Coast Distributed
=> Classified Ads
=> Links Area
=> How to Be Featured as our Guest Columnist
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The Daily USA Disaster Situation Report
For August 18, 2000
Christopher Effgen, Editor, host{at}disastercenter.com
------------------------------------------------------------
IN THIS ISSUE
------------------------------------------------------------
=> USA Daily Temperature Extremes
National Temperature Extremes
High Thu...119 At Death Valley CA
Low Fri...36 At Truckee CA
=> Special Reports
We have a report that there is a national shortage of antivenin for snake
bites
FEMA Designates Another Montana Fire For Funds
FEMA designated the northern New Jersey counties of Morris and
Sussex eligible for federal aid to people and communities swamped by last
weekend's flooding rains.
The President declared a major disaster exists in the District of Columbia
and ordered Federal aid to supplement local recovery efforts in the area
struck by severe thunderstorms on August 11, 2000.
=> Current Atlantic Hurricane Forecast
The National Hurricane Center is issuing advisories on Hurricane Alberto
located about 1100 miles west-southwest of the westernmost Azores
Islands...and on recently upgraded Tropical Storm Chris located about 410
miles east of Antigua in the Lesser Antilles.
Thunderstorm activity associated with the tropical wave located about midway
between the Cape Verde Islands and the Lesser Antilles has changed little
this morning. However...this system continues to have a broad area of low
pressure and could become a tropical depression during the next day or two.
Elsewhere...tropical storm formation is not expected through Saturday.
=> Current Active National Weather Service Warnings:
=> Severe Weather Probability Forecast
The forecast probability of an event is by the stated percentage or greater
for the event, within 25 miles of any point for the area described.
Tornado Risk - Slightly Moderate
The 2% probability area covers south southeast Virginia, North Carolina
except the northwest, and the northeast 1/2 of South Carolina.
Hail Risk - Slightly Moderate
The 5% probability area for hail 3/4 inch or larger covers the northwest 1/4
of Georgia, South and North Carolina and south southeast Virginia.
The 15% probability area covers South and North Carolina except the
northwest sections, and south southeast Virginia.
The 25% probability area covers Central North Carolina north to south.
Wind Risk - Moderate
The 10 % probability area for winds in excess of 65 knots covers eastern 1/2
of North Carolina except the far northeastern area
The 5% probability area for winds in excess of 50 knots covers the northeast
14/ of Georgia, South and North Carolina, the south southeast 1/3 of
Virginia, and far southern Maryland.
The 15% probability area cover the northeast 2/3 of South Carolina, North
Carolina except the northwestern area, and south southeast Virginia.
The 25% probability area covers the eastern 1/2 of North Carolina except the
far northeastern area.
Tomorrow's Risk -
The risk area tomorrow covers the western half of South Dakota, Nebraska
except the southwest and northeast corners, northeast Kansas, and central
west Missouri.
=> Precipitation Forecast and Excessive Rainfall Forecast
Precipitation Forecast
The 24 hr precipitation forecast is calling for over an inch of rainfall
over north central New Mexico, and far eastern Virginia
the 24 - 48 hr precipitation forecast is calling for no area to receive more
than an inch of rainfall.
Excessive Rainfall Forecast
Flash flood values may be exceeded over central south and southeast Arizona,
far southwest New Mexico, central, north central and north northeast New
Mexico, and the east southeast 1/2 of Colorado.
=> USA Flood Report
NATIONAL HYDROLOGIC SUMMARY
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HEADQUARTERS
0845 AM EDT FRI AUG 18 2000
Flood Summary
Widespread Flooding in the Midwest and West
Pockets of flooding affected parts of Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio and
West Virginia late Thursday and early Friday. In the West, monsoon flow
brought localized flooding to parts of Arizona, California, Colorado and New
Mexico. Many areas there experienced street flooding, with a number of roads
closed. On Friday, light to moderate rains could cause areas of lowland or
urban flooding in coastal areas of the Mid-Atlantic region. More monsoon
flow is expected on Friday in the southwest US.
FLASH FLOODING:
Flood/Flash Flood Warnings and/or Urban and Small Stream Flood Advisories
were issued over the past 24 hours for the following locations (in
alphabetical order, by state):
Arizona: Cochise, Gila, Graham, Maricopa, Pima, Pinal and Yavapai
Counties; the Phoenix Metropolitan area
California: Riverside and San Diego Counties
Colorado: Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Denver, Douglas, Elbert, Jefferson,
Park and Weld Counties
Illinois: Perry County
Indiana: Boone, Hendricks, Johnson, Marion, Montgomery, Morgan, Parke,
Putnam and Vermillion Counties
There was widespread flooding in the Crawfordsville area of
Montgomery County, with several cars stranded in flood waters.
Kentucky: Clay, Lee, Leslie and Owsley Counties
Missouri: Adams, Brown, Madison, St. Clair and Washington Counties
New Mexico: Colfax, Harding and Union Counties
Ohio: Franklin and Licking Counies
West Virginia: Braxton, Lewis, Pocahontas, Randolph, Upshur and Webster
Counties
RIVER FLOODING:
Rivers and streams with locations either above flood stage or expected to
rise above flood stage include (in alphabetical order, by state):
Indiana: the Sugar and Little Raccoon Creeks
=> USA Fire Report and Forecast
INCIDENT MANAGEMENT SITUATION REPORT
FRIDAY, AUGUST 18, 2000 - 0530 MDT
NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS LEVEL V
CURRENT SITUATION:
Nineteen new large fires were reported, including seven in the Southern
Area and three each in the Southwest and Eastern Great Basin Areas.
Containment was reached on nine fires in six geographic areas. Lightning
in the Northern Rockies, Eastern Great Basin, Northern California and
Southern Areas caused initial attack activity to be moderate to heavy.
Winds gusting to 35 mph are forecast in parts of Idaho, Montana, Oregon,
California, and Nevada today, which will challenge firelines on the large
fires in those areas. The National Interagency Coordination Center
continues to process numerous orders for aircraft, crews, equipment and
overhead. Twelve more firefighters from Australia have arrived in
Missoula to join incident management teams. Very high to extreme fire
indices have been reported in all 11 western states and in Texas.
NORTHERN ROCKIES AREA LARGE FIRES:
An Area Command Team (Edrington) is assigned to manage the large fires in
the Hamilton area. An Area Command Team (Mann) is assigned to manage the
large fires in southwest Montana. An Area Command Team (Meuchel) is
assigned to manage the large fires in central Montana. A Type I Incident
Management Team (Wands) is assigned to manage the large fires in northwest
Montana. Priorities are being established by the Northern Rockies Multi-
Agency Coordinating Group based on information submitted via Wildfire
Situation Analysis reports and Incident Status Summary (ICS-209) forms.
BLODGETT TRAILHEAD, Bitterroot National Forest. A Type I Incident
Management Team (Gage) is assigned. This fire is three miles northwest of
Hamilton, MT. An inversion and smoke lasted through the day in lower
elevations, keeping fire activity low. Approximately 600 structures are
still threatened.
VALLEY COMPLEX, Bitterroot National Forest. A Type I Incident Management
Team (Frye) is assigned. These fires are seven miles south of Darby, MT.
The complex consists of the Bear, Coyote, Taylor, Taylor Spit, Hilltop,
Razor and Fat fires. Crews are providing initial attack on new fires in
the West Fork area. Other actions are focused on structure protection for
the approximately 900 homes that are threatened.
