Colorado receives HUD approval on state plan to spend $62.8 million on flood recovery
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) today announced it approved Colorado’s Community Development Block Grant - Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) Action Plan. The Plan outlines how Colorado will distribute $62.8 million in grant dollars received from HUD for flood recovery programs.
During a visit in December, HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan announced the funding award and that it would go toward needs not addressed through other sources of public and private assistance such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency and Small Business Administration. With acceptance of this disaster action plan, the long-term and sustainable disaster recovery can continue.
This grant will support recovery efforts in 18 Presidentially declared flood-impacted counties, with a majority of the funds going to the most impacted counties: Boulder, Larimer and Weld. Programs will focus on housing, public infrastructure, long-term planning and economic development and, as stipulated by the grant, 50 percent of the funds will be distributed to low- and moderate-income households.
“We are very pleased with this approval of our action plan for the $62.8 million in CDBG-DR funding. We greatly appreciate the efforts of HUD in working with our team to get to this as quickly as possible,” Gov. John Hickenlooper said. “This grant will support long-term and sustainable disaster recovery efforts in the most impacted communities devastated by last year’s floods. The plan was developed with feedback from those impacted communities and will give Coloradans another resource to rebuild better and stronger.”
“From the moment the Presidential disaster declaration was made, HUD has been on the job, working with Congress to speed these much-needed funds to the State of Colorado,” HUD Rocky Mountain Regional Administrator Rick M. Garcia said. “This funding is vital to helping Coloradans rebuild their communities and HUD has been proud to partner with the State of Colorado and FEMA in this process.”
Applications for the funds will be available Friday, May 2, online at http://dola.colorado.gov/cdbg-dr/. The State will work with all applicants to release the money as soon as possible.
With the approval of the state’s Action Plan, communities will be able to submit applications through the following programs:
Program | Eligible applicants | Amount available |
Household Assistance Programs | ||
Temporary Rental Assistance and Relocation | Local governments, non-profits and housing authorities with experience in administering affordable housing programs | Local governments may receive up to $1 million with the ability to award up to $20,000 per household. |
Housing Purchase (Down Payment Assistance) | Local governments, non-profits and housing authorities with experience in administering affordable housing programs | Local governments may receive up to $500,000 with the ability to award up to $50,000 per household. |
Housing Repairs (Single Family Rehabilitation) | Local governments, non-profits and housing authorities with experience in administering affordable housing programs | Local governments may receive up to $4 million with the ability to award up to $50,000 per household. |
Clearance and Demolition | Local governments or their designated non-profits or housing authorities | Local governments may receive up to $500,000 for the removal of slum and blight. |
Housing New Construction Programs | ||
Single Family Housing New Construction | Sub-grantees may include units of general local government, non-profit and for-profit developers, and housing authorities, with experience in affordable housing development/ programs, an existing network, and capacity | Projects may receive up to $4 million with the ability to award up to $50,000 per household. |
Multifamily Rental Housing New Construction | Sub-grantees may include units of general local government, non-profit and for-profit developers, and housing authorities, with experience in affordable housing development/ programs, an existing network, and capacity | Projects may receive up to $4 million with the ability to award up to $50,000 per household. |
Recover Colorado Business Grant and Loan Program | Small businesses, non-profits and units of government | $9 million is available for grants and loans to small businesses. Up to $10,000 is available in grants for those with a single damaged location and up to $25,000 for multiple locations depending on the amount of their loss. Additionally, loans are available up to an additional $50,000. |
Agriculture Grant Program | Farmers, ranchers, and producers that are registered with the Secretary of State | $4.5 million is available for awards that range from a minimum $15,000 to maximum $150,000 per project. |
Recover Colorado Infrastructure Grant Program | Local governments within the 18 counties included in the Presidential Disaster Declaration including municipalities, counties, special districts, school districts and other political subdivisions of the state. | $19.5 million has been allocated for this program with maximum project awards of $5 million. |
Resiliency Visioning & Strategic Planning | Local governments | $1 million has been set aside with a maximum award of $100,000 for projects. |
The approved CDBG-DR Action Plan is available on the Department of Local Affairs website at http://dola.colorado.gov/cdbg-dr/
In a separate announcement recently, Donovan announced Colorado will receive an additional $199 million in CDBG-DR funds. In compliance with federal guidelines, a separate Action Plan will be prepared to address this second allocation and will include a public comment period. The allocation of funds of $199 million have not yet been recorded in the Federal Register. Once the grant is recorded, the process for allocating the funds can begin.
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HUD’s mission is to create strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and quality affordable homes for all. HUD is working to strengthen the housing market to bolster the economy and protect consumers; meet the need for quality affordable rental homes: utilize housing as a platform for improving quality of life; build inclusive and sustainable communities free from discrimination; and transform the way HUD does business. More information about HUD and its programs is available at www.hud.gov andhttp://espanol.hud.gov. You can also follow HUD on twitter @HUDgov, on facebook atwww.facebook.com/HUD, or sign up for news alerts on HUD’s Email List.
Be Proactive About Flood Insurance
Whether you own a home or a business, you need to be proactive when it comes to flood insurance. With heavy snowpack this year, there is strong potential for spring flooding. In addition, wildfires devastated Colorado over the last few years destroying vegetation. The burn areas are more susceptible to flooding, because there is no vegetation to absorb the moisture or slow down the flow of sediment and mud in rainstorms.
