The USA Disaster Situation Report
The Daily USA Disaster Situation Report
For January 27, 2001
Christopher Effgen, Editor, host{at}disastercenter.com
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IN THIS ISSUE
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=> USA Daily Temperature Extremes
=> Special Notes
=> Current Active National Weather Service Warnings:
=> Severe Weather Probability Forecast
=> Precipitation Forecast, Excessive Rainfall, Heavy Snow And/Or Significant
Icing Forecast
=> USA Flood Report
=> USA Fire Report and Forecast
=> USA Earthquake Report
=> Yesterday's USA Severe Weather Reports
=> Guest Column-
=> Sponsored by The Rothstein Catalog On Disaster Recovery
**** ARTICLES ****
=> Article Advice For Persons With Disabilities Concerning The Current
Power Shortage
And Potential Blackouts
=> Article UNICEF - - SPECIAL BULLETIN - - CRISIS IN INDIA
=> Article IAEM Call for Presentations:
=> Article EPA -- Draft Plans for Read-only Information Technology and
Qualified
Researcher Systems Available
=> Article Volcano Watch, January 25, 2001
=> Classified Ads
=> Links Area
=> How to Be Featured as our Guest Columnist
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Sponsored by the The Rothstein Catalog On Disaster Recovery
http://www.disastercenter.com/Rothstein/
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=> Subscribe/Unsubscribe information
The Daily USA Disaster Situation Report
For January 27, 2001
Christopher Effgen, Editor, host{at}disastercenter.com
------------------------------------------------------------
IN THIS ISSUE
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=> USA Daily Temperature Extremes
National Temperature Extremes
High Fri...78 At Alice TX
Low Sat...20 Degrees Below Zero At Silver Bay MN
=> Special Notes
Stratwarm Alert Exists Stratwarm Saturday
Comment: Minor warming continues with the highest temperatures
at 10 HPa over Eastern Siberia sloping eastwards with
height to a maximum temperature of +37 C over Novaya
Zemlya today.
Icing on the way for the central and central south portions of the US.
=> Current Active National Weather Service Warnings:
Active Warnings:
Updated Sat Jan 27 12:38:24 2001
Flood
Puerto Rico
ESTA EN EFECTO UNA ADVERTENCIA DE FUERTE RESACA PARA LAS COSTAS
NOROESTE Y NORTE DE PUERTO RICO DESDE RINCON HASTA QUEBRADILLA Y
CONTINUANDO HACIA EL ESTE HASTA FAJARDO...PARA LAS COSTAS NORTE
DE CULEBRA Y VIEQUES...Y PARA LAS COSTAS NORTE Y NOROESTE DE
TODAS LAS ISLAS VIRGENES AMERICANAS...
....PERMANECE EN EFECTO UNA ADVERTENCIA PARA LOS OPERADORES DE
EMBARCACIONES PEQUENAS PARA TODAS LAS AGUAS LOCALES DEL
ATLANTICO Y TODOS LOS PASAJES...
...PERMANECE EN EFECTO UNA ADVERTENCIA PARA LOS OPERADORES DE
EMBARCACIONES PEQUENAS EN TODAS LAS AGUAS DEL ATLANTICO Y
EN TODOS LOS PASAJES...
Special Marine
California
SPECIAL MARINE WARNING FOR...
INNER WATERS SAN MATEO POINT TO THE MEXICAN BORDER INSIDE SAN
CLEMENTE ISLAND
* UNTIL 1230 AM PST SAT
Puerto Rico
A COASTAL FLOOD WATCH IS IN EFFECT FOR TONIGHT AND SUNDAY FOR
THE NORTHWEST AND NORTH COASTS OF PUERTO RICO FROM RINCON TO
QUEBRADILLAS EAST TO FAJARDO AND FOR THE NORTH FACING COASTS OF
CULEBRA AND VIEQUES AND FOR THE NORTH AND NORTHWEST FACING
COASTS OF ALL OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS...
Non Precipitation
California
MENDOCINO COAST-REDWOOD COAST- ..FROST ADVISORY TONIGHT
Maryland
GARRETT MD..WIND ADVISORY UNTIL 600 PM TODAY...