SKALKAHO COMPLEX, Bitterroot National Forest. A Type I Incident
Management Team (Myers) is assigned. This is the northern portion of the
Valley Complex. The fires are ten miles southeast of Hamilton, MT.
Inversion and smoke is limiting fire activity to intermittent portions of
the fireline. Crews are continuing patrol of firelines and performing
structure protection in Skalkaho, Sleeping Child, Little Sleeping Child
and the east side of Old Darby Road.
WILDERNESS COMPLEX, Bitterroot National Forest. A Type II Incident
Management Team (Cook) is assigned. The complex consists of 20 fires in
the Selway-Bitterroot and Frank Church River of No Return Wildernesses, 40
miles southwest of Hamilton, MT. A heavy inversion slowed fire growth
until afternoon. Firefighters were able to execute a burnout operation
along the Selway River near the Thirty fire, to prevent the fire from
jumping the river later in the day.
UPPER NINEMILE COMPLEX, Lolo National Forest. A Type I Incident
Management Team (Bennett) is assigned. The Army's 20th Engineers
Battalion from Ft. Hood, Texas, commanded by LTC Shumway, is assigned.
These fires are burning 25 miles northwest of Missoula, MT. Firelines
have been completed on the Nemote fire and have held throughout the
burning period.
RYAN GULCH, Southwestern Land Office, Montana Department of Natural
Resources and Conservation. A Type I Incident Management Team (Melton) is
assigned. This fire is 15 miles east of Clinton, MT. Crews are making
good progress constructing fireline around slopovers on the northwest and
northeast corners of the fire. A burnout operation on the northeast part
of the fire is underway.
THOMPSON FLAT COMPLEX, Lolo National Forest. A Type II Incident
Management Team (Hoff) is assigned. This is a complex of six fires in the
vicinity of Superior, MT. Both the Thompson and the Landowner fires have
become active. The southern perimeter of the Landowner fire burned over
the Landowner Mountain Lookout and a nearby historic cabin. Several spot
fires have been reported across Trout Creek. Crews and equipment were
pulled off the fireline into safety zones.
CLEAR CREEK DIVIDE COMPLEX, Flathead Agency, BIA. A Type I Incident
Management Team (MacGregor) is assigned. This complex, 60 miles northwest
of Missoula, consists of the Clear Creek, Vanderburg, Siegel and Magpie
fires. Helicopter bucket work is supporting direct and indirect attack on
the east side of the Vanderburg fire. Communities along Highway 200
continue to be threatened. Heavy smoke is limiting visibility and
aircraft use.
MONTURE/SPREAD RIDGE, Lolo National Forest. A Type I Incident Management
Team (Waterbury) is assigned. The fires are 15 miles east of Seeley Lake,
MT. Islands of unburned fuel within the fire perimeter are burning out.
The Spread fire has backed down to a portion of a previously established
fireline, where it is currently holding.
CROOKED, Clearwater National Forest. A Type I Incident Management Team
(Hefner) is assigned. The fire is 50 miles southwest of Missoula, MT,
near Lolo Pass. Upslope runs and individual torching has been observed,
but the fire is holding within containment lines.
SCHLEY, Flathead Agency, BIA. This human-caused fire was started on 8/15
near the town of Evaro, MT. Crews are making good progress on fireline
construction and building a helispot.
MAUDLOW/TOSTON, Central Land Office, Montana Department of Natural
Resources and Conservation. These fires are 25 miles north of Belgrade,
MT. Approximately 20 ranches have been evacuated from Maudlow through
three miles south. Extreme fire behavior has been observed. The current
threat is to Blacktail subdivision and isolated ranch structures.
MIDDLE FORK COMPLEX, Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. A Type I
Incident Management Team (Carvelho) is assigned. The complex consists of
the Falls Creek, Cougar Creek/Coyote Springs, Skalkaho Pass, Lick Creek
and Copper Creek fires, 30 miles southwest of Philipsburg, MT. The Cougar
fire has spotted south of the Medicine Lake fire. Valleys continue to
fill with smoke, limiting air operations.
MUSSIGBROD COMPLEX, Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. A Type II
Incident Management Team (Swope) is assigned. This complex includes the
Mussigbrod and Maynard fires, which are 12 miles northwest of Wisdom, MT.
Strong winds have caused active burning on both fires. Multiple tree
torching and spotting across the east fork of the Bitterroot River have
occurred.
JUDITH COMPLEX, Lewis and Clark National Forest. This complex consists of
the Studhorse, Lost Fork and High Springs fires, which are 25 miles
southwest of Stanford, MT. Threatened resources include timber, a
watershed and endangered species habitat. No new information was
received.
BOULDER COMPLEX, Central Land Office, Montana Department of Natural
Resources and Conservation. A Type I Incident Management Team (Humphrey)
is assigned. This complex, three miles northeast of Basin, MT, consists
of the Boulder Hill and High Ore Road fires. Fire activity has been
minimal. Mopup of hot spots continues. BURNT FLATS, Clearwater area,
Idaho State Department of Lands. A Type II Incident Management Team
(Ostman) is assigned. The fire is three miles from Whitebird, ID. Heavy
smoke and an inversion have made conditions too hazardous for crews to
scout or construct fireline. Burnout operations are continuing slowly
along the Free Use Road. The inversion has also slowed fire movement.
BEAVER CREEK, Gallatin National Forest. A Type II Incident Management
Team (Duke) is assigned. This fire is south of Big Sky, MT. Crews
attempting to complete anchoring the south end of the fire to Boat
Mountain had to be removed from the fireline due to increased fire
behavior. The fire has been actively burning in the Cub Creek drainage
and spotting to the east.
STONE YOUNG, Kootenai National Forest. A Type II Incident Management Team
(Colla) is assigned. The complex consists of the Young, Lydia, Stone Hill
and Cliff Point fires near Eureka, MT. Firelines are being constructed on
three of the fires. Some spotting continues to occur outside the
firelines but so far they have all been contained.
KOOTENAI COMPLEX, Kootenai National Forest. A Type II Incident Management
Team (Cowin) is assigned. This complex consists of 34 fires that are 20
miles northwest of Libby, MT. Another 13 fires have now been staffed.
Structural protection and evacuation planning are being handled by the
county fire warden and the sheriff's office. A new fire has been located
one mile south of the Canadian border and Canadian firefighters are
initial attacking it.
TROY SOUTH, Kootenai National Forest. A Type II Incident Management Team
(Berndt) is assigned. This complex of 41 fires is near Troy, MT. Five of
the fires are high priority due to threats to a municipal watershed and
structures in the city of Troy. An inversion lifted in midafternoon and
fire activity increased. A structure defense plan for 800 residences and
900 outbuildings is nearing completion.
ELK MOUNTAIN, Northwestern Land Office, Montana Department of Natural
Resources and Conservation. A Type II Incident Management Team (Gauger)
is assigned. This fire is 30 miles east of Libby, MT. Crews are
patrolling and holding existing fireline. Known spots on the east side of
the fire have been contained.
NORTHWEST LAND OFFICE (NWLO) IA COMPLEX, Northwestern Land Office, Montana
Department of Natural Resources and Conservation. These fires are all
within 45 miles of Kalispell, MT. There are ten active fires in this
complex. Efforts to secure the fireline on the Bald Hill fire have been
effective.
