WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today announced that federal disaster aid has been made available to the State of Oregon and ordered federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area struck by a severe winter storm, flooding, mudslides, landslides, and debris flows during the period of January 13-21, 2011.
Federal funding is available to State and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the severe winter storm, flooding, mudslides, landslides, and debris flows in the counties of Clackamas, Clatsop, Crook, Douglas, Lincoln, and Tillamook.
Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.
Dolph A. Diemont has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area. Diemont said additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the State and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.
Follow FEMA online at http://blog.fema.gov, www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema. Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate's activities at www.twitter.com/craigatfema. The social media links provided are for reference only.
FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.
FEMA's mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.
Showing posts with label winter storms. Show all posts
Showing posts with label winter storms. Show all posts
Friday, February 18, 2011
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Winter Returns...With a Twist
Over on Oregon Live there is an article about the return of winter storms to the North West.
The winter of our warm content will hit a small speed bump this week, as a series of storms sweep in off the Pacific, bringing rain to the valleys and much needed snow to the Cascades.
During this most typical of El Niño winters, every little bit helps when it comes to precipitation and especially building the snowpack before the gradual summer melt-off. Still, don't expect the kind of lashing rains and three foot snow dumps we should have been seeing in January and the first ten days of February.
El Niño -- the warming of the equatorial Pacific Ocean surface off the coast of South America that occurs about every two to six years -- tends to spell drier and warmer winters in the Pacific Northwest, wetter storms in the Southwest and colder winters in the South. "
As Februarys go, it's not going to be that bad," said forecaster Chris Collins of the National Weather Service in Portland. "We're going to see a system come through about every 24 hours for the next several days, but the jet stream is not aimed at us so the brunt of these storms will brush us and head to the north into Washington."
Check out the full explanation at http://www.oregonlive.com/news/index.ssf/2010/02/winter_returns_sort_of_with_a.html
The winter of our warm content will hit a small speed bump this week, as a series of storms sweep in off the Pacific, bringing rain to the valleys and much needed snow to the Cascades.
During this most typical of El Niño winters, every little bit helps when it comes to precipitation and especially building the snowpack before the gradual summer melt-off. Still, don't expect the kind of lashing rains and three foot snow dumps we should have been seeing in January and the first ten days of February.
El Niño -- the warming of the equatorial Pacific Ocean surface off the coast of South America that occurs about every two to six years -- tends to spell drier and warmer winters in the Pacific Northwest, wetter storms in the Southwest and colder winters in the South. "
As Februarys go, it's not going to be that bad," said forecaster Chris Collins of the National Weather Service in Portland. "We're going to see a system come through about every 24 hours for the next several days, but the jet stream is not aimed at us so the brunt of these storms will brush us and head to the north into Washington."
Check out the full explanation at http://www.oregonlive.com/news/index.ssf/2010/02/winter_returns_sort_of_with_a.html
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Winter Weather Awareness
Snow, Ice, Avalanche and Blizzards are the most common of Winter's many hazards.
Winter storms are a frequent occurence across the Pacific Northwest. Many of these storms bring snow amounts that cause road closures, especially through the mountain passes. Wind, in combination with the snow, can cause reduced visibility and deep snow drifts. Along with the heavy snow comes an avalanche threat in areas of steep terrain. In valley locations, temperatures may be near freezing during the day, but after the storm passes, temperatures plummet causing wet roadways to become ribbons of black ice. In some valleys, cool air trapped near the surface remains below freezing, while warmer air aloft drops rain through the sub-freezing air, causing glaze ice or freezing rain.
All of these hazards are forecast ahead of time by your local National Weather Service forecast office. Winter storm watches are generally issued 1 to 3 days prior to the storm's arrival. Winter storm warnings, ice storm warnings and heavy snow warnings are issued within a day and sometimes two days's warning.
1) Winter Storm Warning...issued when any combination of freezing rain, sleet, wind and/or heavy snow occurs over an area that is expected to cause significant widespread damage. Snow amounts required for winter storm warnings vary, given the terrain and location. For low lying areas, which normally receive very little snow, only 2 to 4 inches of snow is required for a winter storm warning. On the other hand in mountainous areas, where nearly every storm brings at least 6 inches of snow, 8 to 10 inches (or more) of snow is required for a warning. A winter storm warning means that road crews will have difficulty keeping roads open and snow free, making travel difficult at best, and impossible at worst.
2) Blizzard Warning... is normally associated with severe winter weather in the northern plains where strong northwest winds bring snow and frigid temperatures. While rather common for the plains states, blizzard or near blizzard conditions can occur in the Pacific Northwest. The National Weather Service defines a blizzard as a combination of wind that is 35 mph or stronger accompanied by snow with visibilities frequently below one-quarter of a mile.