North Carolina
ALLEGHANY NC-ASHE NC-WATAUGA NC-..WIND ADVISORY FOR THIS
AFTERNOON
New Mexico
STRONG EAST WINDS INTO THE MIDDLE RIO GRANDE VALLEY BELOW CANYONS
TODAY...
Pennsylvania
FAYETTE PA-INDIANA PA- WESTMORELAND PA-..WIND ADVISORY UNTIL 600 PM
TODAY...
Utah
CACHE VALLEY/UTAH PORTION-NORTHERN WASATCH FRONT-
SALT LAKE AND TOOELE VALLEYS-SOUTHERN WASATCH FRONT-
.HIGH WIND WARNING THROUGH TONIGHT...
Virginia
STRONG NORTHWEST WINDS BEHIND A COLD FRONT WILL CONTINUE ACROSS
THE MOUNTAINS THROUGH THIS AFTERNOON.
West Virginia
PRESTON WV-TUCKER WV-..WIND ADVISORY UNTIL 600 PM TODAY...
Winter Storm
Arkansas
WINTER STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT LATE TONIGHT AND SUNDAY
MORNING FOR NORTH CENTRAL ARKANSAS...
THE WINTER STORM WATCH COVERS THAT AREA GENERALLY NORTH OF A LINE
FROM DEER TO DAMASCUS TO NEWPORT.
Arizona
...(1) WINTER STORM WARNING FOR PORTIONS OF CENTRAL AND NORTHEAST
ARIZONA TODAY THROUGH MIDNIGHT MST...
...(2) SNOW ADVISORY FOR FAR WESTERN COCONINO COUNTY TODAY...
WINTER STORM TO BRING HEAVY SNOW TO PORTIONS OF THE MOJAVE DESERT
AND SOUTHERN GREAT BASIN TODAY...
California
ANTELOPE VALLEY-..SNOW ADVISORY EXTENDED UNTIL NOON ABOVE 2500
FEET
KERN COUNTY MOUNTAINS-.A SNOW ADVISORY HAS BEEN ISSUED FOR THE
KERN COUNTY MOUNTAINS TODAY...
Colorado
WINTER STORM EXPECTED TO IMPACT SOUTH-CENTRAL AND SOUTHEAST
COLORADO TODAY INTO SUNDAY...
Kansas
GULF MOISTURE IS EXPECTED TO RAPIDLY MOVE INTO THE CENTRAL UNITED
STATES OVERNIGHT TONIGHT BRINGING THE POSSIBILITY OF WINTER
PRECIPITATION TO EASTERN KANSAS...AS WELL AS CENTRAL AND WESTERN
MISSOURI. A MIXTURE OF SNOW...SLEET AND FREEZING RAIN WILL BEGIN
LATE TONIGHT AND CONTINUE THROUGH SUNDAY NIGHT. ICE
ACCUMULATIONS
COULD BE SIGNIFICANT OVER PORTIONS OF NORTHEAST KANSAS AND
NORTHWEST MISSOURI BY THE MIDDLE OF THE DAY ON SUNDAY.
SNOW WILL DEVELOP ACROSS EAST CENTRAL COLORADO AND SOUTHWEST
KANSAS THIS AFTERNOON AND MOVE INTO ALL OF THE TRI STATE AREA
TONIGHT AND SUNDAY...
Maryland
GARRETT MD-WINTER STORM WARNING UNTIL 400 PM TODAY
Missouri
POTENTIAL FOR SIGNIFICANT ICING LATE TONIGHT AND SUNDAY MORNING
OVER SOUTHEAST KANSAS AND SOUTHWEST AND SOUTHERN MISSOURI...
...POTENTIAL FOR SIGNIFICANT ICING WILL BECOME LIKELY OVER CENTRAL
MISSOURI DURING THE DAY ON SUNDAY...
WINTER STORM WATCH IS IN EFFECT SUNDAY FOR CENTRAL MISSOURI...
Nebraska
SNOW WILL DEVELOP ACROSS EAST CENTRAL COLORADO AND SOUTHWEST
KANSAS THIS AFTERNOON AND MOVE INTO ALL OF THE TRI STATE AREA
TONIGHT AND SUNDAY...
