GOHSEP DAILY OPERATIONAL REPORT
13 October 2011
As of: 1400 Hours
STATE EOC ACTIVATION LEVEL: Level 4 (Normal operations)
1. TROPICAL WEATHER UPDATE:
As of 1400 hours 13 October 2011, the NWS/NHC is reporting on the tropical features listed below. These systems will not pose a threat to Louisiana
A surface low is located about 275 miles east of Great Abaco Island in the Bahamas and continues to produce a large area of cloudiness and showers. Although environmental conditions are only marginally favorable, some development of this system is possible as it moves north-northeastward at 15 to 20 mph over the next day or two. This system has a medium chance of about 30 percent of becoming a tropical cyclone during the next 48 hours.
A surface trough extending from southeastern Mexico into the northwestern Caribbean Sea is producing a large but disorganized area of shower and thunderstorm activity. While surface pressures have fallen in this area, any development is expected to be slow to occur due to proximity to land. Regardless of development, locally heavy rainfall is likely to continue during the next couple of days over portions of southeastern Mexico, the Yucatan peninsula, Belize and Guatemala as this system remains nearly stationary. This system has a low chance, 10 percent of becoming a tropical cyclone during the next 48 hours.
A Tropical wave is south of the Cape Verde Islands from 12N25W to 5N30W moving west at 12-17 mph.
A Tropical wave is in the central tropical Atlantic from 14N41W to 7N44W moving near 17 mph.
More information can be accessed from The National Hurricane Center: http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/
2. STATE WIDE EVENTS:
OUACHITA RIVER LOW WATER SITUATION
WebEOC Incident 036-11 Ouachita River Low Water Level – October 2011
Lower than normal rainfall amounts, compounded by a projection for continued lack of any significant rainfall, is causing low water levels along the Ouachita River in Northeast Louisiana. Due to this situation the potential impact on wildlife, river safety, and industrial/business operations is being planned for.
Conference calls have been conducted, and will continue to be conducted, with the Governor’s Office, key State officials, and the agencies listed below.
The following is a current status and actions being taken by the agencies listed in response to this situation.
GOHSEP:
Host conference calls between state agencies and Army Corp of Engineers
GOHSEP Regional Coordinator working with local entities in the affected region
Maintaining situational awareness through WebEOC for all state agencies
Contacted LA Workforce Commission and Economic Development making them aware of potential economic impacts caused by business closures
LA DEQ:
Continues to monitor water quality through testing
Maintaining contact with all Permit holders in affected area to address any concerns. DEQ reports that most facilities do not have a contingency plan for low water
DHH:
Continues to work with potentially impacted communities to advise them of the current situation and to recommend water conservation measures
LDWLF:
Monitoring river levels for potential impacts and boater safety
No waterfowl wildlife (migratory birds) impacts are expected
Will notify state and local officials of any abnormalities
OCPR:
Staying in contact with ACOE Vicksburg to monitor current river levels and projections and working to increase the flow
DNR:
No inland rigs depend on Ouachita River for water
DOTD:
Monitoring bridge crossings for low water affects
PSC:
No impacts expected for power companies
ARMY COPRS OF ENGINEERS, VICKSBURG:
Taking actions and researching options to maintain the current flow on the Ouachita River.
STATEWIDE PARISH BURN BANS / DROUGHT 2011:
WebEOC Incident 010-11 Statewide Parish Burn Ban
Cease and Desist on Outdoor Burning:
Due to the extremely dry conditions in certain Parishes within the state, State Fire Marshal, H. Butch Browning and, Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner, Mike Strain have issued a cease and desist order for all private burning, pursuant to authority under R.S. 40:1563. Private burning shall only be allowed by permission of the local fire department or local government.
This order was effective as of 0900 Hours, August 24, 2011, and shall remain in effect until rescinded for the following Louisiana parishes: Allen, Acadia, Avoyelles, Beauregard, Bienville, Bossier, Caddo, Calcasieu, Caldwell, Cameron, Catahoula, Claiborne, Desoto, Evangeline, Grant, Jackson, Jefferson Davis, LaSalle, Lincoln, Natchitoches, Pointe Coupee, Ouachita, Rapides, Red River, Sabine, St. Landry, Union, Vermillion, Vernon, Webster and Winn
The following parishes have a current Parish State of Emergency Declaration on file with GOHSEP:
Natchitoches
Bossier
Caddo
Sabine
The following parishes had Parish State of Emergency Declaration on file with GOHSEP for this incident:
Allen
Vermilion
National Weather Service Drought Assessment Graphic:
http://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/expert_assessment/drought_assessment.shtml
Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry Burn Ban Graphic:
http://www.ldaf.state.la.us/portal/Portals/0/FOR/publications/forest%20fire/laburnban.pdf
Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Stain, D.V.M., said the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry has installed a new emergency hotline phone system to better serve the public. “We are here to protect the consumer,” Strain said. “Remember; call the LDAF for any emergency involving agriculture, pesticides, and wildfire detection and suppression. The number is 1-855-452-5323.” This hotline will be manned 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
3. LOUISIANA WEATHER:
SOUTHWEST LOUISIANA: Today through Monday is forecasted to be sunny during the day and mostly clear at night, each day.
Temperatures: Today: 86/55, Friday: 84/55, Saturday: 86/59, Sunday: 86/64, Monday: 85/64.
HAZARDOUS WEATHER: No hazardous weather reported.
SOUTHEAST LOUISIANA: Today through Monday is forecasted to be sunny during the day and clear at night.
Temperatures: Today: 83/56, Friday: 82/54, Saturday: 85/56, Sunday: 85/64, Monday: 85/63.
Hazardous Weather: No hazardous weather reported.
CENTRAL LOUISIANA: Today through Monday is forecasted to be sunny during the day and mostly clear at night, each day.
Temperatures: Today: 84/50, Friday: 82/51, Saturday: 86/55, Sunday: 86/58, Monday: 86/50.
HAZARDOUS WEATHER: No hazardous weather reported.
NORTHERN LOUISIANA: Today through Monday is forecasted to be sunny during the day and mostly clear at night, each day.
Temperatures: Today: 82/52, Friday: 87/53, Saturday: 86/57, Sunday: 88/62, Monday: 86/63.
HAZARDOUS WEATHER: No hazardous weather reported.
4. HAZMAT: None
5. FIRE: None
6. MEDICAL: None
7. NTAS (National Terrorist Advisory System): Currently there are no active alerts.
For more information go to following link; http://www.dhs.gov/files/programs/ntas.shtm.
8. CHEMICAL, BIOLOGICAL, RADIOLOGICAL, NUCLEAR, EXPLOSIVE: None