3) Ice Storm Warning... in the Pacific Northwest are infrequent, but can be extremely dangerous. Across interior locations, valley locations will have temperatures below freezing when a warm winter storm blows overhead. Rain falling out of the storm passes through the sub-freezing air near the surface and freezes on contact with objects. These conditions cause trees to snap, power lines to fall, and make roads nearly impossible to navigate.
4) Avalanche Warnings...
Avalanche Warnings are issued by the Northwest Avalanche Forecast Center, located in Seattle. These products are issued when there is a significant threat of avalanches in the Cascades and Olympics backcountry, possibly affecting mountain roadways and other high country interests. Also, see the NW Avalanche Center's website.
Thousands of avalanches occur each year in the mountains of the Pacific Northwest. With the popularity of winter sports, avalanches pose a great risk to skiers, hikers and snowmobilers. The risk is very real, as people die each year when sudden avalanches bury them. Avalanches can happen anywhere the slope is steep enough and has a heavy load of snow. They typically occur during or just after snowstorms and most occur on a slope of 30 to 45 degrees. By waiting 36 hours after a big snowstorm, you may allow the snow to settle. If you stay in the valleys away from avalanches chutes, in stands of dense trees, or on gentle slopes, you can minimize your risk to avalanches.
…AVALANCHE SAFETY RULES…
1) NEVER TRAVEL ALONE. Always have one or more companions. If you are alone, and get trapped by an avalanche, you may not be found until April or May.
2) If crossing a slope that may be prone to avalanches, do it one person at a time. You want to minimize the impact on your party if an avalanche occurs.
WHEN WINTER STORMS THREATEN…AVOID TRAVEL IF AT ALL POSSIBLE. ROAD CREWS WORK HARD TO KEEP ROADS OPEN…STUCK CARS ONLY MAKE THEIR JOB HARDER.
Winter storms are a frequent occurence across the Pacific Northwest. Many of these storms bring snow amounts that cause road closures, especially through the mountain passes. Wind, in combination with the snow, can cause reduced visibility and deep snow drifts. Along with the heavy snow comes an avalanche threat in areas of steep terrain. In valley locations, temperatures may be near freezing during the day, but after the storm passes, temperatures plummet causing wet roadways to become ribbons of black ice. In some valleys, cool air trapped near the surface remains below freezing, while warmer air aloft drops rain through the sub-freezing air, causing glaze ice or freezing rain.
All of these hazards are forecast ahead of time by your local National Weather Service forecast office. Winter storm watches are generally issued 1 to 3 days prior to the storm's arrival. Winter storm warnings, ice storm warnings and heavy snow warnings are issued within a day and sometimes two days's warning.
1) Winter Storm Warning...issued when any combination of freezing rain, sleet, wind and/or heavy snow occurs over an area that is expected to cause significant widespread damage. Snow amounts required for winter storm warnings vary, given the terrain and location. For low lying areas, which normally receive very little snow, only 2 to 4 inches of snow is required for a winter storm warning. On the other hand in mountainous areas, where nearly every storm brings at least 6 inches of snow, 8 to 10 inches (or more) of snow is required for a warning. A winter storm warning means that road crews will have difficulty keeping roads open and snow free, making travel difficult at best, and impossible at worst.
2) Blizzard Warning... is normally associated with severe winter weather in the northern plains where strong northwest winds bring snow and frigid temperatures. While rather common for the plains states, blizzard or near blizzard conditions can occur in the Pacific Northwest. The National Weather Service defines a blizzard as a combination of wind that is 35 mph or stronger accompanied by snow with visibilities frequently below one-quarter of a mile.
3) Ice Storm Warning... in the Pacific Northwest are infrequent, but can be extremely dangerous. Across interior locations, valley locations will have temperatures below freezing when a warm winter storm blows overhead. Rain falling out of the storm passes through the sub-freezing air near the surface and freezes on contact with objects. These conditions cause trees to snap, power lines to fall, and make roads nearly impossible to navigate.
4) Avalanche Warnings...
Avalanche Warnings are issued by the Northwest Avalanche Forecast Center, located in Seattle. These products are issued when there is a significant threat of avalanches in the Cascades and Olympics backcountry, possibly affecting mountain roadways and other high country interests. Also, see the NW Avalanche Center's website.
