Storms

Authorizes state agencies to respond to winter storm

March 02, 2009 -- RICHMOND — Virginia Governor Timothy M. Kaine declared a state of emergency today, authorizing state agencies to respond if local governments need assistance in the wake of the winter storm that began Sunday, March 1.

"This is the most widespread winter weather event to affect Virginia in eight years," Governor Kaine said. "So far our counties, cities and towns are coping very well with all the snow, wind and power outages. We want to be able to move quickly if additional help is needed to protect the health and safety of our citizens."

In declaring a state of emergency, the governor authorizes state agencies to identify and reposition resources for quick response anywhere they are needed in Virginia.    » read more »

March 02, 2009 -- FRANKFORT, Ky. -- Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear, along with Attorney General Jack Conway, today announced an extension on the state’s price gouging statutes.

Originally enacted on Jan. 28th, the extension will allow for an additional window of time to investigate any complaints of price gouging that may occur relative to gas, heating and building supplies in the aftermath of January’s winter storm.

“Due to the extent of storm damage and massive cleanup efforts statewide, today’s extension will ensure Kentuckians are protected from predatory pricing as we continue to recover from the greatest natural disaster in Kentucky history,” Gov. Beshear said.    » read more »

February 25, 2009 -- Oklahoma City -- Oklahoma Governor Brad Henry announced today that the Federal Emergency Management Agency has approved his request for public assistance for three Oklahoma counties hit hard by this month’s severe storms and tornadoes. Additionally, federal officials granted the Governor’s request for another six counties to receive public assistance in the wake of the January ice storm.

The designation delivers federal funding to assist municipalities, counties and rural electric cooperatives with infrastructure repairs, debris removal and costs associated with responding to the storms.    » read more »

02/17/2009 -- NASHVILLE – Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen today announced the federal government has approved his request for disaster assistance for seven counties in West Tennessee for damage from a winter storm that struck on Wednesday, Jan. 28. Bredesen requested the federal disaster aid for Dyer, Henry, Lake, Obion, Montgomery, Stewart and Weakley counties on Feb. 6.

Local governments and public utilities in the seven approved counties are now eligible for Public Assistance Program funds from the federal government. The public assistance designation also covers emergency response and recovery costs incurred by state government.    » read more »

February 17, 2009 -- Oklahoma City — Oklahoma Governor Brad Henry announced today that the White House has approved his request for public assistance for four Oklahoma counties hit hard by January ice storms.

As a result, local governments and rural electric cooperatives in Adair, Cherokee, Delaware and Hughes counties can receive federal funding for infrastructure repairs, debris removal and costs associated with responding to the storm.

Gov. Henry made the request on Feb. 10. In those four counties alone, the ice storm resulted in an estimated $7.3 million in infrastructure damage and response costs.    » read more »

February 17, 2009 -- JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - A request by Missouri Governor Jay Nixon for a major disaster declaration for parts of southern Missouri hit by last month's winter storms was granted today by President Barack Obama. The declaration paves the way for counties and local entities affected by the storms to seek millions of dollars in federal funds for disaster-related costs.

"I appreciate the President making this declaration so that our counties and communities can have the help they need in recovering their costs," Gov. Nixon said. "Those local officials responded very quickly to these ice storms, and this declaration will help speed their recovery."    » read more »

Declaration would bring federal assistance for estimated $77 million in ice-storm damage

Feb 3, 2009 -- LITTLE ROCK - Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe this afternoon asked President Obama to declare a major disaster in 25 Arkansas counties hit hard by last week's ice storm. The counties include Baxter, Benton, Boone, Carroll, Clay, Conway, Craighead, Cross, Franklin, Fulton, Greene, Independence, Izard, Jackson, Johnson, Lawrence, Madison, Marion, Mississippi, Newton, Searcy, Sharp, Stone, Van Buren and Washington.

The declaration would bring federal assistance to cover 75 percent of the estimated $77 million in damages to public infrastructure in the affected counties, including utility systems, roads and bridges, water-control facilities and debris removal.    » read more »

February 02, 2009 --FRANKFORT, Ky. -- Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear today asked President Barack Obama to declare a major disaster for the commonwealth of Kentucky, following the devastating winter storm that has paralyzed parts of the state and left hundreds of thousands of Kentuckians without electricity, water and heat.