Do not delay in obtaining flood insurance coverage. The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) has a 30-day waiting period from the time the flood insurance policy is written and the premium is paid until it goes into effect. A policy purchased even a few weeks from now might not be in effect for spring runoff.
Know your insurance policy and what it covers. NFIP covers the structure of your building only. It is recommended that you also carry a basic NFIP policy on your contents. A basic policy covers the following:
The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) offers flood insurance to homeowners, renters, and business owners in communities that are part of the NFIP program. NFIP is administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which works closely with 90 private insurance companies.
Contact an agent or your county or city floodplain administrator to find out whether your community is participating in NFIP. Your agent can advise you on whether you have adequate coverage for your home and valuables. For more information on flood insurance, visit floodsmart.gov.
Read the joint news release from FEMA, State of Colorado and SBA.
Do not delay in obtaining flood insurance coverage. The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) has a 30-day waiting period from the time the flood insurance policy is written and the premium is paid until it goes into effect. A policy purchased even a few weeks from now might not be in effect for spring runoff.
Know your insurance policy and what it covers. NFIP covers the structure of your building only. It is recommended that you also carry a basic NFIP policy on your contents. A basic policy covers the following:
- Up to $250,000 for a home; up to $500,000 for a building.
- Up to $100,000 for personal contents; up to $500,000 for business; up to $100,000 for renters.
- NFIP covers ONLY the depreciated value of your household goods. It does not include replacement value.
- Fine art, collectibles, jewelry, and furs up to $2,500.
- NFIP does not cover such items as autos, machinery, non-household related items, such as yard tools, livestock, lawns, trees, shrubbery, fences, business supplies and equipment.
- Inventory your home. Assign everything a value, so that you have a starting point in case of disaster.
- Document any purchases. Keep receipts in a safe flood-proof place.
The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) offers flood insurance to homeowners, renters, and business owners in communities that are part of the NFIP program. NFIP is administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which works closely with 90 private insurance companies.
Contact an agent or your county or city floodplain administrator to find out whether your community is participating in NFIP. Your agent can advise you on whether you have adequate coverage for your home and valuables. For more information on flood insurance, visit floodsmart.gov.
Read the joint news release from FEMA, State of Colorado and SBA.
Browns Park National Wildlife Refuge to burn wetlands for wildlife habitat management.
Refuge staff plan to take advantage of the spring weather to burn the wetland in Spitzie Bottom. The objectives of these burns are to reduce excessive fuel loads and to improve the wildlife habitat conditions in those areas. The burn at Spitzie Bottom is being done to reduce the amount of area that cattails and bulrush cover the wetlands and for waterfowl habitat improvement. Smoke from the burns may be visible from Colorado Highway 318 and Moffat County Road 10 and 10N from now until late May on the days of the burns and a few days after the burn.
Weather conditions will be closely monitored, and the burn will only be initiated if conditions are favorable for firefighters to contain the burn within the project boundary. Each prescribed burn conducted by the Browns Park NWR has a detailed fire plan developed in advance, along with appropriate smoke permits obtained from the State of Colorado. Prescribed fires are one of many tools public land managers use to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires while improving wildlife habitat and overall forest and range health. For more information contact Stephen Barclay, Refuge Manager, at 970-365-3613 extension 102.
Read the official news release from the United States of Department of Interior. This information has also been added to our current wildfire map.
Weather conditions will be closely monitored, and the burn will only be initiated if conditions are favorable for firefighters to contain the burn within the project boundary. Each prescribed burn conducted by the Browns Park NWR has a detailed fire plan developed in advance, along with appropriate smoke permits obtained from the State of Colorado. Prescribed fires are one of many tools public land managers use to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires while improving wildlife habitat and overall forest and range health. For more information contact Stephen Barclay, Refuge Manager, at 970-365-3613 extension 102.
Read the official news release from the United States of Department of Interior. This information has also been added to our current wildfire map.
St Mary's Glacier Drinking Water Warning
The following Drinking Water Warning has been passed out to residents of the St. Mary's Glacier community during tonight's community meeting.
DRINKING WATER WARNING
Boil your water before using.
Hiervan el Agua Antes de Usarla
What does this mean? What should I do?
DRINKING WATER WARNING
Boil your water before using.
Hiervan el Agua Antes de Usarla
What does this mean? What should I do?
Do not drink the water
without boiling it first. Bring all
water to a boil. Let it boil for three
(3) minutes, and let it cool before using, or use bottled water. Boiled or
bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice brushing teeth, washing
dishes, and food preparation.
Dispose of ice cubes and
do not use ice from an automatic icemaker.
Remake ice cubes with water that has been boiled, or purchase bagged ice
from an area not under advisory. Flush the icemaker water line after the
advisory has been lifted.
While no contamination has
been detected, the inability to maintain pressure in the distribution system
may allow disease causing organisms to enter the water system. These organisms include bacteria, viruses,
and parasites, which can cause symptoms such as nausea, cramps diarrhea, and
associated headaches. The symptoms above
are not caused only by organisms found in drinking water. If you experience any of these symptoms and
they persist, you may want to seek medical advice.
These precautions should
be taken into account for household pets.
