Traveler Information Page

Northeast
Areas from the Middle Atlantic to the Northeast are forecast for heavy rain and strong winds.  The storm will continue along the New England coast into the weekend.  One to two inches of rain is anticipated for most of the regions; however, some locations may see over three inches.  Tornado Watches remain in effect until 9:00 a.m. EDT for locations in Virginia, central North Carolina, southern Maryland, and the greater Washington, DC metro area.  Temperatures will remain below average with highs in the 50s and 60s.
South
Scattered thunderstorms, damaging winds, and potential large hail are expected through the Tennessee Valley today.  Southeastern Kansas and eastern Texas may experience severe thunderstorms during the afternoon or early evening as well.  Strong to severe thunderstorms are possible along an advancing cold front in eastern sections of North and South Carolina.  Temperatures are forecast in the 80s over the mountains and Tennessee, with some 90s through southern Georgia westward to central Texas.
Midwest
A weather disturbance will produce moderate rain and thunderstorms across the Lower Midwest.  Some storms may be strong to severe with hail and damaging winds.  Areas to the north are forecast for scattered showers.  Severe Thunderstorm Warnings continue for northwest Arkansas and southwest Missouri until Friday morning.  Temperature highs are expected in the 60s through Saturday, May 10.
West
Moderate rain and thunderstorms with gusty winds are anticipated over Utah and Colorado.  Western Montana and Wyoming may see some rain mixed with snow throughout the day.  Red Flag Warnings exist for southern Utah, northern Arizona, and northern and central New Mexico from Friday afternoon until Friday night due to strong winds and low relative humidity.

Severe weather hit the East Coast late Thursday night and into Friday morning causing damage to homes and businesses and some road closures.  The strong storms moved from Mississippi and Alabama through western North Carolina and western Virginia bringing damaging winds, large hail and heavy rains.  The North Carolina Emergency Operation Center (EOC) reported an unconfirmed tornado overturned several vehicles off Interstate 40 and NC Road 68 in central North Carolina.  The state EOC was activated and reported that no State assistance has been requested. 

In Virginia, the state EOC received information of possible tornado activity in Stafford County, south of Washington, DC.  Early unconfirmed reports indicate some residences and buildings sustained moderate storm damage.  High water levels and debris (trees) closed a few roads; however, no fatalities or serious injuries have been reported. 

Both Virginia and Maryland EOCs are monitoring flash flood warnings closely since more than three inches of rain has fallen in many areas and more is expected.  The Maryland EOC has not received any tornado reports; however, the powerful storm has caused approximately 5,000 power outages in the Montgomery and Prince George's counties.  (Regions III and IV, and Media Sources)

FEMA Regional Offices, State EOCs, and the NRCC continue to monitor flooding along the Mississippi River Valley.  (Region IV, Region V, Region VI RRCC, National Weather Service, FEMA HQ)

Nothing significant activity reported.  (FEMA HQ)

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

National Preparedness Level: 2
National Fire Activity as of Thursday, May 8:
Initial attack activity: Light (144 new fires)
New large fires: 3
Large fires contained: 1
Uncontained large fires: 11
Weather Discussion:  Dry conditions with gusty winds will develop for eastern Arizona, across New Mexico and into west Texas. Relative humidity will improve over the East as a storm system approaches. (National Interagency Fire Center, National Incident Information Center,  NOAA/NWS Storm Prediction Center, NGB)
New Mexico
Trigo Fire (Torrance County) has burned 13,709 (+29) acres and is 75% contained. (InciWeb)
Eighty nine structures are reported destroyed.  Firefighters were able to hold all containment lines yesterday despite very strong winds. (National Interagency Coordination Center)

The President signed a Major Disaster Declaration FEMA-1753-DR for the State of Mississippi on May 8, 2008, for severe storms and flooding that occurred on March 20 and continuing.  Individual Assistance (IA) is designated for Bolivar, Warren, Washington, and Wilkinson Counties, and Hazard Mitigation statewide.  The Federal Coordinating Officer (FCO) is Michael L. Parker.

The Governor of Kentucky is requesting a major disaster declaration for Public Assistance (PA) for 17 counties and Hazard Mitigation for the entire Commonwealth as a result of flooding that occurred March 18 to April 11.

The Governor of Arkansas is requesting a major disaster declaration for IA for six counties and Hazard Mitigation statewide as a result of flooding, severe thunderstorms, and tornadoes beginning on May 2, and continuing.  Direct Federal assistance is also requested.