Thousands of avalanches occur each year in the mountains of the Pacific Northwest. With the popularity of winter sports, avalanches pose a great risk to skiers, hikers and snowmobilers. The risk is very real, as people die each year when sudden avalanches bury them. Avalanches can happen anywhere the slope is steep enough and has a heavy load of snow. They typically occur during or just after snowstorms and most occur on a slope of 30 to 45 degrees. By waiting 36 hours after a big snowstorm, you may allow the snow to settle. If you stay in the valleys away from avalanches chutes, in stands of dense trees, or on gentle slopes, you can minimize your risk to avalanches.
…AVALANCHE SAFETY RULES…
1) NEVER TRAVEL ALONE. Always have one or more companions. If you are alone, and get trapped by an avalanche, you may not be found until April or May.
2) If crossing a slope that may be prone to avalanches, do it one person at a time. You want to minimize the impact on your party if an avalanche occurs.
WHEN WINTER STORMS THREATEN…AVOID TRAVEL IF AT ALL POSSIBLE. ROAD CREWS WORK HARD TO KEEP ROADS OPEN…STUCK CARS ONLY MAKE THEIR JOB HARDER.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Winter Weather Awareness
The National Weather Service (NWS) offices in the Pacific Northwest will be holding their annual Winter Weather Awareness Campaign during the week of October 18 through October 24 to help educate the public on winter weather hazards. During this special week, they will be issuing daily statements about winter weather safety. Media outlets across Oregon, Washington and Idaho will also participate by running stories in local newspapers, radio and television broadcasts.
During that week we will post each day's topic so you can see what the NWS has to say about winter weather and how to prepare for it.
You can also find more information on winter weather safety on NWS webpages at:
www.nws.noaa.gov/om/winter/index.shtml
During that week we will post each day's topic so you can see what the NWS has to say about winter weather and how to prepare for it.
You can also find more information on winter weather safety on NWS webpages at:
www.nws.noaa.gov/om/winter/index.shtml
Monday, September 21, 2009
Last Day of Summer Chainsaw Safety
It’s the last day of summer and even though the weather is great – we know the rains are coming so here is a little safety reminder. You might even be doing some last minute clean up of the yard now so be careful.
According the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health [NIOSH] each year, approximately 36,000 people are treated in emergency rooms for injuries from using chain saws.
Many storm and flood cleanup activities can be hazardous but the use of chain saws is one of the most dangerous. Hazards that could be encountered include downed power lines, carbon monoxide from equipment, injury from falls, or being hit by motor vehicles.
Chain saws are widely used to remove fallen trees and tree branches after winter storms. One way to avoid injury is to follow manufacturer’s instructions and properly sharpen and lubricate chain saw blades with bar and chain oil. The operator should periodically check and adjust the tension of the chain saw blade to ensure good cutting action.
Choose the proper size of chain saw to match the job, and include safety features such as a chain brake, front and rear hand guards, stop switch, chain catcher and a spark arrester. Wear a hard hat, safety glasses, hearing protection, heavy work gloves, and cut-resistant leg wear.
Avoid power lines. This is important for everyone, not just chain saw users and always cut at waist level or below to ensure that you maintain secure control over the chain saw. Keep bystanders away. If injury occurs, apply direct pressure over site(s) of heavy bleeding; this act may save lives.
Remember that all gasoline-powered engines produce carbon monoxide. This gas can rapidly build up in a closed in area, and individuals can be overcome without even realizing it. Confusion, headache, dizziness, fatigue, and weakness may set in too quickly for victims to save themselves and can be deadly.
According the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health [NIOSH] each year, approximately 36,000 people are treated in emergency rooms for injuries from using chain saws.
Many storm and flood cleanup activities can be hazardous but the use of chain saws is one of the most dangerous. Hazards that could be encountered include downed power lines, carbon monoxide from equipment, injury from falls, or being hit by motor vehicles.
Chain saws are widely used to remove fallen trees and tree branches after winter storms. One way to avoid injury is to follow manufacturer’s instructions and properly sharpen and lubricate chain saw blades with bar and chain oil. The operator should periodically check and adjust the tension of the chain saw blade to ensure good cutting action.
Choose the proper size of chain saw to match the job, and include safety features such as a chain brake, front and rear hand guards, stop switch, chain catcher and a spark arrester. Wear a hard hat, safety glasses, hearing protection, heavy work gloves, and cut-resistant leg wear.
Avoid power lines. This is important for everyone, not just chain saw users and always cut at waist level or below to ensure that you maintain secure control over the chain saw. Keep bystanders away. If injury occurs, apply direct pressure over site(s) of heavy bleeding; this act may save lives.
Remember that all gasoline-powered engines produce carbon monoxide. This gas can rapidly build up in a closed in area, and individuals can be overcome without even realizing it. Confusion, headache, dizziness, fatigue, and weakness may set in too quickly for victims to save themselves and can be deadly.
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