Do not let household pets consume water without boiling and cooling the
water first
Update from St. Mary's Glacier Water and Sanitation District Regarding Status of Water System
The Board of Directors will hold a public meeting on Friday, April 25, 2014, at 7:30 p.m. at the Alice School House to discuss the status of the water system.
As of April 21, 2014, the District system has seen much improvement. The water level in the wells are increasing daily at a promising rate. The pressures have reached the normal operating levels. We are currently hyper-chlorinating the system as per State of Colorado Rules and Regulations. If the system continues to stabilize, we will be flushing/scouring the entire system on April 23, 2014, charging up booster stations, and testing. Lab results are usually completed in 24 hours of the lab receiving the test. If the District passes with lab results in compliance, the Operator will give us approval to reactivate the system and notify customers they can use the water. The flushing procedures are attached below.
While the District is flushing/scouring the system, it is important that customers do not use water. It is important that the District have as much water as possible to complete this process. If customers use the water, this may delay the process and delay the date of being able to bring the system up for customers to begin using the water.
Please note you can use the sewer system and use the potable water available in the lower parking lot of the condos to fill your toilet tanks for flushing.
You will be notified when you can use the water. You will see that you may have water service during the flushing process, please do not use any water until you are advised you may do so.
You are encouraged to check back to the website, www.stmarysglacier.comfor updates and additional information as it becomes available. You may also receive an update via recorded message through the District phone: 720-244-7385. These sources will be updated as soon as new information is made available to us. The District will also send out email blasts with this information. If we do not have your email address, please send it to: sarahsmith1275@gmail.com
We are working in cooperation with the State of Colorado, Clear Creek County, The Department of Health, and, Ramey Environmental Compliance, LLC in resolving this situation as quickly as possible and to develop a plan to reduce the potential for future occurrences.
Thank you,
SMGWSD Board of Directors
General Email for Board of Directors = SMGWSD@gmail.com
EMGrants Pro System Provides Access to Flood Public Assistance Information on April 29
On April 29 the Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM) will provide access to the EMGrantsPro System to all sub-grantees receiving FEMA Pubic Assistance (PA) grant program allocations. The EMGrantsPro system will provide immediate access to project worksheet (PW) information. Current supporting PA documentation located in EMMIE will be transferred into EMGrantsPro over a period of a few months. The goal of the program is to streamline and manage the processing of the FEMA Public Assistance grants program. The system is a web-based portal allowing PA applicants the capability to submit and review the following information electronically:
- Quarterly Reports
- Reimbursement Requests
- Other Requests, draft items and help desk tickets
- Project Worksheet information and related supporting documents from EMMIE
Colorado DHSEM is providing free daily training opportunities during the week of April 21. On-line registration is required at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1EZDsDMiZFkP7P0HUwA9aEKxMRiHbPJ0OkfuL0Ptpkpw/viewform.
Colorado DHSEM will post a weekly PA Status Report on at CORecovers.info.
BLM Planning Prescribed Fire West of Maybell
The Little Snake Field Office is planning a 30 acre prescribed fire 15 miles west of Maybell along the Little Snake River on Bureau of Land Management and Colorado State Land Board managed lands. Burning is anticipated to take place Thursday, April 24 if weather and ground conditions remain favorable. Smoke may be visible for a few hours from Highway 318.
The objective of the Oxbow prescribed fire is to improve waterfowl habitat by burning cattails, rushes and riparian grasses. This follows the herbicide application conducted by Colorado Parks and Wildlife in 2013.
Weather and fuel moisture conditions will be closely monitored. Each prescribed burn has a detailed fire plan developed in advance with pre-determined parameters along with appropriate smoke permits. The burn will only be initiated if conditions are ideal for safe and effective fires. For more information please contact the Little Snake Field Office at 970-826-5000.
_____________________________________________________________
Prescribed fire information has been added to the Colorado Current Fire map on the COEmergency.com website.
The objective of the Oxbow prescribed fire is to improve waterfowl habitat by burning cattails, rushes and riparian grasses. This follows the herbicide application conducted by Colorado Parks and Wildlife in 2013.
Weather and fuel moisture conditions will be closely monitored. Each prescribed burn has a detailed fire plan developed in advance with pre-determined parameters along with appropriate smoke permits. The burn will only be initiated if conditions are ideal for safe and effective fires. For more information please contact the Little Snake Field Office at 970-826-5000.
_____________________________________________________________
Prescribed fire information has been added to the Colorado Current Fire map on the COEmergency.com website.
Colorado Severe Weather Awareness Week In Review
Thank you to our Colorado Forecast Offices:
Visit our READYColorado site for a final week in review blog for Colorado Severe Weather Awareness Week.
- Boulder/Denver
- Grand Junction
- Pueblo
- Goodland
Visit our READYColorado site for a final week in review blog for Colorado Severe Weather Awareness Week.
BLM planning prescribed burn south of Kremmling
Federal fire officials are planning to conduct a 125-acre prescribed burn Monday, April 21 if weather conditions remain favorable.
“We will only ignite the fire if weather and vegetation moisture are within the prescribed parameters,” said Fuels Specialist Keven Thompson. “We had planned to conduct this burn earlier this month, but did not when the wind speed exceeded the prescription for this fire.”