CHIPMUNK, Flathead National Forest. The fire is burning in spruce,
subalpine fir and brush 45 miles southeast of Kalispell, MT. Helicopters
did bucket drops on hot spots on the east flank of the fire. Structure
protection planning is underway. Strategic points are being mapped.
GREEN MOUNTAIN, Kootenai National Forest. This fire started on 8/11, five
miles southeast of Noxon, MT. No new information was received.
MALONEY CREEK, Clearwater Area, Idaho State Department of Lands. A Type
II Incident Management Team (Specht) is assigned. This fire is 12 miles
southeast of Craigmont, ID. Crews have completed fireline into Frenchy
Creek, tying into rock bluffs above the Snake River. A slopover on
Wapshilla Ridge has been contained. Burnout operations are continuing
along the ridge.
THREE BEARS, Nez Perce National Forest. A Type II Incident Management
Team (Cones) is assigned. This fire is on both sides of the Salmon River,
29 miles from Elk City, ID. The fire continues to be active, pushed by
southwest winds. A burnout operation is underway to keep the fire within
the wilderness on the east side of Bargamin Creek. Site protection
measures are complete at Arctic Creek, Mallard Creek, Cook Ranch and
Whitewater.
CANYON FERRY COMPLEX, Helena National Forest. This complex, located 12
miles north of Helena, MT, consists of the Bucksnort and Cave Gulch fires.
Fuels within the perimeter have been burning actively throughout the day.
Some unburned fuel still exists near the fireline in two divisions.
NOSEBAG 22, Idaho Panhandle National Forest. This fire is eight miles
northeast of Hope, ID. The fire is burning in subalpine fir, spruce,
brush and grass. Numerous forest roads and trails have been closed to
public access. Threatened resources include timber and a U.S. Forest
Service lookout.
SPRUCE COMPLEX, Yellowstone National Park. This is a complex of 11 fires
in Yellowstone National Park. The Glade fire has moved into Yellowstone
Park and is threatening the south entrance station. Structural protection
measures are being implemented at both the south and east entrances to the
park. One new fire has been added to the complex. Four of the fires in
the complex remain unstaffed.
NORTHWEST PEAKS COMPLEX, Idaho Panhandle National Forest. The fires are
burning in subalpine fir and spruce seven miles southeast of Eastport, ID.
Single and multiple group torching and good column development have been
noted. Fuels are continuous from the fire north to the Canadian border.
Threatened resources include wildlife habitat, timber production and
scenic areas.
MCDONALD II, Lewis and Clark National Forest. The fire is 36 miles
southwest of Choteau, MT. No new information was received.
HIDDEN CREEK, Clearwater National Forest. The fire is 12 miles southeast
of Powell, ID. The fire is being monitored by US Forest Service
personnel.
HELEN CREEK, Flathead National Forest. This fire is 22 miles south of
Spotted Bear, MT. The Lewis Creek II fire has burned into this fire.
Structure protection actions are being taken at Black Bear Cabin and Pack
Bridge. This will be the last report until significant activity occurs.
FROG LAKE, Clearwater National Forest. The fire is 16 miles southeast of
Powell, ID. The fire is being monitored by US Forest Service personnel.
ELIZABETH, Clearwater National Forest. The fire is 33 miles northeast of
Pierce, ID. The fire is being monitored by US Forest Service personnel.
SNOW CREEK, Clearwater National Forest. The fire is 30 miles northeast of
Pierce, ID. The fire is being monitored by US Forest Service personnel.
EASTERN GREAT BASIN AREA LARGE FIRES:
Priorities are being established by the Great Basin Multi-Agency
Coordinating Group based on information submitted via Wildfire Situation
Analysis reports and Incident Status Summary (ICS-209) forms.
TRAIL CREEK, Boise National Forest. A Type II Incident Management Team is
enroute. This fire is five miles south of Atlanta, ID. The fire has made
significant runs, doubling in size and spotting up to a mile ahead of the
main fire. Currently threatened is the town of Atlanta, ID, forcing
evacuation efforts to be put in place. Strong winds and low relative
humidity are forecast.
GLADE, Grand Teton National Park. This lightning-caused fire is 12 miles
north of Colter Bay, WY. Evacuation of the Flagg Ranch Lodge, campground
and residences has been completed. Spotting has occurred 1/4 to 1/2 mile
ahead of the main fire. US Hwy 89 has been closed from Lizard Creek
Campground to Grant Village in Yellowstone in anticipation of the fire
crossing the road.
RANKIN, Salmon-Challis National Forest. A Type I Incident Management Team
(Stam) is assigned. This fire is 40 miles west of Challis, ID. Extremely
dry fuels and low humidity continue to hamper control efforts. The main
suppression effort has been to hold the numerous spot fires on the east
side of Yankee Fork. This fire is threatening the Challis watershed and
the community of Challis.
DRY FORK II, Vernal Field Office, BLM. The fire is burning in pinyon
pine, juniper, aspen, fir and lodgepole pine 20 miles northwest of Vernal,
UT. Fire activity continues on the northeast portion of the fire.
SWAINS, South Central State of Utah. A Type II Incident Management Team
(Burdick) is assigned. This human-caused fire is burning east of Holden,
UT.
NICK, Payette National Forest. A Type II Incident Management Team
(Saleen) is assigned. This fire is burning in subalpine fir 12 miles east
of McCall, ID. An inversion with heavy smoke has prevented air operations
in the morning. Structural protection plans and zones have been developed
for the area.
BOULDER, Bridger-Teton National Forest. A Type II Incident Management
Team (Zimmerman) is assigned. This fire is 15 miles east of Jackson, WY,
in the Gros Ventre Wilderness. Good progress has been made on containing
the fire east of Little Granite Creek. Weather conditions are causing
holding problems with active burning and torching being observed.
CLEAR CREEK, Salmon-Challis National Forest. A Type I Incident Management
Team (Hart) is assigned. A Type I Incident Management Team (Hutchinson)
has been assigned to transition with Hart's team. The fire is 12 miles
west of Salmon, ID. The 3rd Battalion 5th Marines from Camp Pendleton,
California, commanded by Col. Callihan, is assigned. Structure protection
plans are in place for the communities and towns of Salmon, Gibbonsville,
North Fork, Cobalt and Shoup. Poor visibility continues to be a problem
with air operations over the fire.
BURGDORF JUNCTION, Payette National Forest. A Type I Incident Management
Team (Dague) is assigned. The 3rd Battalion 16th Field Artillery from Ft.
Hood, Texas, commanded by LTC Darryl Williams, is assigned. The fire is
23 miles north of McCall, ID. Suppression and holding efforts have been
successful. An inversion over the fire for most of the day reduced fire
activity.
ELK VALLEY, Caribou National Forest. This lightning-caused fire is 20
miles northeast of Montpelier, ID. Crews are making excellent progress
toward containment.
BLIND, Bridger-Teton National Forest. The fire is southeast of Alpine,
WY. Fire growth to the north and northeast is a concern because of the
populated areas of Bryan Flats and Bondurant. Weather conditions
encourage continued fire growth.
FONTENELLE, Bridger-Teton National Forest. This lightning-caused fire is
northeast of Cokeville, WY. Extreme fire behavior has been observed due
to dry fuels and windy conditions. Multiple natural gas wells are at
risk.
MARLIN SPRINGS, Salmon-Challis National Forest. A Type II Incident
Management Team has been ordered. No other information was received.