BY SUNDAY EVENING TOTAL SNOW ACCUMULATIONS ACROSS THE TRI STATE
AREA ARE EXPECTED TO RANGE FROM 6 TO 8 INCHES SOUTHWEST AND WEST
OF A MCCOOK NEBRASKA TO QUINTER KANSAS LINE...AND 4 TO 6 INCHES
EAST OF THIS LINE.
New Mexico
WINTER STORM TO BRING SNOW AND FROZEN PRECIPITATION TO MUCH OF
THE NORTHERN TWO-THIRDS OF NEW MEXICO TODAY INTO SUNDAY...
Nevada
WINTER STORM TO BRING HEAVY SNOW TO PORTIONS OF THE MOJAVE DESERT
AND SOUTHERN GREAT BASIN TODAY...
Oklahoma
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HAS ISSUED A FREEZING RAIN ADVISORY
FOR PARTS OF SOUTHWEST OKLAHOMA AND ALL OF WESTERN NORTH TEXAS
FOR THIS AFTERNOON. IN ADDITION... A WINTER STORM WATCH REMAINS IN
EFFECT FOR MUCH OF NORTHERN...CENTRAL...AND WESTERN OKLAHOMA...AND
WESTERN NORTH TEXAS FOR TONIGHT AND SUNDAY. THE WATCH WILL LIKELY
BE UPGRADED TO EITHER AN ICE STORM OR WINTER STORM WARNING LATER
THIS AFTERNOON.
Pennsylvania
CAMBRIA PA-CAMERON PA-CLEARFIELD PA-ELK PA-MCKEAN PA-POTTER PA-
SOMERSET PA-WARREN PA-..A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY CONTINUES THIS
AFTERNOON FOR A TOTAL OF 2 TO 5 INCHES OF SNOW...
Texas
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HAS ISSUED A FREEZING RAIN ADVISORY
FOR PARTS OF SOUTHWEST OKLAHOMA AND ALL OF WESTERN NORTH TEXAS
FOR THIS AFTERNOON. IN ADDITION... A WINTER STORM WATCH REMAINS IN
EFFECT FOR MUCH OF NORTHERN...CENTRAL...AND WESTERN OKLAHOMA...AND
WESTERN NORTH TEXAS FOR TONIGHT AND SUNDAY. THE WATCH WILL LIKELY
BE UPGRADED TO EITHER AN ICE STORM OR WINTER STORM WARNING LATER
THIS AFTERNOON.
A FREEZING RAIN ADVISORY IS IN EFFECT THROUGH MID AFTERNOON
GENERALLY NORTH OF A GRAHAM...JACKSBORO...BOWIE...BONHAM LINE.
Utah
CENTRAL AND SOUTHWEST MOUNTAINS-HENRY MOUNTAINS-..SNOW
ADVISORY THROUGH TONIGHT...
GLEN CANYON RECREATION AREA/LAKE POWELL-SAN RAFAEL SWELL-
SOUTH CENTRAL UTAH-..SNOW ADVISORY THROUGH TONIGHT ABOVE 4000
FEET...
CASTLE COUNTRY-.SNOW ADVISORY THROUGH TONIGHT...
WINTER STORM WARNINGS AND ADVISORIES FOR TODAY AND TONIGHT FOR
SOUTHEAST UTAH
West Virginia
NICHOLAS WV-POCAHONTAS WV-RANDOLPH WV-WEBSTER WV- WINTER
WEATHER ADVISORY UNTIL 4 PM THIS AFTERNOON...
PRESTON WV-TUCKER WV-..WINTER STORM WARNING UNTIL 400 PM TODAY...
=> 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 - Slight
There is a 2% probability of a tornado near the area of the Rio Grand at Val
Verde.
Hail Risk - Slight
There is a 5% probability of hail 3/4 inch or larger from central through
central south Texas.
Wind Risk - Slight
There is a 5% probability of winds in excess of 50 knots Rio Grand at Val
Verde and Terrell.
Tomorrow's Moderate -
There is a 5% probability of any severe weather tomorrow over the southeast
1/2 of Texas,
southeast Oklahoma, Arkansas except the far northern and northeast areas and
the west northwest
1/2 of Louisiana.
The 15% probability area covers the southeast 1/2 of Texas, far southeast
Oklahoma, the southeast
1/3 of Arkansas, and the west northwest 1/3 of Louisiana.