The Junction Butte prescribed fire area is east of U.S. Highway 9 and north of Grand County Road 33 on Bureau of Land Management public land.
Smoke will be visible from Kremmling, GCR 33 and U.S. Highways 40 and 9. Duration of the project is expected to beone or two days.
Goals for this project are to improve waterfowl habitat, increase forage for elk and deer, and open irrigation ditches to allow water flow to wetland areas. Removal of old, dense vegetation will open the ditches and overgrown wetland areas and promote regeneration of grasses.
Burn plans have been prepared and approved and ignition takes place when weather and ground conditions are within specifically determined parameters that allow for safe and efficient operations. All required permits have been issued by the Colorado State Air Quality.
For more information contact Kevin Thompson, 970-724-3033, BLM Kremmling Field Office.
When Thunder Roars Go Indoors: Colorado Severe Weather Awareness Week
Thunderstorms produce some of the most dangerous weather on earth including tornadoes, flash floods, large hail and destructive straight-line winds. However, the most dangerous aspect of thunderstorms in Colorado is usually lightning.
Since 1980, lightning has killed and injured more people in Colorado than any other thunderstorm hazard with an average of three fatalities and 13 injuries each year. These numbers are probably higher as studies indicate that many lightning casualties, especially injuries, are not reported. In 2013, there were no documented lightning fatalities in Colorado. However, 22 people were struck by lightning within the state and all survived.
In addition to producing human casualties lightning also ignites most forest and rangeland fires in the centennial state. Many of these wildfires occur when lightning is generated from thunderstorms which produce little or no rainfall. This type of lightning is commonly referred to as dry lightning.
The safest thing for you to do if you are outside and lightning or thunder begins to occur is to immediately get inside a substantial building such as a house, a store or a church. A hard-topped vehicle such as a car or truck also offer excellent protection from lightning. Once inside a substantial building or hard topped vehicle keep all windows and doors closed and do not touch any metal inside the vehicle. It is then recommended that you wait at least 30 minutes from the last rumble of thunder before returning outside.
A recent lightning safety study has shown that 95 percent of the people who were struck by lightning while outdoors had a nearby substantial building or vehicle nearby. Remember, there is no safe place outdoors when lightning is occurring. Do not seek shelter under picnic shelters, dugouts, porches, tree, carports or tents. These types of structures are not safe when lightning is occurring.
Once inside a substantial building, stay off corded telephones and away from electrical appliances since the electrical discharge can travel along the telephone lines and electrical wires to produce fatal results. Stay away from water such as showers, tubs and sinks. Even indoor swimming pools are not safe when lightning is occurring. It is also recommended that you unplug sensitive electronics such as computers when lightning is expected to occur nearby.
The best defense to protect yourself against a lightning strike is to plan ahead and avoid being caught where you might be vulnerable. Check the weather forecasts prior to venturing out especially if you are heading into the mountains. Plan your outdoor activities for early in the day before thunderstorms typically develop. Stay tuned to NOAA all hazards weather radio and check the national weather service forecasts at www.weather.gov.
It is very important that all sports leagues and other outdoor groups have a lightning response plan that is understood and consistently applied for the safety of the participants. Part of the plan would include a designated weather watcher at each outdoor event with the authority to postpone or cancel the event due to the threat of lightning.
Remember, if thunderstorms threaten seek shelter in a substantial building or in an enclosed metal roof vehicle.
For more information on lightning safety please check out the web site www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov.
For more information about lightning in Colorado please go to the Colorado lightning resource webpage at www.weather.gov/pub/ltg.php.
Since 1980, lightning has killed and injured more people in Colorado than any other thunderstorm hazard with an average of three fatalities and 13 injuries each year. These numbers are probably higher as studies indicate that many lightning casualties, especially injuries, are not reported. In 2013, there were no documented lightning fatalities in Colorado. However, 22 people were struck by lightning within the state and all survived.
In addition to producing human casualties lightning also ignites most forest and rangeland fires in the centennial state. Many of these wildfires occur when lightning is generated from thunderstorms which produce little or no rainfall. This type of lightning is commonly referred to as dry lightning.
The safest thing for you to do if you are outside and lightning or thunder begins to occur is to immediately get inside a substantial building such as a house, a store or a church. A hard-topped vehicle such as a car or truck also offer excellent protection from lightning. Once inside a substantial building or hard topped vehicle keep all windows and doors closed and do not touch any metal inside the vehicle. It is then recommended that you wait at least 30 minutes from the last rumble of thunder before returning outside.
A recent lightning safety study has shown that 95 percent of the people who were struck by lightning while outdoors had a nearby substantial building or vehicle nearby. Remember, there is no safe place outdoors when lightning is occurring. Do not seek shelter under picnic shelters, dugouts, porches, tree, carports or tents. These types of structures are not safe when lightning is occurring.
Once inside a substantial building, stay off corded telephones and away from electrical appliances since the electrical discharge can travel along the telephone lines and electrical wires to produce fatal results. Stay away from water such as showers, tubs and sinks. Even indoor swimming pools are not safe when lightning is occurring. It is also recommended that you unplug sensitive electronics such as computers when lightning is expected to occur nearby.