DIAMOND PEAK, Payette National Forest. This lightning-caused fire is 42
miles northeast of McCall, ID. Due to an inversion and light winds the
fire behavior has moderated.
HALF MOON COMPLEX, Bridger-Teton National Forest. This complex consists
of the Half Moon and the Triangle Lake fires. A Type II Incident
Management Team (Carr) is assigned. This complex is near Pinedale, WY.
The Triangle Lake fire is in monitor status due to the steep, inaccessible
terrain.
MORSE, Salmon-Challis National Forest. A Type II Incident Management Team
(Suwyn) is assigned. The fire is burning in grass, sagebrush and douglas
fir 12 miles southeast of Ellis, ID. Heavy smoke in the valleys and
mountains prevented full assessment of the fire.
MORAN, Grand Teton National Park. This fire is burning in the Teton
Range, west of Jackson Lake at Moran Canyon. The fire is burning with
great intensity in extremely heavy fuels with spotting up to 1/4 mile.
ENOS, Bridger-Teton National Forest. A Type II Incident Management Team
(Zimmerman) is assigned. This fire is burning in the Teton Wilderness 33
miles northeast of Jackson, WY. The Teton Wilderness has been closed.
Fire activity has slowed due to cooler temperatures and cloud cover.
CAMAS, Upper Snake River District. The fire is located four miles west of
Hamer, ID. Strong winds and dry fuels of sagebrush and grass are
hampering containment efforts.
WILCOX, Grand Teton National Park. The fire is five miles northwest of
Colter Bay, WY. Extreme fire behavior with runs, torching and spotting
are being observed. The fire is being monitored by aircraft.
HETCHMAN, Targhee National Forest. The fire is 30 miles east of Ashton,
ID. It is actively burning in the Jedediah Smith Wilderness Area.
FLOSSIE COMPLEX, Payette National Forest. This fire is 50 miles northeast
of McCall, ID. The fire area is under an inversion which is preventing
monitoring.
SCF Wilderness, Salmon-Challis National Forest. This complex is made up of
the North Fork Wilderness Complex and the South Zone Wilderness. The fires
continue to grow due to winds, steep slopes and low humidity.
FLOSSIE COMPLEX, Payette National Forest. This fire is 50 miles northeast
of McCall, ID. The fire area is under inversion all day which is
preventing monitoring.
INDIAN/PROSPECT, Payette National Forest. The fire is 33 miles east of
McCall, ID. This fire is being monitored by periodic reconnaissance
flights.
SOUTH SHELLROCK, Payette National Forest. The fire is burning in the
Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness Area 55 miles east of McCall,
ID. It is currently being monitored from the air.
NORTH SHELLROCK, Payette National Forest. The fire is 55 miles east of
McCall, ID. The fire has not been very active due to inversion during the
day.
CHOURNOS, Northwest Utah State. This fire is 30 miles west of Ogden, UT.
No new information was reported.
WESTERN GREAT BASIN AREA LARGE FIRES:
Priorities are being established by the Great Basin Multi-Agency
Coordinating Group based on information submitted via Wildfire Situation
Analysis reports and Incident Status Summary (ICS-209) forms.
WEST BASIN, Elko Field Office, BLM. This lightning-caused fire is located
12 miles east of Jackpot, NV approximately 1/2 mile from the Choke Cherry
fire. It is burning on both sides of the Idaho/Nevada border on both BLM
land and the Sawtooth National Forest.
CHERRY, Ely Field Office, BLM. This fire is 30 miles northwest of Ely,
NV. Steep, rugged terrain and rolling materials continue to impede
containment efforts. Wildlife habitat and the Goshute Wilderness Study
Area remain threatened.
PARSNIP, Ely Field Office, BLM. This fire is burning in sagebrush, dense
pinyon pine and juniper 30 miles northeast of Caliente, NV in a wilderness
study area. The fire received light precipitation and it continues to be
monitored.
PHILLIPS RANCH, Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. The fire is 50 miles
southeast of Ely, NV. National Park Service personnel are monitoring the
fire as it continues to creep and smolder. Light precipitation was
received again today.
LITTLE WATER, Humboldt National Forest. This fire is 60 miles southeast
of Elko, NV. Limited fire activity has been observed as the fire
continues to creep in white fir, isolated pinyon pine and mountain
mahogany. Current threats are to summer and winter wildlife habitat and
sensitive plant species.
MAMMOTH, Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. The fire is burning in white
fir and pinyon pine 75 miles southwest of Ely, NV. It started on 8/2 in
the Grant Range Wilderness Area. Limited fire activity has been observed
due to precipitation received.
ROCKY MOUNTAIN AREA LARGE FIRES:
PAHASKA COMPLEX, Shoshone National Forest. This lightning-caused fire is
burning in old growth timber 50 miles west of Cody, WY. A Type II
Incident Management Team (Sisk) has been ordered. Numerous structures are
threatened.
ENACMPMENT COMPLEX, Rawlins District, BLM. A Type II Incident Management
Team (Hartman) is assigned. This complex consists of the Blackhall and
the Hell's Canyon fires. No other information was received.
KATE'S BASIN COMPLEX, Wind River Agency, BIA. A Type I Incident
Management Team (Stutler) is assigned. This complex includes the Kate's
Basin and the Blondie #2 fires, eight miles southwest of Thermopolis, WY.
Burnout operations are progressing on the southwest flank of the fire.
FLAGPOLE MOUNTAIN, South Dakota State Forestry. A Type II Incident
Management Team (Gardner) is assigned. This fire is near the town of Hot
Springs, SD. Good mopup progress is being made on all divisions with the
fire mostly creeping and smoldering.
BURRO FLATS, Shoshone National Forest. The fire is 12 miles south of
Dubois, WY. It is burning in the Fitzpatrick Wilderness at high
elevations. Continued mopup and suppression near islands of unburned fuel
is occurring to ensure public safety. The fire has been held in check
with hose lays and water drops.
WOODS CANYON, Custer Dispatch Center Counties. The fire is ten miles
northwest of Hulett, WY. Timber and grazing allotments are threatened.
NORTHWEST AREA LARGE FIRES:
MILEPOST 244, Umatilla National Forest. A Type II Incident Management
Team (Jackson) is assigned. The fire is burning in grass, brush and
timber five miles southeast of Gibbon, OR. Fire activity increased after
an inversion lifted. Spot fires have ignited across the fireline.
FLAT CREEK, Wenatchee National Forest. This lightning-caused fire is 18
miles northwest of Stehekin, WA, in the Glacier Peak Wilderness.
Monitoring by agency personnel from a viewpoint and by helicopter
continues.
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA AREA LARGE FIRES:
STORRI, Plumas National Forest. A Type I Incident Management Team (Vail)
is assigned. The fire is 20 miles west of Quincy, CA in the Feather River
Canyon. The fire is burning in steep terrain with numerous cliffs and
canyons. Rolling rock and debris are hampering access. Approximately 46
structures are threatened along Highway 70, along with Pacific Gas &
Electric facilities in the area. The fire has made major runs upslope to
the ridge and laterally up the canyon, pushed by strong winds.
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA AREA LARGE FIRES:
HIGHWAY, Fresno-Kings Ranger Unit, California Department of Forestry.
This human-caused fire is 28 miles northeast of Fresno, CA. No new
information was reported. This will be the last report unless new
information is received.