Three Major Disaster Declarations were amended for the State of Missouri, appointing Michael L. Karl as the FCO and terminating the appointment of Michael L. Parker for the following disasters:
Amendment # 1 to FEMA-1742-DR-MO, Declared Feb 5, 2008.
Amendment # 1 to FEMA-1748-DR-MO, Declared March 12, 2008.
Amendment # 6 to FEMA-1749-DR-MO, Declared March 19, 2008.
Amendment # 8 to Major Disaster Declaration FEMA-1751-AR was approved on May 8, adding Desha County for Public Assistance, already designated for Individual Assistance.  (FEMA HQ)

South:
Moderate rain and thunderstorms are forecast over the Carolinas, northern Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, and sections of Arkansas.  Thunderstorms could be severe in western South Carolina, eastern Tennessee, northern Georgia, most of Alabama and eastern and southern Mississippi.  A Red Flag Warning will be in effect 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. EDT for northeast Florida due to low relative humidity and warm temperatures.  High temperatures in Texas will be above average; however, the rest of the south will be seasonal.

Midwest:
Scattered showers and thunderstorms are forecast for southern Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, eastern Missouri and the Great Plains.  Flash Flood Warnings are in effect until early this morning for southeastern Kansas, and western Missouri.

Northeast: 
Southern New England will see some early morning rain.  A slow-moving front will bring moderate rain and isolated thunderstorms throughout the day to Pennsylvania, New Jersey and northwest Virginia. 
High temperatures will range from the 50s in northern Maine to the 80s in southeast Virginia.

West: 
Rain and some thunderstorms will extend from Washington State to Colorado.  High temperatures are forecast to range from the 40s in the northern and central Rockies to the 90s in the Sonora and Mojave Deserts.  The Pacific Northwest will peak in the 50s and 60s.  (NWS)

Recovery operatons continue from severe storms and flooding on April 28, 2008, and continuing.  Maine identified 22 flooded homes in Penobscot County and has asked FEMA to expand Individual Assistance (IA) Preliminary Damage Assessments (PDAs) to include this county.  FEMA is sending teams that include the Small Business Administration to meet with county officials this week and conduct the PDA.  IA PDAs for Aroostook County have already been completed.  (Region II)

The California Office of Emergency Services (CA OES) Coastal Duty Officer advised that approximately 3,000 gallons of the chemical Toluene and water mixture have been recovered by the cleanup contractor since the spill into San Pablo Bay was discovered Monday.  Cleanup operations will be completed today May 8.  (CA OES)

FEMA Regional Offices, State EOCs, and the NRCC continue to monitor Flood Warnings and Watches in the Mississippi River Valley.  (Region IV, Region V, Region VI RRCC, National Weather Service, FEMA HQ)

Nothing significant activity reported.  (FEMA HQ)

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

A magnitude 4.3 earthquake occurred offshore near the Alaska Peninsula at 5:45 p.m. EDT on May 7. The quake was located 47 miles SSW from Sand Point, Alaska, and 610 miles SW of Anchorage, Alaska, at a depth of 34 miles.  There are no reports of damages or injuries, and no tsunami watches or warnings were issued.
 (USGS, FEMA HQ)

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

National Preparedness Level: 2
States reporting large fires: California (1), Florida (4), New Mexico (2), Texas (2).
National Fire Activity as of Wednesday, May 7:
Initial attack activity: Light (128 new fires)
New large fires: 3
Large fires contained: 2
Uncontained large fires: 9
Weather Discussion:  Dry and windy conditions are expected to continue in southeast New Mexico and west Texas today. Another weak storm system will produce gusty winds for the southern Great Basin, northwest Arizona, and southeast California. Relative humidity (RH) will begin to improve over the Southeast; however, RH levels will still remain rather low. (National Interagency Fire Center, National Incident Information Center, NOAA/NWS Storm Prediction Center, NGB)

New Mexico
Trigo Fire (Torrance County) has burned 13,680 acres and is 60% contained.  Eighty nine structures are reported destroyed.  (National Interagency Coordination Center, Inciweb)

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

South:
Rain and thunderstorms are forecast for the southern Plains and northeast Texas to western Arkansas and northwest Louisiana; however, high pressure will keep the Mississippi River Valley dry. 

The thunderstorms will contain strong winds, large hail, and could potentially turn into tornadoes.  A Red Flag Warning will be in effect from 12:00 noon until 6:00 p.m. EDT today in eastern and southern Florida due to warm temperatures and low relative humidity.

Midwest:
Heavy rain is expected eastward from the Plains to southern Missouri and southeast Kansas.  Some areas may see from three to five inches of rain. 

The Great Lakes region will see some rain and strong winds with more scattered activity down to the Ohio Valley.  High temperatures will range from the 40s near Lake Superior to the upper 70s and 80s in Kentucky.

West: 
The West Coast will be primarily dry; however, some scattered thunderstorms may occur around the Sierra Nevada region.  Much of the Southwest will be dry but windy as low pressure moves away. 