The 25% probability area covers the east southeast 1/4 of Texas, extreme
southwest Arkansas, and
extreme west northwest Louisiana.
Wind profiles indicate potential for embedded bow echoes and a few
supercells will persist through
the overnight hours as the squall line progresses across eastern Texas
toward southwestern
Arkansas and western la...with damaging wind gusts and isolated tornadoes
possible.
=> Precipitation Forecast, Excessive Rainfall, Heavy Snow And/Or
Significant
Icing Forecast
Precipitation Forecast
The 24 hour precipitation forecast is calling for over 1 inch of
precipitation over a small portion of
central west Arizona, a small portion of central east New Mexico, a small
portion of central south
west Colorado, a portion of the west northwest Texas panhandle, the
northwest 1/4 of Oklahoma
except the panhandle, and far central south Kansas.
The 24 - 48 hour precipitation forecast is calling for over 2 inches of
precipitation in a band from
east central through northeast Texas, to extreme southeast Oklahoma.
Over an inch of precipitation is forecast over from east central through
northeast Texas, eastern
Oklahoma, southeastern Kansas, the west northwest 1/4 of Arkansas, the
southern 1/2 of Missouri
except the far southeast Missouri.
Excessive Rainfall Forecast
Rainfall is not expected to exceed flash flood values.
USA heavy snow and/or significant icing
>From noon to midnight today EST the probability of 2 inches or greater of
snow is low over
north northwest Oklahoma.
>From noon to midnight today EST the probability of 4 inches or greater of
snow is low over the
Texas panhandle, central east and northeast New Mexico, central east and
southeast Colorado, and
the south southwest 1/2 of Kansas.
The moderate probability area is over northwest New Mexico, southeast
Colorado, south southwest
Kansas, and the Oklahoma panhandle.
The high probability area is over far northeast New Mexico, extreme
southeast Colorado, far
southwest Kansas, and most of the Oklahoma panhandle.
>From noon to midnight today EST the probability of 12 inches or greater of
snow is low over
extreme central west Arizona, central east New Mexico, portions of northwest
New Mexico,
portion of southwest Colorado, portions of central north New Mexico, and
portion of central south
Colorado.
The moderate probability area is over portions of central north New Mexico,
and a portion of
central south Colorado.
The probability of 1/4 inch or greater of ice accumulation is low over
extreme southeast New
Mexico, from central west through central north Texas, and from south
southwest Oklahoma through
central north Oklahoma.
The moderate probability area covers central north Texas, and from central
through southwest
Oklahoma.
>From midnight to noon tomorrow EST the probability of 4 inches or greater of
snow is low over far
north northwest Oklahoma, Kansas except the far northwest and southeast
areas, far southeast
Nebraska and extreme northeast Missouri.
The moderate probability area is over Kansas except the far western,
northwestern, far eastern and
southern areas.
The probability of 1/4 inch or greater of ice accumulation is low over
central west through north
central texas, Oklahoma except the panhandle and the southeast 1/4,
southeast Kansas, and from
central through central west to southwest Missouri.
The moderate probability area is over central north Texas, Oklahoma except
the panhandle and the
southeast 1/3, southeast Kansas, and central west Missouri.
The high probability area is over southwest through central north Oklahoma,
and southeast Kansas.
Current USA Snow and Ice Cover
http://www.rap.ucar.edu/weather/surface/us_NESDISsnow.gif
=> USA Flood Report
United States National flood summary are not currently available.
=> USA Fire Report and Forecast
The USA Fire Report and Forecast has not been updated.
=> 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 2001 JAN 27 at 00:15 UTC
EARTHQUAKES IN EASTERN UNITED STATES
(25.0 TO 50.0 N, 65.0 TO 102.0 W)
Date Time (UTC) Lat Long Depth Magnitude
2001 JAN 26 03:03:19.62 41.9 N 80.8 W 5 km 4.3
NEAR Ashtabula, Ohio
=> Yesterday's USA Severe Weather Reports
Note: All data is considered preliminary
Tornado Reports
No reports received
Hail Reports
No reports received
Wind Reports
No reports received
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
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**** ARTICLES ****
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=> Advice For Persons With Disabilities Concerning The Current Power
Shortage And
Potential Blackouts
State of California -- State Independent Living Council (SILC)
Sacramento - Because of the current energy challenge in California, the
State Independent Living Council today released a list of things persons
with disabilities should consider while preparing for possible power
outages. Temporary "rolling blackouts" or more extensive outages caused by
windstorms or other inclement weather conditions may inconvenience the
general public, but people with significant disabilities and others who are
sensitive to cold because of age or health conditions are at greater risk
when electrical power is unavailable.