SOUTHWEST AREA LARGE FIRES:
WILSON MOUNTAIN, Coconino National Forest. A Type II Incident Management
Team (Joki) has been ordered. The fire is three miles northeast of
Sedona, AZ. The fire is burning in pine, brush and manzanita fuels and
being driven by winds.
DRAGON, Grand Canyon National Park. The fire is six miles west of the
North Rim developed area. The fire has made significant runs below the
rim of the Grand Canyon, pushed by winds up to 25 mph. Short range
spotting and multi- tree torching fire behavior have been noted. The
Point Sublime Road has been closed.
PEAK, Tonto National Forest. The fire is burning in dense brush and steep
terrain six miles south of Globe, AZ. The fire has been active in the
Bobtail Ridge area. Steep terrain and heavy fuel loading are slowing
containment efforts.
NORTH, Tonto National Forest. This lightning-caused fire is six miles
southwest of Payson, AZ. It is burning in ponderosa pine in the Mazatzal
Wilderness. The fire is being monitored by U.S. Forest Service personnel.
RATTLESNAKE, Prescott National Forest. The fire was ignited on 8/7 near
Black Canyon City, AZ. The fire is burning in a canyon with limited
access in the Castle Creek Wilderness. The fire is being monitored by
USFS personnel.
SOUTHERN AREA LARGE FIRES:
HANNER HILL, Texas State Forest Service. This fire is burning in heavy
oak, cedar and mesquite 20 miles east of Abilene, TX.
MERRITT ISLAND NWR, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The fire is 15 miles
southeast of Titusville, FL. Ash and smoke are interfering with NASA
facilities at Cape Kennedy. Helicopter drops are being used to help
alleviate the problem.
NINA COMMAND, Florida State Division of Forestry. This is a complex of
three lightning-caused fires located in Brevard County. No other
information was received.
PAKO, Florida State Division of Forestry. This fire is located near
Miramar, FL. Burning out operations by the crews continue along with the
suppression efforts.
PINTO COMMAND, Florida State Division of Forestry. No new information was
received.
HUBBARD, Texas State Forest Service. The fire is burning in oak, cedar and
mesquite 30 miles north of Waco, TX. Low humidity and rough terrain are
hampering containment efforts. The Texas Army National Guard has assisted
suppression efforts by dropping over 22,000 gallons of water from their
Chinook helicopters.
GONZALES RIVER, Texas State Forest Service. This fire is located 60 miles
northeast of Abilene, TX. It is burning juniper, oak and mesquite fuels
in very rough terrain.
JARRELL II, Texas State Forest Service. The fire is located 45 miles north
of Austin, TX. Texas Army National Guard Blackhawks are assisting with
suppression efforts on the fire, which is burning in pinyon pine and
juniper. Containment is being deterred by 60 foot flame lengths.
OUTLOOK:
*** A FIRE WEATHER WATCH IS POSTED IN EASTERN MONTANA FOR DRY
LIGHTNING ***
*** A FIRE WEATHER WATCH IS POSTED IN SOUTHWEST IDAHO AND SOUTHEAST OREGON
FOR STRONG WINDS AND LOW HUMIDITIES ***
*** A FIRE WEATHER WATCH IS POSTED IN SOUTHEAST IDAHO FOR STRONG WINDS AND
HIGH HAINES INDICES ***
*** A FIRE WEATHER WATCH IS POSTED IN CENTRAL MONTANA FOR GUSTY WEST
WINDS ***
*** A FIRE WEATHER WATCH IS POSTED IN EAST CENTRAL CALIFORNIA AND WESTERN
NEVADA FOR STRONG RIDGETOP WINDS AND LOW HUMIDITIES ***
*** A FIRE WEATHER WATCH IS POSTED IN NORTHEAST CALIFORNIA, NORTHERN
NEVADA AND WEST CENTRAL NEVADA FOR GUSTY WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE
HUMIDITIES ***
A dry southwest flow aloft will prevail over the Pacific Northwest and
western Great Basin. An approaching trough will increase the winds in
this area, hence a number of fire weather watches have been issued. Wind
gusts to 35 mph will be possible, primarily on ridgetops. Dry lightning
is forecast in eastern Montana. Further south, monsoon moisture will
continue to bring a chance of wet thunderstorms to Utah, Colorado,
Arizona, New Mexico and Wyoming. Winds in the southwestern United States
will be lighter.
High temperatures will range from the mid 70's to the mid 90's in most
areas and up to 110 in the deserts of western Utah, northern Arizona and
southern Nevada. Up to 115 degree temperatures will occur across the
deserts of southern California and southwest Arizona. Afternoon relative
humidities will be in the single digits and teens in most areas, except in
the 20's in the southwest states.
A fire weather watch is posted in the Florida panhandle for low relative
humidities.
=> USA Earthquake Report
UNITED STATES GEOLOGICAL SURVEY
NATIONAL EARTHQUAKE INFORMATION CENTER
GOLDEN, COLORADO
LISTS OF U.S. EARTHQUAKES IN THE LAST 30 HOURS
Prepared by USGS/NEIC 2000 AUG 18 at 00:15 UTC
EARTHQUAKES IN SOUTHWESTERN UNITED STATES
(29.0 TO 35.8 N, 102.0 TO 125.0 W)
Date Time (UTC) Lat Long Depth Magnitude
2000 AUG 17 04:43:46.00 34.4 N 116.4 W 0 km 3.1
30 miles NW of Twentynine Palms, California
EARTHQUAKES IN WEST CENTRAL UNITED STATES
(35.8 TO 40.3 N, 102.0 TO 125.0 W)
Date Time (UTC) Lat Long Depth Magnitude
2000 AUG 17 05:09:30.00 36.6 N 121.2 W 8 km 3.3
20 miles SE of Hollister, California
2000 AUG 17 13:41:39.00 36.5 N 120.7 W 8 km 3.5
30 miles NW of Coalinga, California
EARTHQUAKES IN EASTERN UNITED STATES
(25.0 TO 50.0 N, 65.0 TO 102.0 W)
Date Time (UTC) Lat Long Depth Magnitude
2000 AUG 17 01:08:05.45 35.4 N 101.8 W 5 km 3.9
10 miles N of Amarillo, Texas
=> Yesterday's USA Severe Weather Reports
Note: All data is considered preliminary
Tornado Reports
No reports received
Hail Reports
Time Size Location County State Lat Lon Comments
2055 100 GEORGETOWN SCOTT KY 3830 8456 REPORTED BY MEDIA. (SDF)
2130 100 N CHEROKEE GRAINGER TN 3619 8350 REPORTED BY HAM (MRX)
2135 100 BEATTYVILLE LEE KY 3758 8371 REPORTED BY LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICIAL.
HAIL TO 1 INCH IN DIAMETER REPORTED IN BEATTYVILLE AND PROCTOR. (JKL)
2137 75 CLAY CITY POWELL KY 3786 8391 REPORTED BY PUBLIC. HAIL TO 3/4 INCH
REPORTED IN CLAY CITY. (JKL)
2149 175 ALAMO MONTGOMERY IN 3998 8704 REPORTED BY LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICIAL.
(IND)
2155 75 2 N MORRISTOWN HAMBLEN TN 3624 8328 REPORTED BY HAM (MRX)
2200 75 BOONEVILLE OWSLEY KY 3748 8368 REPORTED BY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT.