Red Flag Warnings exist for southeast New Mexico, far west Texas, and southern Utah until late tonight due to strong winds and low relative humidity that will create critical fire weather conditions. 

Northeast: 
Some rain is anticipated in the western sections of New York and Pennsylvania.  (NWS)

A toxic solvent was released from a manufacturing plant near San Francisco Bay on Monday, May 5.

According to the California Department of Fish and Game, approximately 3,300 gallons of the solvent toluene was released.  Contra Coast County had briefly issued a shelter in place order Monday for about 1,500 residences when the substance was discovered.  Federal (USCG), state, and local responders are on scene and cleanup is under way and should be complete on May 7.  (Region IX, media sources)

FEMA Regional Offices, State EOCs, and the NRCC continue to monitor Flood Warnings and Watches in the Mississippi River Valley.  (Region IV, Region V, Region VI RRCC, National Weather Service, FEMA HQ)

Nothing significant activity reported.  (FEMA HQ)

A small earthquake occurred in the Washington, DC area about 1:30 p.m. EDT Tuesday. The epicenter was about one mile from Springfield, VA or about 13 miles away from Washington, DC. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) estimated its magnitude at 2.0, at a depth of 3.7 miles.

Arlington and Fairfax counties officials reported receiving dozens of calls from residents concerned about what they were hearing or feeling.  There have been no reports of damage or injury.

According to USGS and emergency management officials, earthquakes of this magnitude are normally single events, and aftershocks do not normally occur; however the possibility cannot be eliminated.

Virginia contains two named seismic zones: the Giles County Seismic Zone centered along the New River, about 20 miles west-northwest of Blacksburg, and the Central Virginia Seismic Zone, extending west from Richmond toward Charlottesville and the Blue Ridge Mountains.

The most recent earthquake recorded in northern Virginia was a 2.5-magnitude earthquake near Manassas on Sept. 29, 1997, according to USGS.

There was a 2.1 magnitude earthquake in the Baltimore area on Feb. 23, 2005, and there was a series of small seismic events in March and April 1993 in Columbia, MD, according to USGS.

The largest recorded earthquake with an epicenter in Virginia was on May 31, 1897, near Giles County. The magnitude 5.9 earthquake could be felt from Lynchburg, VA west to Bluefield, WV, and south to Bristol, TN. (USGS, media sources)

A magnitude 4.5 earthquake occurred May 6 at 3:39 p.m. EDT, off the coast of Oregon.  The earthquake was 98 miles west of Bandon, OR, at a depth of 6.2 miles. There were no reports of damages or injuries and no tsunami advisory or warning was generated.

Earthquakes continue near the community of Verdi-Mogul, NV.

A magnitude 2.0 earthquake occurred in Northern Virginia, Tuesday, May 6 at 1:30 p.m. EDT, 13 miles west southwest from Washington, DC, near Springfield, VA, at a depth of 3.7 miles.  There were no reports of injuries or damage.  (USGS, FEMA HQ)

National Preparedness Level: 2
States reporting large fires: Florida (4), New Mexico (2), Texas (2).
National Fire Activity as of Tuesday, May 6:
Initial attack activity: Light (224 new fires)
New large fires: 1
Large fires contained: 1
Uncontained large fires: 7
Weather Discussion: A low pressure system moving over southern Arizona will bring strong winds to southern and eastern New Mexico and west Texas.  Thunderstorms will also develop with this system.  Low relative humidity will continue in the Southeast.  (National Interagency Fire Center, National Incident Information Center,  NOAA/NWS Storm Prediction Center, NGB)

New Mexico
Trigo Fire (Torrance County) has burned 13,680 acres and is 60% contained.  (InciWeb)
A total of 80 structures have been reported destroyed.  (National Interagency Coordination Center)
Joint Preliminary Damage Assessments (PDAs) began on Tuesday, May 6.

No new activity to report. (FEMA HQ)

West:
Showers and thunderstorms will be scattered across the region as an upper level low begins to move east and an upper level trough begins to move into the Pacific Northwest and Northern Rockies.
High temperatures will range from the 50s in the Pacific Northwest with 90s in the deserts of Southeast California.
Midwest:
Severe thunderstorms are forecast for the Central Plains again today. Moisture from the Gulf of Mexico will move into the Plains and combine with a weak disturbance moving out of the southern Rockies to produce thunderstorms from west Texas to Wisconsin. A frontal system and upper level trough will produce widespread precipitation over the entire Region today with some areas receiving an inch or more of precipitation. Heavy rain is likely tomorrow and Thursday as the system causing the storms begins to move east into the Mid-Mississippi Valley and Ohio Valley exacerbating ongoing flooding.  High temperatures will range from around 50 in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan to the 80s in southwest Kansas.
South:
As discussed above thunderstorms are expected in west Texas and rain, locally heavy at times, is possible in elsewhere in Texas.  High pressure will produce fair skies over the Southeast.  The heavy rain and thunderstorms will move slowly through the southeast, reaching the East Coast by Friday.
Highs will range from the 70s to a few 90s in the Rio Grande Valley.
Northeast:
A weak cold front will produce a few showers from northern New York to New England.
Highs today will be in the 60s and 70s. Warmer than average temperatures are expected over the Region through midweek. (NWS, Various Media Sources)