The best defense to protect yourself against a lightning strike is to plan ahead and avoid being caught where you might be vulnerable. Check the weather forecasts prior to venturing out especially if you are heading into the mountains. Plan your outdoor activities for early in the day before thunderstorms typically develop. Stay tuned to NOAA all hazards weather radio and check the national weather service forecasts at www.weather.gov.
It is very important that all sports leagues and other outdoor groups have a lightning response plan that is understood and consistently applied for the safety of the participants. Part of the plan would include a designated weather watcher at each outdoor event with the authority to postpone or cancel the event due to the threat of lightning.
Remember, if thunderstorms threaten seek shelter in a substantial building or in an enclosed metal roof vehicle.
For more information on lightning safety please check out the web site www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov.
For more information about lightning in Colorado please go to the Colorado lightning resource webpage at www.weather.gov/pub/ltg.php.
Straight Line Winds and Hail: Colorado Severe Weather Awareness Week
Strong straight line winds and large hail are major weather threats in Colorado.
During this Severe Weather Awareness week in Colorado remember that threats from thunderstorms include tornados, straight line winds, hail, flooding and lightning.
Tornadoes are often the headline story, but damaging straight line winds can also injure and kill animals and humans. These winds are usually caused by an area of air within a storm which is quickly cooled by precipitation or the evaporation of precipitation.
This area of cooled air which is heavier than the surrounding air accelerates downward. As the cool air slams into the ground it spreads out from the area of impact. This process, in extreme cases, in result in wind speeds exceeding 100 MPH. Weather forecasters call these winds microbursts if they are less than 2.5 miles across and macrobursts if they are greater than 2.5 miles across.
These downbursts of cool air can be life threatening to pilots and can cause extensive damage, injuries and deaths at ground level. Try to get indoors during all storms because high winds can suddenly develop causing things on the ground to become swiftly moving missiles that can injure or kill.
Hail often occurs in Colorado. Hail forms within storms as liquid water and freezes in the cold mid and upper levels of the storms. The hailstones are kept aloft by strong updraft winds for a time and then cascade to the ground. In Colorado hailstones vary from pea size around 3/8 of an inch in diameter to softball size around 4 1/2 inches in diameter.
Hailstones can do tremendous damage to crops either as large hailstones or as a large volume of small hailstones that accumulate to a depth of several inches. Large hail damages vehicles and buildings and can be life threatening to animals and people.
The National Weather Service issues severe thunderstorm warnings for winds of 58 MPH or higher or for large hail one inch in diameter or larger. When you hear about a severe thunderstorm warning move to shelter.
When thunderstorms threaten you this severe weather season tune to NOAA all hazards weather radio. Wherever you are during threatening weather plan out the actions you would take if severe weather were to strike.
Guest blog written by Tom Magnuson, Warning Coordination Meteorologist, National Weather Service, Pueblo, Colorado.
During this Severe Weather Awareness week in Colorado remember that threats from thunderstorms include tornados, straight line winds, hail, flooding and lightning.
Tornadoes are often the headline story, but damaging straight line winds can also injure and kill animals and humans. These winds are usually caused by an area of air within a storm which is quickly cooled by precipitation or the evaporation of precipitation.
This area of cooled air which is heavier than the surrounding air accelerates downward. As the cool air slams into the ground it spreads out from the area of impact. This process, in extreme cases, in result in wind speeds exceeding 100 MPH. Weather forecasters call these winds microbursts if they are less than 2.5 miles across and macrobursts if they are greater than 2.5 miles across.
These downbursts of cool air can be life threatening to pilots and can cause extensive damage, injuries and deaths at ground level. Try to get indoors during all storms because high winds can suddenly develop causing things on the ground to become swiftly moving missiles that can injure or kill.
Hail often occurs in Colorado. Hail forms within storms as liquid water and freezes in the cold mid and upper levels of the storms. The hailstones are kept aloft by strong updraft winds for a time and then cascade to the ground. In Colorado hailstones vary from pea size around 3/8 of an inch in diameter to softball size around 4 1/2 inches in diameter.
Hailstones can do tremendous damage to crops either as large hailstones or as a large volume of small hailstones that accumulate to a depth of several inches. Large hail damages vehicles and buildings and can be life threatening to animals and people.
The National Weather Service issues severe thunderstorm warnings for winds of 58 MPH or higher or for large hail one inch in diameter or larger. When you hear about a severe thunderstorm warning move to shelter.
When thunderstorms threaten you this severe weather season tune to NOAA all hazards weather radio. Wherever you are during threatening weather plan out the actions you would take if severe weather were to strike.
Guest blog written by Tom Magnuson, Warning Coordination Meteorologist, National Weather Service, Pueblo, Colorado.
Flooding and Flash Flooding: Colorado Severe Weather Awareness Week
As we saw last September flooding can be a major problem in Colorado.
The flash flooding in September damaged a number of streams and mitigation is ongoing to remove debris and shore up heavily damaged areas along the streams in and near the foothills from Larimer County to El Paso County. The snowpack in the South Platte Basin is above normal so there is concern when the melt occurs that streams may not be able to handle a fast melt. The rate at which runoff occurs is dependent on a number of factors including the depth of the snow, how fast hot temperatures develop and whether thunderstorms drop heavy rain on the snowpack with runoff combining with falling rain. In 2011 we had a similar high snowpack with minimal flood issues as the warm days and cool nights moderated the rate of the snow melt. The peak snowmelt season is usually extends from late May through early June.