(JKL)
2205 175 ALAMO MONTGOMERY IN 3998 8704 REPORTED BY HAMS. (IND)
2215 88 PEBWORTH OWSLEY KY 3749 8373 REPORTED BY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT. (JKL)
2228 175 CRAWFORDSVILLE MONTGOMERY IN 4003 8690 REPORTED BY PUBLIC. (IND)
2235 175 BROOKLYN SCHUYLER IL 4013 9050 NUMEROUS VEHICLES DAMAGED IN AREA.
FROM ESDA. (SPI)
2237 175 NORTH SALEM HENDRICKS IN 3986 8664 REPORTED BY LAW ENFORCEMENT
OFFICIAL. (IND)
2244 75 CRAWFORDSVILLE MONTGOMERY IN 4003 8690 REPORTED BY EMERGENCY
MANAGEMENT. (IND)
2245 100 ROCKHOUSE LESLIE KY 3710 8336 REPORTED BY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT.
(JKL)
2300 150 DANVILLE HENDRICKS IN 3976 8653 REPORTED BY HAM RADIO OPERATOR.
(IND)
2310 175 STONEBLUFF FOUNTAIN IN 4016 8725 REPORTED BY PUBLIC. (IND)
2310 100 ASHER LESLIE KY 3704 8339 REPORTED BY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT. (JKL)
2315 175 ONEIDA CLAY KY 3726 8363 REPORTED BY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT. (JKL)
2323 250 5 W DANVILLE HENDRICKS IN 3976 8664 REPORTED BY EMERGENCY
MANAGEMENT. (IND)
2334 125 (IND)INDNPLS INTL ARPT MARION IN 3973 8628 REPORTED BY NWS EMPLOYEE
AT THE NWS OFFICE. (IND)
2339 200 2 E DANVILLE HENDRICKS IN 3976 8648 (IND)
2342 150 3 S ASHLAND BOONE MO 3871 9226 (STL)
2350 200 GREENWOOD JOHNSON IN 3961 8611 (IND)
2355 75 1 S CONCHO CANADIAN OK 3559 9800 REPORTED BY HAM RADIO SPOTTER.
(OKC)
0000 175 LATHAM LOGAN IL 3996 8916 FROM ESDA. (SPI)
0032 200 GREENWOOD JOHNSON IN 3961 8611 REPORTED BY CH 59 METEOROLOGIST.
(IND)
0039 75 JAMESTOWN MONITEAU MO 3876 9246 (STL)
0044 75 CALWOOD CALLAWAY MO 3891 9184 (STL)
0045 75 HANCOCK COUNTY HANCOCK TN 3648 8325 REPORTED BY DISPATCH (MRX)
0048 88 MARSHALL PARKE IN 3984 8718 REPORTED BY STORM SPOTTER. (IND)
0150 75 NAPOLEON RIPLEY IN 3919 8533 (ILN)
0331 75 JONESVILLE OWEN KY 3853 8483 DIME-SIZED HAIL JUST WEST OF TOWN (ILN)
0336 75 WARSAW GALLATIN KY 3878 8488 (ILN)
Wind Reports
Time Speed Location County State Lat Lon Comments
2100 UNK PERCY RANDOLPH IL 3801 8961 HIGH WINDS DAMAGED A MACHINE SHED ROOF.
(STL)
2135 UNK PROCTOR LEE KY 3756 8371 REPORTED BY LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICIAL.
TREES DOWN AND POWER OUT IN AND AROUND PROCTOR. (JKL)
2145 UNK LINCOLN BENTON MO 3840 9333 TREE DOWN. REPORTED BY PUBLIC. (SGF)
2152 UNK 2 N BOONEVILLE OWSLEY KY 3751 8368 TREES DOWN 2 MILES NORTH OF
BOONEVILLE. REPORTED BY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT. (JKL)
2206 UNK CASEYVILLE ST CLAIR IL 3863 9003 TREE DAMAGE (STL)
2226 UNK RICE PERRY IL 3804 8938 TREE DOWN AND PART OF ROOF BLOWN OFF HOUSE.
(PAH)
2242 UNK LIZTON HENDRICKS IN 3988 8655 (IND)
2244 UNK ALAMO MONTGOMERY IN 3998 8704 TREES DOWN IN ALAMO. (IND)
2300 UNK 2 S BOONEVILLE OWSLEY KY 3744 8368 TREES REPORTED DOWN 2 MILES
SOUTH OF BOONEVILLE. REPORTED BY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT. (JKL)
2300 UNK BENTON COUNTY BENTON MO 3833 9321 SMALL TREES DOWN. REPORTED BY
STORM SPOTTER. (SGF)
2318 UNK PLEASANT PLAINS SANGAMON IL 3986 8991 (SPI)
2333 UNK DAWSON SANGAMON IL 3984 8946 TREES DOWN. FROM ESDA. (SPI)
2335 UNK 2 E PLAINFIELD HENDRICKS IN 3973 8651 REPORTED BY HAM RADIO
OPERATOR. FOUR 12 INCH DIAMETER HEALTHY TREES DOWNED. (IND)
2340 UNK 2 SE CONCHO CANADIAN OK 3559 9797 REPORTED BY HAM RADIO. (OKC)
2345 UNK WALLINS CREEK HARLAN KY 3683 8341 TREES REPORTED DOWN NEAR WALLINS
CREEK. REPORTED BY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT. (JKL)
2347 UNK 3 W GREENWOOD JOHNSON IN 3961 8618 THREE FOOT DIAMETER TREE FELL ON
CAR NEAR SR 37 AND COUNTY LINE RD. OCCUPANT INSIDE. INJURIES UNKNOWN.
REPORTED BY HAM RADIO OPERATOR. (IND)
2220 58 OKARCHE CANADIAN OK 3571 9798 RPTD BY SPOTTER (OKC)
2355 65 1 S CONCHO CANADIAN OK 3559 9800 REPORTED BY HAM RADIO SPOTTER.
(OKC)
2356 69 4 NE ASHLAND BOONE MO 3881 9220 69 MPH WIND GUST MEASURED BY A
SEVERE WEATHER SPOTTER. (STL)
2359 58 8 SW INDIANAPOLIS MARION IN 3968 8627 REPORTED BY (IND)
0000 UNK LEE COUNTY LEE VA 3668 8309 REPORTED BY SHERIFF'S OFFIC HAIL IN
WESTERN PART OF COUNTY. (MRX)
0005 UNK BLUFF CREEK JOHNSON IN 3954 8621 REPORTED BY LAW ENFORCEMENT
OFFICIAL. (IND)