Widespread severe thunderstorms impacted parts of the Central United States May 1-3, 2008.  There were over 480 reports of severe weather with 70 to 80 reports of possible tornadoes.  Approximately 64 homes destroyed, and over 852 damaged.  There were approximately 10 businesses destroyed and 43 with minor to severe damage.  All States affected during event, except Arkansas, have returned to normal operations.  At the height of the event, FEMA LNOs were deployed to Arkansas, Mississippi and Missouri and placed on alert for several additional States.(NWS, FEMA HQ)

Arkansas:
The State EOC is at Level I, Normal Operations.  The FEMA LNO is on standby at Arkansas JFO and available to be deployed to State EOC upon request. 
There have been seven confirmed fatalities and 23 injuries.  Reports of damage to homes in eight counties; 95 destroyed, 428 damaged, and there have been 8 mobile homes either damaged or destroyed.  Reported business damages include; six damaged and seven destroyed.  Four low water bridges in Van Buren County sustained major damage.
Joint FEMA/State PDAs to began, May 5, 2008.  The Arkansas National Guard (NG) provided 36 Army National Guard soldiers for security.  Requested tarps arrived at State EOC May 3, 2008. (Arkansas Department of Emergency Management SITREP, 12:00 p.m. CDT, May 3, 2008, Region VI).

FEMA Regional Offices, State EOCs, and the NRCC continue to monitor Flood Warnings and Watches in the Mississippi River Valley. (Region IV, Region V, Region VI RRCC, National Weather Service, FEMA HQ)

Nothing significant activity reported (FEMA HQ)

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

National Preparedness Level: 2
National Fire Activity as of Monday, May 05, 2008:
Initial attack activity: Light (43 new fires)
New large fires: 1
Large fires contained: 1
Uncontained large fires: 7
Weather Discussion:
The Southwest may see thunderstorms and gusty winds today over portions of Arizona and New Mexico.
California will see an onshore flow today with mild temperatures and moderate humidity. With a slight chance of thunderstorms over the mountains.
Much of the Southeast will have low humidity today, especially over Florida and Georgia.

Mobile Air Fire Fighting System (MAFFS) Deployment:
Seven MAFFS aircraft and personnel arrived at Channel Islands ANGB May 4.  This deployment will provide aerial firefighting certification for Federal Request for Assistance.  The 146 AW (California ANG) is hosting the certification exercise.  Personnel from the 145 AW (North Carolina ANG), 153 AW (Wyoming ANG), and the 302 AW (Peterson AFB AFRC) are participating in the training.  (National Interagency Fire Center, National Incident Information Center,  NOAA/NWS Storm Prediction Center, NGB)

New Mexico
Trigo Fire (Bernalillo County) has burned 13,680 acres and is 45% contained.
59 structures have been destroyed.
Joint PDA will commence on Tuesday May 6, 2008.

FEMA-1752-DR-OK was declared on May 5, 2008, for Severe Storms, Tornadoes and flooding, from March 17-23, 2008.

Thirteen counties were approved for Public Assistance.
All counties are eligible to apply for assistance under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program  (FEMA HQ)

West:
Much of the Region will have mostly sunny skies and warm temperatures.  However, a disturbance moving through the northern Rockies will trigger isolated thunderstorms this afternoon across northern Idaho and northwestern Montana.
An upper-level low off Southern California will push moisture into the Sierra-Nevada triggering isolated thunderstorms this afternoon and evening.

Midwest:
A frontal boundary dropping out of Canada will produce widespread showers and isolated thunderstorm activity from Montana to the Great Lakes. Moisture from the Gulf of Mexico will move into the southern Plains and combine with a weak disturbance moving out of the southern Rockies to produce thunderstorms from the Texas Panhandle to Nebraska later today.  Highs temperatures north of the front will be in the upper 40s and 50s over northern Minnesota, northern Wisconsin and northern Michigan. South of the front, highs should reach the upper 60s to middle 70s.

South:
A high pressure ridge extends from the lower Mississippi Valley to the Tennessee Valley producing mostly sunny skies and warm temperatures over the Region. A weak area of low pressure is forecast to develop along the Southeast coast during the day and produce scattered showers and thunderstorms in North and South Carolina during afternoon and evening hours. Red flag warnings are in effect this afternoon and evening for all of the Florida Panhandle and Big Bend due to expected long durations of low relative humidity. The southerly flow on the backside of the ridge will produce thunderstorms across western Oklahoma, western Texas and eastern New Mexico.