In September over eight inches of rain fell over a large area of the foothills from northern Jefferson to northern Larimer counties. All this rain filled area creeks and rivers causing considerable flash flooding. Runoff from area streams combined to cause major flooding along the South Platte River.
Flash flooding refers to dangerous sudden rise in water along a creek, river or over a normally dry land area. Flash floods result from heavy rainfall, sudden breaks in river ice jams and dam or levee failures. Flash floods can occur within a few minutes or hours and can move at surprisingly high speeds, striking with little warning. Flash floods are quite destructive because of the force of the moving water and the debris that accumulates in flood waters such as trees and boulders which can destroy roadways, bridges and buildings.
Other complications in Colorado are recent fires which raise the flood threat when locally heavy rain falls on recently burn scars. Residents in and near burned areas near Mancos, Debeque or in the Front Range Foothills from Larimer to El Paso Counties should plan ahead on response actions for flooding.
The National Weather Service will discuss flood and flash flood potential in daily hazardous weather outlooks and in the weather story on National Weather Service websites. On days with a high threat for flooding you may hear:
Nearly half of all flash flood fatalities are vehicle related. Do not enter a flooded roadway, instead turn around, do not drown. In rapidly rising waters backing up away from water may be safer. One to two feet of water will carry away most vehicles and you also cannot tell if the road is damaged beneath moving water.
Colorado Severe Weather Awareness Week continues through this Saturday.
The flash flooding in September damaged a number of streams and mitigation is ongoing to remove debris and shore up heavily damaged areas along the streams in and near the foothills from Larimer County to El Paso County. The snowpack in the South Platte Basin is above normal so there is concern when the melt occurs that streams may not be able to handle a fast melt. The rate at which runoff occurs is dependent on a number of factors including the depth of the snow, how fast hot temperatures develop and whether thunderstorms drop heavy rain on the snowpack with runoff combining with falling rain. In 2011 we had a similar high snowpack with minimal flood issues as the warm days and cool nights moderated the rate of the snow melt. The peak snowmelt season is usually extends from late May through early June.
In September over eight inches of rain fell over a large area of the foothills from northern Jefferson to northern Larimer counties. All this rain filled area creeks and rivers causing considerable flash flooding. Runoff from area streams combined to cause major flooding along the South Platte River.
Flash flooding refers to dangerous sudden rise in water along a creek, river or over a normally dry land area. Flash floods result from heavy rainfall, sudden breaks in river ice jams and dam or levee failures. Flash floods can occur within a few minutes or hours and can move at surprisingly high speeds, striking with little warning. Flash floods are quite destructive because of the force of the moving water and the debris that accumulates in flood waters such as trees and boulders which can destroy roadways, bridges and buildings.
Other complications in Colorado are recent fires which raise the flood threat when locally heavy rain falls on recently burn scars. Residents in and near burned areas near Mancos, Debeque or in the Front Range Foothills from Larimer to El Paso Counties should plan ahead on response actions for flooding.
The National Weather Service will discuss flood and flash flood potential in daily hazardous weather outlooks and in the weather story on National Weather Service websites. On days with a high threat for flooding you may hear:
- A flash flood or flood watch which means that flash flooding or flooding is possible within the watch area.
- A flood warning which means that flooding is imminent or has been reported along a river.
- A flash flood warning which means that flash flooding has been reported or is imminent. When a flash flood warning is issued for your area act quickly. If advised to evacuate do so immediately. Go to higher ground or climb to safety before access is cut off by flood waters.
- An urban flood advisory will be issued for impact flooding that is not in itself life threatening. In an urban area if you were commuting during rush hour during a flood advisory you could expect some intersections to be underwater and a much longer commute. A small stream flood advisory might be issued when flow is bankful with minor lowland flooding along the stream.
Nearly half of all flash flood fatalities are vehicle related. Do not enter a flooded roadway, instead turn around, do not drown. In rapidly rising waters backing up away from water may be safer. One to two feet of water will carry away most vehicles and you also cannot tell if the road is damaged beneath moving water.
Colorado Severe Weather Awareness Week continues through this Saturday.
Spring Run Off Presentations
Presentations available from the Spring Run Off Forum hosted by the Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management on March 19 in Estes Park.
View or download the five presentations.
View or download the five presentations.
Colorado Daily Status Report April 15
Colorado
Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management - DHSEM
Colorado
Daily Status Report
*****April 15, 2014*****
Information in this report was
gathered before 11:00 A.M.
NSTR = Nothing Significant to
Report
Alerts/Warnings
SEOC and Other EOC Activations
Duty Officer: (303) 472-4046
Emergency Operations
Center (SEOC): Day to Day View or download the full Colorado Daily Status Report for April 15, 2014
Tornadoes and Tornado Safety: Colorado Severe Weather Awareness Week
This is Colorado Severe Weather Awareness Week, a time when the National Weather Service reminds you of the hazards associated with thunderstorms. The topic for today is tornadoes and tornado safety.
The threat of tornadoes in Colorado increases rapidly in May and continues through August. Ninety percent of Colorado tornadoes occur during this four month period, but tornadoes have been reported as early as February and as late as October.