0015 UNK RIVERTON SANGAMON IL 3984 8953 9 TO 12 INCH DIAMETER TREES DOWN.
FROM NWS COOP OBSERVER. (SPI)
0015 UNK NR MULBERRY GAP HANCOCK TN 3658 8325 REPORTED BY DISPATCH ONE TREE
DOWN (MRX)
0020 UNK BLACK CANYON CITY AZ 3375 11228 *** 1 INJ *** 5 MOBILE HOMES
FLIPPED OVER THEIR FOUNDATIONS IN BLACK CITY (FLG)
0028 UNK MACON COUNTY MACON IL 3984 8894 TREES AND A SHED DOWN. HOUSE UNDER
CONSTRUCTION DAMAGED. POWER POLES DOWN. FROM ESDA. (SPI)
0030 UNK ROSE HILL LEE VA 3668 8309 REPORTED BY DISPATCH TREES DOWN (MRX)
0030 UNK EWING LEE VA 3663 8341 REPORTED BY SHERIFF'S OFFIC TREES DOWN IN
EWING AND ROSE HILL. (MRX)
0045 UNK HAWKINS COUNTY HAWKINS TN 3641 8296 REPORTED BY HOLSTON ELECTRI FEW
TREES DOWN ON POWER LIN ACROSS THE COUNTY. (MRX)
0115 UNK 5 SW ROCKVILLE PARKE IN 3970 8730 NUMEROUS TREES DOWN IN THIS AREA
AND COUNTYWIDE. REPORTED BY LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICIAL. (IND)
0115 UNK FAIRVIEW HGTS ST CLAIR IL 3856 9000 TREES AND POWER LINES DOWNED BY
HIGH WINDS (STL)
0125 UNK GEORGETOWN VERMILION IL 4018 8771 POWER LINES AND LARGE LIMBS DOWN.
FROM ESDA. (SPI)
0125 UNK RIDGE FARM VERMILION IL 3990 8764 POWER LINES AND LARGE LIMBS DOWN.
FROM ESDA. (SPI)
0140 UNK EDWARDSVILLE MADISON IL 3881 8994 TREES DOWNED (STL)
0145 UNK CARLYLE CLINTON IL 3861 8936 DAMAGE REPORTED TO TREES AND POWER
LINES. (STL)
0210 UNK MILAN RIPLEY IN 3911 8513 NUMEROUS TREES DOWN (ILN)
0228 UNK DEARBORN COUNTY DEARBORN IN 3913 8493 TREES DOWN (ILN)
0245 UNK 2 N CARLYLE CLINTON IL 3864 8936 TREES AND POWER LINES DOWNED.
(STL)
0250 UNK FLORENCE BOONE KY 3898 8461 TREES DOWN IN BOTH FLORENCE AND
PETERSBURG (ILN)
0255 UNK ST LOUIS ST LOUIS CITY MO 3864 9025 TREE DAMAGED REPORTED ON THE
SOUTH SIDE OF THE CITY. (STL)
0255 UNK SPANISH LAKE ST LOUIS MO 3879 9021 NUMEROUS TREES DOWNED BY HIGH
WINDS. (STL)
0300 UNK KENTON COUNTY KENTON KY 3893 8453 NUMEROUS TREES DOWN (ILN)
0307 UNK GRANITE CITY MADISON IL 3871 9013 WINDS IN EXCESS OF 60 MPH
REPORTED. (STL)
0310 UNK SWANSEA ST CLAIR IL 3853 9003 LARGE TREE BRANCHES AND POWER LINES
DOWNED BY HIGH WINDS (STL)
0310 UNK VEVAY SWITZERLAND IN 3875 8506 FEW TREES DOWN IN VEVAY AND NEAR
MARKLAND DAM (ILN)
0315 UNK COLLINSVILLE MADISON IL 3881 8990 TREES AND POWER POLES DOWNED.
(STL)
0325 UNK CARROLL COUNTY CARROLL KY 3866 8513 SEVERAL TREE DOWN (ILN)
0335 UNK CAMPBELL COUNTY CAMPBELL KY 3894 8438 NUMEROUS TREES DOWN (ILN)
0340 UNK GILBERT MARICOPA AZ 3334 11178 NUMEROUS TREES AND POWER LINES
DOWN...APPARENT MICROBURST (PHX)
0340 UNK DRY RIDGE GRANT KY 3868 8458 SEVERAL TREES DOWN IN DRY RIDGE AND
WILLIAMSTOWN (ILN)
0345 UNK NEW RICHMOND CLERMONT OH 3894 8428 COUPLE OF TREES DOWN (ILN)
0405 UNK MORGAN PENDLETON KY 3868 8436 TREES DOWN/REPORTED BY COUNTY GARAGE
(ILN)
0020 70 BLACK CANYON CITY AZ 3375 11228 REPORTED BY SPOTTER (FLG)
0241 60 KIRKWOOD ST LOUIS MO 3859 9043 (STL)
0253 60 IND EAGLE CREEK ARPT MARION IN 3983 8630 (IND)
0255 58 CAHOKIA ST CLAIR IL 3856 9016 58 MPH GUST REPORTED AT PARKS AIRPORT.
(STL)
Fields marked UNK are unknown
All Times UTC
Wind Gusts in MPH
Hail Sizes in 1/100 of an Inch (75 = 0.75")
=> Guest Column
No Column Today
=> National Drought Summary -- August 15, 2000
The South: After several weeks of wet and cool conditions, a trend towards
drier and warmer weather occurred across much of the Southeast. The
exception to this was locally heavy thundershowers (between 2 and 5 inches
of rain) in eastern Louisiana, parts of Mississippi, northern Georgia,
western Florida, and along the Georgia and Carolina coasts. As a result,
some slight reduction of dryness/drought occurred in eastern sections of
South Carolina and Georgia, near the Tampa Bay, FL vicinity, and in
southeastern Louisiana, southeastern Mississippi, the northern Tennessee
Valley, and the southern Appalachians. Elsewhere, however, drought
conditions remained constant in the remaining Southeastern areas due to near
to below normal weekly rainfall, increasing temperatures and evaporative
rates, and still low August 15 streamflows (number of USGS river gauges in
the lowest 10% of record were equal to or slightly higher than a week ago).
West of the Mississippi River, the lack of any appreciable rains (since July
1, less than half of normal rainfall, and deficits of 1 to 4 inches),
increasing heat (weekly temperature departures of +3°F to +6°F, highs at or
above 100°F), and gusty winds have combined to rapidly degrade moisture
conditions, especially the upper layers. 54% of the range and pasture in
Texas was rated very poor or poor, according to NASS. Even Tropical Storm
Beryl, which made landfall during the evening of August 14 in northeastern
Mexico, brought only light amounts (0.1 to 0.6 inches) to southern Texas.
Accordingly, dryness (D0) and drought (D1-D2) increased in most of Texas,
Arkansas, southeastern Oklahoma, and northwestern Louisiana.
The Northern and Central Plains: Except for locally heavy thundershowers (3
to 5 inches) in western Kansas, mostly dry, windy, and hot weather enveloped
the northern and central Plains, further deteriorating conditions,
particularly in Nebraska and Montana. According to NASS and the Nebraska
state climatologist, 91% and 95% of the topsoil and subsoil moisture in
Nebraska was short to very short, 77% of the pasture and range was rated
poor or very poor, and the condition of non-irrigated crops continued to
decline while some moved too quickly toward maturity. Dryness also developed
in states bordering Nebraska (i.e. northern Kansas, northwestern Missouri),
but scattered rains in western Iowa kept the drought from intensifying
there. Similarly in Montana, NASS reported that 94% of both the topsoil and
subsoil moisture was short or very short, and 57% of the range and pasture
was rated poor or very poor. Since July 7, Helena, MT hit a record 39
straight days with highs at or above 80°F (old record=38 days in 1967). In
addition, at least 26 large wildfires raged across the state, enveloping
nearly 400,000 acres, according to the NIFC.