Northeast:
High pressure building into the Region will produce mostly sunny skies. Temperatures will be seasonable with highs ranging from the upper 50s in the north to the middle 70s in the south. (NWS, Various Media Sources)

Widespread severe thunderstorms impacted parts of the Central United States May 1-3, 2008.
There were over 480 reports of severe weather with 70 to 80 reports of possible tornadoes.
Approximately 64 homes were destroyed, and over 852 damaged. There were approximately 10 businesses destroyed, 43 with minor to severe damage.  All States that were affected during the event, except Arkansas, have returned to normal operations.  At the height of the event, FEMA LNOs were deployed to Arkansas, Mississippi and Missouri and placed on alert for several additional States. (NWS, FEMA HQ)
Arkansas:
The State EOC is at Level I, Normal Operations.  The FEMA LNO remains on standby at the Arkansas JFO and is available to deploy to State EOC.  The tarps requested by the state arrived at the EOC May 3, 2008.  There have been seven confirmed fatalities and 23 injuries.  Damage to homes has been reported in eight counties; 33 homes destroyed, 386 damaged, seven mobile homes are either damaged or destroyed, seven businesses destroyed and six damaged.
Joint FEMA/State PDAs to begin today, May 5, 2008.  The Arkansas National Guard (NG) provided 36 Army National Guard soldiers for security. (Arkansas Department of Emergency Management SITREP, 12:00 p.m. CDT, May 3, 2008, Region VI).

FEMA Regional Offices, State EOCs, and the NRCC continue to monitor Flood Warnings and Watches in the Mississippi River Valley. (Region IV, Region V, Region VI RRCC, National Weather Service, FEMA HQ)

Effective May 15, the National Hurricane Center will institute changes in the text Tropical
Weather Outlook and the experimental graphical Tropical Weather Outlook.
The changes include:

Nothing significant activity reported (FEMA HQ)

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

National Preparedness Level: 2
National Fire Activity as of Friday, May 2, 2008:
Initial attack activity: Light (46 new fires)
New large fires: 1
Large fires contained: 4
Uncontained large fires: 7
Weather Discussion:
Chance of thunderstorms in eastern New Mexico and west Texas today with continued low humidity in Arizona.
Southern California will see onshore flow today with mild temperatures and moderate humidity.
The Southeast should have lowering humidity over most areas today  (National Interagency Fire Center, National Incident Information Center,  NOAA/NWS Storm Prediction Center)

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

West:
Rain and snow showers are forecast for parts of the northwest and northern Rockies, the rest of the Region will be dry.
Midwest:
Much of the Region will be under high pressure. However, a low and associated trough over the Great Lakes will produce showers as far south as Missouri.  Eastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin will get wet snow or rain mixed with snow but no significant accumulations are expected.  The front that produced yesterday's thunderstorms will continue to slide eastward. A threat of severe weather will remain from southeast Ohio through eastern Kentucky.   The one to two inches of precipitation expected from this system will exacerbate flooding in the Mississippi Valley.  The tight pressure gradient will produce gusty winds a across the Mississippi Valley and Great Lakes.
South:
The region will have significant precipitation along the cold front.   The primary threat for thunderstorms will extend from coastal Louisiana to Georgia producing gusty winds, hail and even isolated tornadoes.
Northeast:
Showers and thunderstorms will move across the region as the cold front pushes east. (NWS, Media Sources)

Historically high flooding occurred on the St. John and Fish Rivers in Fort Kent, Maine with localized flooding in other regions of the state.  Rivers are currently receding, but still at or above flood stage.  Maine Emergency Operations Center is activated and is monitoring all rivers.  There was no overtopping of levees.  The Governor of Maine declared a State of Emergency for Aroostook County.

There are currently four wastewater treatment plants that are not treating waste: Presque Isle; Caribou; Limestone; St Agatha.  Maine Emergency Management Agency reported that two bridges are closed due to flood damage and are awaiting inspection by the Maine Department of Transportation.  Currently, one shelter with 10 occupants.  There are reports of damage to multiple state and local roads, public buildings, private homes and property, and possible damage to selected bridges and the lower dam in Washburn.  No injuries or deaths have been reported. (Region I, NWS)

NWS will be assessing potential tornado activity in southeast Sussex County and James City, Virginia.

A powerful storm system packing tornadoes and heavy winds roared across the nation's midsection early Friday, killing at least seven people in Arkansas.  At least 13 people were injured throughout the state, emergency officials said.  Storms late Thursday and early Friday also seriously damaged homes and businesses in the Kansas City, Mo., area, and twisters were reported in Oklahoma and Texas. There were no immediate reports of serious injuries in the other states.