"Our goal is to help persons with disabilities prepare for the possibility
of power outages by suggesting steps they can take to minimize the impact
such outages may have on them. For some persons with disabilities who
depend on respirators to assist with breathing, home dialysis machines, or
electrically powered assistive devices or lifts, an electrical outage can
have very significant and even life-threatening consequences," stated
Michael Collins, Executive Director of the State Independent Living Council.
In response to such concerns, the State Independent Living Council suggests
that the following steps be taken by persons with disabilities or those who
are in poor health or sensitive to extreme temperatures:
1) Contact the local electrical utility company in advance about any
specific needs regarding breathing machines or other life-sustaining
devices that depend on electricity. If lack of electricity would create an
immediate threat to life or safety, local public safety agencies should
also be given advance notification. To expedite emergency response, house
numbers should be readily visible from the street.
2) Establish a support network of friends and neighbors who can check in
periodically if the power is out, to assure that assistance is available if
needed.
3) Keep a flashlight or lantern equipped with fresh batteries within easy
reach, so that there is some light immediately available if the power does
go out. For people with limited reach or grasping ability, inexpensive
battery-operated touch lamps are a good option. Such lights can be
installed in areas of greatest use, and are small enough to be carried in
an emergency.
4) Do not use candles for light or heat in an emergency, as they can be
fire hazards.
5) Extra blankets or warm clothing should be stored within easy
reach. Most homes will retain some heat for several hours during
electrical outages; do not use barbeques, gas powered appliances or propane
heaters as heat sources, as the result can be carbon monoxide poisoning.
6) For people using battery-powered mobility or breathing equipment, assure
that batteries are fully charged each day.
7) Store supplies of medicine and drinking water so they will be readily
accessible in the event that there is a power outage; some household water
supplies can be disrupted during blackouts. Assemble a 10-day supply of
prescription medications and durable medical goods and store them in a
convenient location, in the event that a prolonged electrical outage or
other emergency should require evacuation. A copy of emergency contact
numbers and current prescriptions should be stored in the same location.
8) Cordless telephones may not work during a power outage, so consider
keeping a standard phone plugged into a second phone jack in case it is
ever needed. A cellular telephone is also a good backup option, but be
aware that in a widespread emergency any communication network may quickly
become overloaded with calls.
9) Monitoring radio stations during emergency situations can help in
determining the extent and probable duration of any electrical
outages. Assure that a battery-operated radio is available for this
purpose, with at least one set of extra batteries.
10) During Stage Three Alerts, monitor local television or radio news
stations to determine if and where blackouts will occur. Check monthly
electric utility bills to determine the applicable Power Block number, as
that is usually how the blackout areas will be identified. If the Power
Block number is not shown on the monthly bill, contact the local electric
utility company to learn where that information is available.
11) When an electrical outage does occur, turn off all appliances,
computers and lights--except for one that will indicate when power has been
restored.
"Of course, one of the most important things people can do today is to help
reduce demand for electricity by using energy more efficiently," said
Collins, "and the State Independent Living Council hopes these suggestions
will also help Californians with disabilities of all ages deal successfully
with the current power shortage."
-30-
The California State Independent Living Council is a federally-mandated
state agency with the mission of maximizing options for independence for
Californians with disabilities. A network of 54 local non-profit
independent living center offices, supported by a combination of federal,
state and local funding, is available to provide resources needed to
accomplish this mission in all areas of the state. A list of local offices
is available on the Internet at www.calsilc.org. State Independent Living
Council members are appointed by the Governor.
=> UNICEF - - SPECIAL BULLETIN - - CRISIS IN INDIA
India's most powerful earthquake in 50 years struck Gujarat last
night(EST), January 25th. As the day has worn on, the death toll
has more than tripled - thousands are missing, wounded, and
homeless - approximately 1,500 people have been killed. The
number of dead is expected to continue to rise as relief workers,
friends, and family struggle to gain access to outlying areas
currently blocked off. The devastation is wreaking havoc on the
lives of thousands of children and their families.