Tornadoes have been reported in just about all areas of the state, but historically 95 percent of Colorado tornadoes occur along and east of Interstate 25 where heat and moisture in the lower atmosphere are often more abundant. Tornadoes can occur at every hour of the day, but most occur between 1 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Across the country about 90 percent of tornadoes are considered weak with winds less than 110 MPH. Winds of this magnitude will damage a wood frame construction home but may completely destroy a mobile home or outbuilding. They typically have a life span under 10 minutes and result in less than five percent of tornado fatalities.
About 10 percent of tornadoes are considered strong with winds up to 165 MPH. Winds of this magnitude will cause considerable damage to most buildings. These tornadoes may last 20 minutes or longer and are responsible for nearly 30 percent of tornado deaths.
Violent tornadoes account for only one percent of all tornadoes, but they result in nearly 70 percent of all tornado fatalities because they destroy much of what is in their path. Violent tornadoes can last over an hour and travel over 50 miles before dissipating. The best chance of surviving a violent tornado is to be inside a safe room or underground shelter.
An easy phrase to remember for tornado safety is to get in, get down and cover up. Get inside a sturdy building, get down to the lowest floor or most interior room in that building and cover your head.
The best option for tornado safety is to be inside a well-built structure within a basement, safe room or underground storm shelter. If none of these options are available move to a hallway or a small interior room on the lowest floor such as a closet or bathroom. Cover yourself with blankets or get under a sturdy piece of furniture because the greatest risk of injury from tornadoes is from flying debris.
Abandon modular homes and mobile homes as they offer little protection from tornadoes. If a tornado approaches leave these locations and seek safety in a nearby building or storm shelter.
If you are driving in open country and see a tornado simply drive away from the tornado path if time permits. Do not take shelter beneath a highway overpass. If you are in an automobile and a tornado is fast approaching with little time for action either pull over and remain buckled in your vehicle while crouching down or abandon your vehicle and lie in a ditch or culvert away from your vehicle and protect your head.
If you are caught outside and cannot find a safe shelter crawl into a culvert or lie down in a narrow ditch and cover your head. But remember that these are poor, last-minute options because the worst place to be when a tornado threatens is outside in the midst of flying debris.
You can get the latest weather forecasts and severe weather watches and warnings from a local NOAA weather radio all hazards station and on the internet at weather.gov.
This guest blog written by David Floyd, Warning Coordination Meteorologist, NWS
The threat of tornadoes in Colorado increases rapidly in May and continues through August. Ninety percent of Colorado tornadoes occur during this four month period, but tornadoes have been reported as early as February and as late as October.
Tornadoes have been reported in just about all areas of the state, but historically 95 percent of Colorado tornadoes occur along and east of Interstate 25 where heat and moisture in the lower atmosphere are often more abundant. Tornadoes can occur at every hour of the day, but most occur between 1 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Across the country about 90 percent of tornadoes are considered weak with winds less than 110 MPH. Winds of this magnitude will damage a wood frame construction home but may completely destroy a mobile home or outbuilding. They typically have a life span under 10 minutes and result in less than five percent of tornado fatalities.
About 10 percent of tornadoes are considered strong with winds up to 165 MPH. Winds of this magnitude will cause considerable damage to most buildings. These tornadoes may last 20 minutes or longer and are responsible for nearly 30 percent of tornado deaths.
Violent tornadoes account for only one percent of all tornadoes, but they result in nearly 70 percent of all tornado fatalities because they destroy much of what is in their path. Violent tornadoes can last over an hour and travel over 50 miles before dissipating. The best chance of surviving a violent tornado is to be inside a safe room or underground shelter.
An easy phrase to remember for tornado safety is to get in, get down and cover up. Get inside a sturdy building, get down to the lowest floor or most interior room in that building and cover your head.
The best option for tornado safety is to be inside a well-built structure within a basement, safe room or underground storm shelter. If none of these options are available move to a hallway or a small interior room on the lowest floor such as a closet or bathroom. Cover yourself with blankets or get under a sturdy piece of furniture because the greatest risk of injury from tornadoes is from flying debris.
Abandon modular homes and mobile homes as they offer little protection from tornadoes. If a tornado approaches leave these locations and seek safety in a nearby building or storm shelter.
If you are driving in open country and see a tornado simply drive away from the tornado path if time permits. Do not take shelter beneath a highway overpass. If you are in an automobile and a tornado is fast approaching with little time for action either pull over and remain buckled in your vehicle while crouching down or abandon your vehicle and lie in a ditch or culvert away from your vehicle and protect your head.
If you are caught outside and cannot find a safe shelter crawl into a culvert or lie down in a narrow ditch and cover your head. But remember that these are poor, last-minute options because the worst place to be when a tornado threatens is outside in the midst of flying debris.
You can get the latest weather forecasts and severe weather watches and warnings from a local NOAA weather radio all hazards station and on the internet at weather.gov.