Extensive property damage was reported in Damascus, north of Little Rock, where a spotter reported a tornado down just after 8:30 a.m.  In the Kansas City area, officials said several people were injured, none seriously. About 40,000 lost power at the peak of the storm, which brought wind of up to 80 mph and two small tornadoes that raked northern parts of the city and the suburbs of Liberty and Gladstone early Friday morning, the weather service said.

Kansas City Mayor Mark Funkhouser said 100 homes suffered significant damage in the city alone. In the northeast part of the city, dozens of homes had chunks of their roofs missing, and trees were lying along the roads and in ditches.

The mayor in the Kansas City suburb of Gladstone said some 20 homes were destroyed and as many as 200 were damaged. Officials said warning sirens were never set off in Gladstone because they didn't receive any reports of tornado sightings.  Damage was also reported in Lawrence, to the west of the metropolitan area.

In Canton, Texas, local officials said an apparent tornado Friday ripped down power lines and injured two people in overturned vehicles.  The storm hit as visitors were beginning to show up for a popular open-air market that draws thousands to the county seat each month.

At least two tornadoes were reported in Oklahoma late Thursday. No serious injuries were reported. High winds destroyed a hotel under construction in Owasso, north of Tulsa.  As the system churned eastward, thunderstorms moved through Kentucky and a tornado warning was posted for Friday afternoon in the far western part of the state.   (Media Sources)

Region IV
Mississippi
State EOC activated Level II (24/7).  12 tornados were reported in four counties.
Tennessee
4 tornados were reported, one in each of four counties.

Region V
RRCC activated at Level III and monitoring weather in the Region. 
FEMA LNOs pre-identified and prepared to respond.
Illinois
Law enforcement reported a tornado 1 mile north of Farmersville, IL.  Farmersville, IL is located in Christian County Illinois in the central portion of the state.  Incident receiving local and national media attention but no reports of damage.  Illinois EOC not activated.

Region VI
RRCC activated to Level III until 5:00 pm CDT today and will be open from 7:00 am CDT - TBD tomorrow, May 3, 2008.  Liaison provided to the Arkansas EOC.
Oklahoma
There have been unconfirmed reports of several tornadoes. There have been no fatalities reported and a few minor injuries.  The state reported minor roof damages, trees, limbs, few power lines.   No local requests to state at this time and none to FEMA.   An estimated 450 customers throughout the state have lost power.
Arkansas
State EOC was activated at Level III until early afternoon (time expected for all severe weather to be out of state).   There are seven (7) confirmed fatalities and thirteen (13) injuries for the state.    No shelters are reported to be open at this time, but there is a feeding station open in van Buren County.   Eight (8) counties reported; 87 homes destroyed; 109 damaged
Texas
The State of Texas State Operations Center (SOC) received an initial and final report of a possible tornado touched down in Canton, Van Zandt County.  Four tornados were reported in three counties.
Two people were transported to a local hospital.   The Local EMC, Texas Department of Transportation, Canton FD, American Red Cross and Emergency Management Division Regional Liaison Officer responded.

Region VII
RRCC is activated at Level III (0600 - 1800 CDT).  RRCC will participate in a 3:00 pm CDT Conference Call with the Missouri Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) for updates and will provide further information after the call. The RRCC will maintain contact with MEMA to coordinate and assist as requested.  State Liaison Officer has been pre-identified and is staged in Jefferson City.  No Federal assistance has been requested and the potential for Federal involvement is unknown at this time.
Missouri
There have been reports of tornado touchdowns in several counties. Kansas City Fire Department mobile command post in the area hit by the storm.  Clay County has declared State of Emergency in its unincorporated areas.
Reports indicated approximately:
 22 homes destroyed
 290 moderately damaged homes
 Three businesses destroyed; six businesses damaged
 Approximately 26,000 homes without power (per KCPL)
Kansas
Two rounds of severe weather and hurricane-force winds battered portions of Kansas from Lawrence to Kansas City. The Kansas Emergency Management Division is not activated.  County Emergency Managers are currently completing rapid assessments and will be providing damage reports.
There are reports of 115 homes with minor damage. 
There are currently 2200 people without power. 
There are no reports of fatalities or injuries.