UNICEF's RESPONSE
"Our staff in India is working around the clock to help address
the health needs of children and their families," said UNICEF
Executive Director Carol Bellamy. "We are offering crucial
services and supplies as quickly as we possibly can."
UNICEF has identified the most urgently needed supplies -
resuscitation kits, drugs, and medical provisions. Ongoing
assessments and deliveries are underway. To assist the 421
UNICEF staff already in Gujarat, additional UNICEF workers
are being sent to the affected area this weekend.
UNICEF has worked in India since 1949 and has an office
directly in the affected region. During this more than
half century of assistance, UNICEF has developed the
knowledge, resources, and mechanisms to deliver extremely
effective assistance during times of dire emergency.
Your immediate response is desperately needed to help the
children and families who are struggling to survive this
tragic natural disaster. Please make an emergency donation at
https://secure09.client-mail.com/support_indiaeq.htm
You can find continual updates about the scope of this
crisis and about UNICEF's relief efforts at
http://www.unicefusa.org/alert/emergency/indiaeq/
To help even more, please consider forwarding this message to
your friends and family.
Thank you for your concern on behalf of India's children
and families.
The United States Fund for UNICEF
Saving Children's Lives * Building Children's Futures
http://www.unicefusa.org
=> IAEM Call for Presentations:
- submit an abstract with your programming idea for IAEM's 49th Conference &
Exhibit, set for Nov. 3-6, 2001 in Riverside, CA. Deadline for abstracts is
Jan.
30, 2001. The theme of the 2001 Conference is "Emergency Management:
Interfacing
with our Partners."
For more information,
http://www.iaem.com/html/2001_call_for_presentations.html
=> EPA -- Draft Plans for Read-only Information Technology and Qualified
Researcher
Systems Available
On Jan. 17, 2001, EPA announced that it is developing
two systems for providing access to information about
the potential off-site consequences of accidental
chemical releases from industrial facilities. One system
would provide the public with "read-only" access to the
information in electronic database form. The other
system would provide qualified researchers with access
to the information in paper or electronic database form.
Both systems are required by the Chemical Safety
Information, Site Security and Fuels Regulatory Relief
Act. Public comments are due March 19, 2001. To view
the Federal Register notice detailing the draft guidance
go to http://www.epa.gov/ceppo/ap-99law.htm#qr
or call EPA's Hotline at (800) 424-9346 (Washington, DC
metropolitan area, (703) 412-9810). Also available
are draft application forms and draft
consent agreements for the qualified researcher system.
=> Volcano Watch, January 25, 2001
Sulfur dioxide advisory developed to improve National Park safety during vog
episodes
With east Hawai'i in the throes of "vog season" over the past several
months, the National Park Service (NPS) and U.S. Geological Survey's
Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (USGS - HVO) have collaborated on a new
initiative designed to better protect the health of visitors and employees
in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. "Vog", a local nickname for volcanic
smog, occurs as sulfur dioxide gas (SO2) and other irritating and noxious
emissions from Kilauea volcano react with air, moisture and sunlight to
form microscopic acid sulfate particles, which can readily be taken into
the lungs of those who breathe vog-tainted air.
Health effects caused specifically by vog have not been rigorously proven,
but many people report increased breathing difficulties, headaches, itchy
and watery eyes, and increased susceptibility to respiratory infection
during bad air days. Furthermore, in mainland health studies, SO2 and acid
sulfate particles have been linked to decreased lung function, respiratory
complaint, hospitalizations, and even mortality.
During the past several months, those of us living, working, and playing in
east Hawai'i, from Kilauea to Kumukahi to Kawainui, and some points in
between, have experienced repeated vog episodes caused by seasonal
disruptions of the prevailing northeasterly trade winds that usually keep
our part of the island vog-free. In the National Park, and especially near
gas-emission sources such as Halemaumau and Pu'u 'O'o, these trade wind
disruptions can cause rapid deterioration of air quality. And, with over
three million visitors each year, many people are potentially affected each
time the dreaded southerly "kona" winds blow.