Moreover, given the breadth of the crisis, the governor is asking the federal government to pick up additional costs incurred for the use of an unprecedented number of National Guardsmen and storm costs that already have exceeded an estimated $45 million. The storm is believed to be the worst natural disaster in modern Kentucky history.    » read more »

January 29, 2009 -- OLYMPIA – Washington Governor Chris Gregoire this week requested that the U.S. Small Business Administration declare an economic injury disaster for businesses in all of Washington’s 39 counties because of the December snowstorms.

“The declaration can be a major boost in helping business owners recover from the effects of the snowstorms in an already difficult economic environment,” Gregoire said. “I urge the SBA to take prompt action on this request so small business owners can apply for low-interest loans to obtain working capital for their businesses.”    » read more »

January 28, 2009 -- Jefferson City, Mo. -- Missouri Governor Jay Nixon today asked President Barack Obama to approve his request for an Expedited Major Disaster Declaration for the state of Missouri as a result of the severe Jan. 26-27 winter storm.

“With almost 100,000 families without power and six fatalities related to the winter storm, my primary concern is the safety of Missourians,” Gov. Nixon said. “I have asked President Obama to approve my request as quickly as possible so Missouri can secure needed federal resources to help counties protect their citizens.”    » read more »

Beshear, Conway implement price gouging statutes to protect Kentuckians

January 28, 2009 -- FRANKFORT, Ky. – With nearly 400,000 Kentucky customers without power, Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear today said he is seeking an emergency disaster declaration from the federal government to expedite assistance to people in need across the commonwealth.

The disaster request is one of a number of steps Gov. Beshear quickly triggered today in the way of icy winter storm that has walloped much of the state, impacting nursing homes, government centers and homes and businesses from Ballard County in the west to Boyd County in the east.    » read more »

Declaration enables state resources to be mobilized against winter storm

January 27, 2009 -- FRANKFORT, Ky. — Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear today declared an emergency in Kentucky because of a powerful winter storm. The declaration enables state resources to be mobilized to assist cities and counties in coping with power outages and other damage wrought by ice and snow.

“When winter weather hits, it is crucial that our citizens know that their state government is doing everything possible to ensure their safety and well-being,” the governor said in a news conference. “We are prepared to use every available resource to help Kentuckians make it through these rough conditions, whatever may come.”    » read more »

January 26, 2009 -- Oklahoma City -- With much of Oklahoma being impacted by an ice storm, Oklahoma Governor Brad Henry today declared a State of Emergency for all 77 counties in the state.

“Oklahomans know all too well that severe winter weather poses serious challenges to everything from roads and power lines to debris removal, and so it is important that we be prepared for the worst,” the Governor said.

The executive order marks a first step toward seeking federal assistance should it be necessary. Additionally, the executive order allows state agencies to make emergency purchases and acquisitions needed to expedite the delivery of resources to local jurisdictions.    » read more »

January 26, 2009 -- Jefferson City, Mo. -- Missouri Governor Jay Nixon has signed a State of Emergency Executive Order in response to the winter storm that entered Missouri on Jan. 26. The executive order activates the Missouri State Emergency Operations Plan, which opens the State Emergency Operations Center and allows state agencies to assist local jurisdictions with their emergency protective actions.

“Many parts of Missouri have been impacted by this severe winter storm, which has caused treacherous road conditions and has the potential for causing power outages,” Gov. Nixon said. “My primary concern is the safety of Missourians and this executive order makes state agency resources available to help communities respond to the winter storms.”    » read more »

NWS TPC/NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER MIAMI FL AL072008
400 AM CDT MON SEP 01 2008

...GUSTAV NEARING THE LOUISIANA COAST...HEAVY RAIN BANDS APPROACHING
NEW ORLEANS...

AT 4 AM CDT...0900 UTC...THE HURRICANE WARNING EAST OF THE
MISSISSIPPI-ALABAMA BORDER TO THE ALABAMA-FLORIDA BORDER HAS BEEN
CHANGED TO A TROPICAL STORM WARNING. A HURRICANE WARNING REMAINS
IN EFFECT FROM JUST EAST OF HIGH ISLAND TEXAS EASTWARD TO THE
MISSISSIPPI-ALABAMA BORDER...INCLUDING THE CITY OF NEW ORLEANS AND
LAKE PONTCHARTRAIN. PREPARATIONS TO PROTECT LIFE AND PROPERTY
SHOULD HAVE BEEN COMPLETED.

A TROPICAL STORM WARNING IS IN EFFECT FROM EAST OF THE
MISSISSIPPI-ALABAMA BORDER TO THE OCHLOCKONEE RIVER.

FOR STORM INFORMATION SPECIFIC TO YOUR AREA...INCLUDING POSSIBLE    » read more »