FEDERAL RESPONSE: Region VII RRCC made contact with Iowa, Kansas and Missouri and no Federal assistance is required at this time. (All reports of tornadoes are preliminary, pending verification by NWS)

FEMA Regional Offices, State EOCs, and the NRCC continue to monitor Flood Warnings and Watches in the Mississippi River Valley for Wisconsin and Illinois.  The Mississippi River remains at or above Flood Stage at locations in Illinois, Missouri, Iowa, Mississippi, Arkansas and Louisiana.  Most Major Flood Stage gauges on the Mississippi River are beginning to recede.
Louisiana:
The Bonnet Carre Spillway remains open.  The USACE announced the immediate closure of 10 of the 160 spillways on April 30; the remainder will be closed by mid-May. (Region IV RRCC, Region VI RRCC, National Weather Service)

FEMA Regional Offices, State EOCs, and the NRCC continue to monitor Flood Warnings and Watches in the Mississippi River Valley.
The Mississippi River remains at or above Flood Stage at locations in Illinois, Missouri, Iowa, Mississippi, Arkansas and Louisiana.  Major flood stage gauges on the Mississippi River are beginning to recede. (Region IV RRCC, Region VI RRCC, National Weather Service)

Nothing significant report.

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

No significant activity to report.
Earthquake Fact: Alaska is the most earthquake-prone state and one of the most seismically active regions in the world. Alaska experiences a magnitude 7 earthquake almost every year, and a magnitude 8 or greater earthquake on an average of every 14 years (on average). (USGS, FEMA HQ)

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

National Preparedness Level: 1
National Fire Activity as of Thursday, May 2, 2008:
Initial attack activity: Heavy (330 new fires)
New large fires: 3
Large fires contained: 4
Uncontained large fires: 11
Weather Discussion: Cooler and continuing windy conditions with low humidity today from central
New Mexico into west Texas
Warmer and drier today in southern California with gusty winds at times over the mountains and deserts
Low humidity will continue today over Florida and Georgia.
The Southeast will be dry except for showers over the Mississippi River Valley. (National Interagency Fire Center, National Incident Information Center, InciWeb, NOAA/NWS Storm Prediction Center)

Governor Baldacci is requesting a major disaster declaration for the State of Maine. This is a result of severe rain storms, snow melt, and flooding beginning on April 28, 2008, and continuing.
The Governor is requesting Individual Assistance for Aroostook County and Hazard Mitigation statewide. (FEMA HQ)

Midwest
Severe weather will extend from the Great Lakes all the way down the Mississippi River.
Severe thunderstorms are likely to contain large hail, damaging winds and tornadoes.
Heavy snow is predicted for parts of the western Dakotas, western Nebraska and Wyoming.  High winds will create blizzard conditions at times.  Isolated locations in the Black Hills of South Dakota may see two or three feet of snow.
South
Severe weather will stretch from western Kentucky down to northwest Louisiana on either side of the Mississippi.  Severe storms will be capable of producing large hail, damaging winds and tornadoes.
Northeast
Light scattered showers and thunderstorms are forecast from Maryland to Upstate New York and southern New England.
West
Snow and wind will continue today across parts of Montana, Wyoming and Colorado as the storm slowly moves out into the Plains.  Northeastern Wyoming could see snow totals up to three feet.  Blizzard conditions are possible.  Critical fire weather will continue over New Mexico through May 2 due to windy conditions.  Light showers are forecast for parts of the Pacific Northwest today through Sunday. (NWS)

Historically high flooding occurred on the St. John and Fish Rivers in Fort Kent, Maine with localized flooding in other regions of the state.  Rivers are currently receding, but still at or above flood stage.  Maine Emergency Operations Center is activated and is monitoring all rivers.  There was no overtopping of levees.  The Governor of Maine declared a State of Emergency for Aroostook County.

There are currently four wastewater treatment plants that are not treating waste: Presque Isle; Caribou; Limestone; St Agatha.  Maine Emergency Management Agency reported that four bridges are closed due to flood damage and are awaiting inspection by the Maine Department of Transportation.  Forty homes have been evacuated until U.S. Army Corp of Engineers (USACE) completed their inspection of the St John River levee.  Currently, two shelters have occupants: University at Fort Kent - 10 occupants; and Island Falls - 30 occupants.  There are reports of damage to multiple state and local roads, public buildings, private homes and property, and possible damage to selected bridges and the lower dam in Washburn.  No injuries or deaths have been reported. (Region I, NWS)

NWS will be assessing potential tornado activity in southeast Sussex County and James City, Virginia.