The West: Monsoonal thundershowers finally dropped significant rains (1 to 3
inches) on southeastern Arizona and southwestern New Mexico, alleviating
D0(A,F) dryness, but this was the exception as the remainder of the West
experienced its fourth consecutive week of heat, a lack of rain, and
numerous large wildfires. Although highs were not quite as extreme as last
week (Ely, NV streak of 90°F+ days (21) stopped on August 9; Las Vegas, NV
stretch of 105°F+ days (21) ended on August 8), readings were still above
normal, and the combination of gusty winds and low humidities have produced
very high to extreme fire indices. Through August 14, over 50 large
wildfires encompassing nearly 600,000 acres charred parts of the Great
Basin, Rockies, and Northwest. With the recent ignition of wildfires, the
year-to-date National acreage burned (4,926,039) now exceeds twice the
10-year average (2,434,094), according to the NIFC. These conditions, plus
additional input from Las Vegas, NV WFO and the NRCS in Idaho, warranted
expansion of the D1(A,F) across Utah and western Colorado, new D2(A,F) areas
in southern Idaho and northern Arizona, an enlargement of severe drought
(D2) in Montana, and a westward increase of D0(A,F) into southeastern
California.
Hawaii, and Puerto Rico: Light, scattered showers continued across the
windward side of the Hawaiian Islands, while the drought-impacted, leeward
locations measured little or no rainfall, keeping drought intact. Only the
western coast of the Big Island recorded any significant precipitation, but
weekly totals (0.5 to 2.5 inches) were still near to below normal. In Puerto
Rico, light showers (0.1 to 0.5 inches) fell across much of the island, but
locally heavier totals (2 to 4 inches) in the northwestern and far eastern
portions slightly eased dryness there. Elsewhere, with increasing normals
during the rainy season and an absence of widespread, heavy rains, deficits
generally remained or slightly increased in interior areas, thus keeping
abnormal dryness (D0) in the northern slope and central areas, and
first-stage drought (D1) along most of the north coast.
Outlook: Weather events that may influence some of the Nation's dry or
drought areas are: 1) A cold front should stall along the Gulf Coast this
week, triggering scattered thunderstorms in the Southeast, especially from
the eastern Gulf Coast northeastward into South Carolina; 2) Residual
moisture from Tropical Storm Beryl and Tropical Storm Ileana (Pacific Ocean)
may become incorporated into the Southwest Monsoon, enhancing the chances
for "wet" monsoonal showers in New Mexico, Arizona, southern California, and
Colorado; 3) A ridge of high pressure should remain over the West, keeping
the rest of the Southwest, Great Basin, and Rockies dry and warm; 4) Weather
systems should move along the northern tier of States, bringing a chance of
rain and lower temperatures to the northern portions of the Rockies and
Plains southeastward into the western Corn Belt; 5) High pressure should
also keep the southern Great Plains and Delta relatively dry and warm,
although cooler weather may arrive by the weekend; 6) Puerto Rico is headed
into the normally active (and rainy) portion of the Atlantic hurricane
season (August-October).
=> Hurricane Storm Surge Maps for Georgia Coast Distributed
Brunswick, GA, August 16, 2000 -- The Coastal Georgia Regional Development
Center (CGRDC) continues its work in making the southern coastal counties of
Georgia more disaster resistant by implementing PROJECT IMPACT initiatives
in Camden, Glynn, and McIntosh counties. One of the most interactive
projects that the South Coastal Georgia PROJECT IMPACT Initiative has
implemented recently is the hurricane storm surge map.
Over 30 Project Impact business partners contributed $26,450 in order to
produce 110,000 copies of the storm surge map. The maps explain to what
extent the region will be flooded with ocean water during each category of
hurricane. In addition to storm surge information, the map also has a
hurricane history, preparedness tips, risk reduction strategies and local
evacuation routes.
For the first time in Georgia's history, this storm surge information is
being distributed to the public and hosted on the Internet at
www.gastormsurge.com.
Tony Sammons, Project Impact partnership committee chairman and
Brunswick-Golden Isles Chamber of Commerce chairman commented, "We have been
working with Hurricane Maps Enterprises Publisher Mark Sudduth to get these
maps into everyone's hands this hurricane season so they know what their
risk is and know how to prepare their families."
"We know how hard Hurricane Floyd was on everybody last year, so we are
determined to reach as many people as we can," explained Jimmy Otto,
McIntosh County Development Authority executive director and Project Impact
public information/human services vice-chairman.
Since the South Coastal Georgia Project Impact Initiative is a multi-county
disaster resistant community, they hosted four map kick-offs, one in each
county and one on St. Simons Island, to hand out maps and spread the word
about preparing for disasters BEFORE they strike. Camden County's kick-off
was held at the Kings Bay Village in St. Marys; Glynn County hosted two
kick-offs at The Home Depot in Brunswick and The First Bank of Brunswick on
St. Simons Island; and McIntosh County's kick-off was held at the Welcome
Center waterfront in Darien.
In addition to having maps available, South Coastal Georgia Project Impact
partners passed out refreshments, provided fire and storm safety
demonstration houses, displayed emergency vehicles, offered free blood
pressure checks, hosted a sea-air rescue from the U.S. Coast Guard, and
coordinated hurricane preparedness demonstrations.
The Project Impact storm surge maps were funded by these local
businesses/agencies: American Red Cross, Atlantic National Bank, Aventis
CropScience, Branigar Organization Incorporated, City of Brunswick, The
Coastal Bank of Georgia, Coastal Moving and Storage, Darien Telephone
Company, The First Bank of Brunswick, First Coast News ABC 25/NBC 12, First
Georgia Bank, Friendly Express Incorporated, Georgia Air National Guard,
Georgia Pacific, Georgia Power, Harris ACE Hardware and Building Supply, The
Home Depot, John McEachern Company, King and Prince Seafood, Marlena's
Beauty Salon and Day Spa, Okefenoke REMC, Old South Protective Shuttering
Company, J. Otto CPA, Prime Outlets at Darien, Project Impact, Root
Communications, Sapelo National Bank, SCANA Energy, Servpro of Brunswick and
Waycross, Southeast Georgia Regional Medical Center, State University of
West Georgia, Sun Trust Bank, and TDS Telecom.
FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Nicole Cover, Project Impact Coordinator
Coastal Georgia Regional Development Center
Phone (912) 264-7363, Extension 220
=> Classified Ads
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who have joined together to help property owners restore their homes and
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for additional information.
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=> Links Area
* Update: Newborn Screening for Sickle Cell Disease ---
California, Illinois, and New York, 1998
http://www.cdc.gov/epo/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm4932a1.htm
* Progress Toward Global Dracunculiasis Eradication, June 2000
http://www.cdc.gov/epo/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm4932a2.htm
* Public Health Dispatch: Varicella Outbreaks Among Mexican
Adults --- Alabama, 2000
http://www.cdc.gov/epo/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm4932a3.htm
* Notice to Readers: Workshop on Vaccine Communication
http://www.cdc.gov/epo/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm4932a4.htm
* Erratum: Vol. 49, No. 30
http://www.cdc.gov/epo/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm4932a5.htm
* Erratum: Vol. 48, No. RR-1
http://www.cdc.gov/epo/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm4932a6.htm
* Notifiable Diseases/Deaths in Selected Cities Weekly
Information
http://www.cdc.gov/epo/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm4932md.htm
* Surveillance for Characteristics of Health Education Among
Secondary Schools --- School Health Education Profiles, 1998
http://www.cdc.gov/epo/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/ss4908a1.htm
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