Fortuitously, HVO, in cooperation with Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park,
operates an air-quality monitoring station, located behind the Kilauea
Visitor Center. This station measures the concentration of SO2 gas, a
major component of vog when close to volcanic emission sources. Recently,
the park upgraded its capability to include a second monitor, locating it
at HVO, next to the Jaggar Museum.
We science folks are fond of chiding each another that anyone can collect
data, but it's what you do with it that really counts. In the case of
air-quality monitoring in the national park, the NPS-HVO team will be using
the SO2 concentration, and wind speed and direction data in near-real time
to help protect visitors and employees in the park from unhealthy levels of
SO2.
To do this, SO2 concentrations from the two monitoring sites will be
automatically examined on a continuous basis to see whether they have
exceeded healthful levels, and, if so, by how much. When exceedences
occur, as they frequently did a few weeks ago, the park and HVO will be
alerted by the system, and Civil Defense, Health Department and other local
groups will be notified as well.
The park will take specific actions based on the SO2 level-these levels
being color-coded, somewhat like a traffic light, from green to red. Park
actions during poor air quality will include posting information signs at
entrance stations and visitor centers; rescheduling or relocating hikes,
and, under extreme conditions (Red), closing park entrance stations and
relocating employees working out of doors.
So, although we can't turn off the eruption and the accompanying vog, we
can take steps to be aware of its severity and minimize our exposure to it.
Sometime during the next several months, these data, including gas
concentrations and wind conditions at Kilauea's summit, will also become
available to the public over the Internet. Because wind direction and wind
speed determine where Kilauea's noxious emissions go, extended trade wind
disruptions or winds from the south generally mean increasingly poor air
quality for east Hawai'i. The real-time availability of the air quality
and weather data could therefore be helpful to local residents, especially
those planning to visit the park, or living in adjacent communities.
Watch this space for more information!
Eruption Update
Eruptive activity of Kilauea Volcano continued unabated at the Pu`u `O`o
vent during the past week. Surface flows and burning forest are commonly
visible on Pulama pali. Lava began to enter the sea again for the first
time since December 15. The new but somewhat sluggish entry was reported on
January 21, and is located just west of the previous entry at Kamokuna.
Two earthquakes were reported felt during the week ending January 25. One
quake, felt in Leilani Estates and Pahoa occurred at 9:54 a.m. on January
22, was a magnitude-2.5, and located near Pu'ulena crater at a depth of 0.4
km (0.2 mi). The second event, a magnitude-3.2, occurred on January 23,
at 9:59 p.m. This quake was located near Honomu at a depth of 19 km (11.4
mi), and was felt in Hilo.
This article was written by scientists at the U.S. Geological Survey's
Hawaiian Volcano Observatory.
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=> Links Area
LOW PRESSURE SYSTEM OVER THE MIDWEST
Midwest
This GOES-8 image shows a low pressure system over the Midwest that produced
snow over the
Great Lake Region and
freezing rain over areas bordering the Ohio river.
http://www.osei.noaa.gov/Events/Storms/US_Midwest/STMusMW026_G8.jpg
FIRES IN AFRICA
Sudan, Central African Republic, Uganda, Ethiopia, and Congo
Heat signatures (red) and smoke (light blue are visible from fires burning
in Sudan, Central African
Republic, Uganda, Ethiopia, and Congo.
http://www.osei.noaa.gov/Events/Fires/Africa_E/FSMHSsudan025_N4.jpg
LOW PRESSURE SYSTEM OVER CALIFORNIA
California
This GOES-10 image shows a low pressure system over the California that
produced rain over
Southern California and snow in the nearby mountains.
http://www.osei.noaa.gov/Events/Storms/US_West/STMusW026_G10.jpg
FIRES IN FLORIDA, MISSISSIPPI, AND ALABAMA
Southeast
Several heat signatures (red) and smoke (light blue) are visible from fires
burning in Mississippi,
Alabama, and Florida. The 2,000-acre wildfire south of
Clermont, FL that threatened a retirement community Wednesday night seems to
be under control
according to officials.
http://www.osei.noaa.gov/Events/Fires/US_Southeast/FSMHSusSE026_N4.jpg
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This archive was generated by hypermail 2b29 : Sun Feb 04 2001 - 18:34:33 EST