Joint Preliminary Damage Assessments (PDAs) began on May 1.  It is anticipated the Joint PDAs will conclude today, May 2.  The Governor of Virginia declared a State of Emergency on April 28, and four local declarations: City of Colonial Heights, City of Suffolk; Brunswick and Isle of Wight Counties.
Virginia State EOC is now transitioning to a recovery operation. (Region III)

Iowa
At approximately 7:30 p.m. CDT May 1, strong to severe thunderstorms moved across east central Kansas, west central Missouri, northwestern Missouri and extreme northwest Iowa, to include the Kansas City, Missouri/Kansas metro areas.  The storms produced heavy rains, large hail, lightning and damaging winds.  Several tornado warnings were issued, and tornadoes were reported in Rock Valley (Sioux County) and in Inwood, Doon, Rock Rapids and George in Lyon County, Iowa.  In Rock Rapids, the tornado reportedly struck on the west side of town, which is a fairly rural area.  Local citizens reported downed power lines in the wake of the storm, but the State has not received any reports of damage.
Missouri
Clinton County, Missouri law enforcement officials confirmed citizen reports of a tornado touch down approximately two miles east of Plattsburg near the intersection of Highway 116 and Hwy W.  Locals are reporting some downed trees.  No reports of damage to structures.  No injuries or fatalities have been reported.  Two brief tornado touchdowns were reported near the intersection of 215th and Prospect in Belton (Cass County), Missouri.  No damages have been reported.

Kansas
A brief tornado touch down was reported in an open field near Fredonia (Wilson County), Kansas and near Uniontown (Bourbon County), Kansas.  No damages were reported to the State EOC.

STATE/LOCAL RESPONSE: The states have not activated their State Emergency Operations Centers at this time and no FEMA State Liaisons have been deployed.  The State's have not received any additional reports of damages or requests for assistance.

FEDERAL RESPONSE: Region VII RRCC made contact with Iowa, Kansas and Missouri and no Federal assistance is required at this time.(All reports of tornadoes are preliminary, pending verification by NWS)

FEMA Regional Offices, State EOCs, and the NRCC continue to monitor Flood Warnings and Watches in the Mississippi River Valley for Wisconsin and Illinois.  The Mississippi River remains at or above Flood Stage at locations in Illinois, Missouri, Iowa, Mississippi, Arkansas and Louisiana.  Most Major Flood Stage gauges on the Mississippi River are beginning to recede.
Louisiana:
The Bonnet Carre Spillway remains open.  The USACE announced the immediate closure of 10 of the 160 spillways on April 30; the remainder will be closed by mid-May. (Region IV RRCC, Region VI RRCC, National Weather Service)

Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) was approved at 8:59 p.m. EDT, May 1, 2008 (Declaration #2764-FM Texas) for the "Price Fire," located in Midland and Martin Counties, Texas.(FEMA HQ)

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

A 6.6 magnitude earthquake occurred 45 miles west northwest of Adak, AK or 1,218 miles west southwest of Anchorage, AK at 9:33 p.m. EDT, at a depth of 6.2 miles.  Over one hundred aftershocks have been recorded in the area ranging from 2.5 - 4.1 magnitude.  No tsunami was generated, and no reports of injuries or damage have been received. (USGS, FEMA HQ, Region X)

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

National Preparedness Level: 1
National Fire Activity as of Thursday, May 1, 2008:
Initial attack activity: Light (148 new fires)
New large fires: 5
Large fires contained: 2
Uncontained large fires: 12
The Trigo Fire, burning in the Manzano Mountains south of Albuquerque (Bernalillo County), NM, was 95% contained as of April 30, 2008; however, strong winds have renewed the fire threat, and several communities are now threatened.  The fire tripled in size and is now estimated to cover 12,000 acres.  The fire skirted the towns of Torreon and Tajique, NM last night as it burned through the Sherwood Forest subdivision.  Torreon and the Ten Pines area are still in the path, but there is a possibility the fire will burn back onto itself.  Torrance County and Tajique, NM have been evacuated.

Weather Discussion: Weather conditions will continue to increase this fire activity in the Southwest.  Arizona, New Mexico, and western portions of Texas and Oklahoma will continue to have strong winds and dry conditions.  The southeastern and New England states will experience low humidity again today. (National Interagency Fire Center, National Incident Information Center, InciWeb, NOAA/NWS Storm Prediction Center)

Amendment # 6 to Major Disaster Declaration FEMA-1751-DR-AR for the State of Arkansas was received on May 1, 2008. Five counties (Desha, Poinsett, Arkansas, Van Buren and Hempstead), were added to those already approved for Individual Assistance.  Five counties (Hempstead, Benton, Miller, Nevada and Sebastian) were added to those already approved for Public Assistance.

On April 30, 2008, the Governor of Oklahoma requested a Major Disaster Declaration for twenty-three counties (Adair, Caddo, Coal, Delaware, Haskell, Hughes, Johnston, Latimer, Logan, Love, McIntosh, Mayes, Muskogee, Okfuskee, Ottawa, Pawnee, Pittsburg, Pushmataha, Rogers, Seminole, Sequoyah, Tillman and Wagoner) as a result of severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding that began April 9, 2008, and continue.  The Governor is requesting Public Assistance (Categories A - G) for the above listed twenty-three counties, and Hazard Mitigation statewide. (FEMA HQ)