This guest blog written by David Floyd, Warning Coordination Meteorologist, NWS
DHSEM Update: April 14
Colorado Division of Homeland Security & Emergency Management Update: April 14
This product is a newsletter produced by DHSEM. Included in this issue:
This product is a newsletter produced by DHSEM. Included in this issue:
- DHSEM's Tony Reidell Announces Retirement
- Availability of Funds Announced for Nonprofit Security Grant Program
- Fire Community Planning 20th Anniversary Commemoration of South Canyon Fire
- Colorado Severe Weather Awareness Week: April 13-19
- Local Hazard Mitigation Planning
- DHSEM 2013 FY Annual Report Posted
- State Continuity of Operations Plan
- Video Series Produced by FEMA from Colorado Flood Recovery Symposium
- Kudos and Thank Yous
- Job Announcements
- Educational Resources
- Training Resources
PAGOSA RANGER DISTRICT PLANS PRESCRIBED BURNING
The Pagosa Ranger District plans to conduct spring prescribed burning operations in the Turkey Springs area of the San Juan National Forest, beginning as soon as the week of April 14th and continuing sporadically through April and May, weather and conditions permitting. The specific areas include:
For more information, contact the Pagosa District Office at 970-264-2268.
- The Brockover Prescribed Burn is planned for approximately 200 acres of National Forest lands eight miles northwest of Pagosa Springs between Forest Road 626 and 629D.
- The Devil Creek 2 Prescribed Burn is planned for approximately 200 acres seven miles north of Pagosa Springs near Forest Road 630.
For more information, contact the Pagosa District Office at 970-264-2268.
Colorado Daily Status Report April 14
Colorado
Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management - DHSEM
Colorado
Daily Status Report
*****April
14, 2014*****
Information in this report was
gathered before 11:00 A.M.
NSTR = Nothing Significant to
Report
Alerts/Warnings
SEOC and Other EOC Activations
Duty Officer: (303)
472-4046
Emergency Operations Center (SEOC): Day to Day View or download the complete Colorado Daily Status Report for April 14, 2014.
Understanding Severe Weather Watches and Warnings: Colorado Severe Weather Awareness Week
The National Weather Service sees the potential for severe weather and a stream of weather information flows from the National Weather Service forecast offices to you.
Each National Weather Service forecast office has a web site, a facebook page and a twitter feed where you can find graphical weather stories which highlight upcoming weather hazards. The Hazardous Weather Outlook, a text product, it is also available which highlights weather hazards sometimes seven days in advance.
The Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Oklahoma also forecasts the chance for severe weather across the country several days in advance. These outlooks will tell you if there is a chance for severe weather and if you are in a slight risk, moderate risk or high risk area for severe weather.
If severe weather becomes likely within six hours a watch will be issued alerting you to the increased risk for severe weather. If you are in or close to the watch area you should plan where to go for shelter if severe weather occurs. If high wind is a threat tying down or bringing loose objects indoors would be a wise move. If large hail is a threat protecting your vehicle would be a good idea.
Then forecasters at the local National Weather Service office will monitor satellite and radar data and collaborate with severe weather spotters. Forecasters will issue warnings to alert you of the imminent severe weather threat. The warnings are sent out in many different ways in order to reach the most people possible.
A warning is an urgent message telling you that severe weather or flooding is imminent or is occurring. Warnings are usually issued for an area smaller than a county.
A severe thunderstorm warning is issued for wind gusts of 58 MPH or higher or for hail one inch in diameter or larger.
A tornado warning is issued when a tornado is imminent or occurring.
A flash flood warning is issued for rapidly developing life threatening flooding.
Before and during severe weather you can receive watches, warnings and advisories on NOAA all hazards weather radio.
Most weather radio receivers have a built in tone alert which is activated by the national weather service when watches and warnings are issued. You will also see warnings on the internet, your smartphone with wireless emergency alert (WEA) messages or hear them on your local radio or television stations.
Do not be caught off guard. Know how to receive watch and warning information and know what to do when severe weather threatens. Specific safety information will be available each day of this Colorado Severe Weather Awareness Week.
This guest blog written by Tom Magnuson, Warning Coordination Meteorologist, National Weather Service, Pueblo, Colorado.
Each National Weather Service forecast office has a web site, a facebook page and a twitter feed where you can find graphical weather stories which highlight upcoming weather hazards. The Hazardous Weather Outlook, a text product, it is also available which highlights weather hazards sometimes seven days in advance.
The Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Oklahoma also forecasts the chance for severe weather across the country several days in advance. These outlooks will tell you if there is a chance for severe weather and if you are in a slight risk, moderate risk or high risk area for severe weather.
If severe weather becomes likely within six hours a watch will be issued alerting you to the increased risk for severe weather. If you are in or close to the watch area you should plan where to go for shelter if severe weather occurs. If high wind is a threat tying down or bringing loose objects indoors would be a wise move. If large hail is a threat protecting your vehicle would be a good idea.
Then forecasters at the local National Weather Service office will monitor satellite and radar data and collaborate with severe weather spotters. Forecasters will issue warnings to alert you of the imminent severe weather threat. The warnings are sent out in many different ways in order to reach the most people possible.
A warning is an urgent message telling you that severe weather or flooding is imminent or is occurring. Warnings are usually issued for an area smaller than a county.
A severe thunderstorm warning is issued for wind gusts of 58 MPH or higher or for hail one inch in diameter or larger.
A tornado warning is issued when a tornado is imminent or occurring.
A flash flood warning is issued for rapidly developing life threatening flooding.
Before and during severe weather you can receive watches, warnings and advisories on NOAA all hazards weather radio.
Most weather radio receivers have a built in tone alert which is activated by the national weather service when watches and warnings are issued. You will also see warnings on the internet, your smartphone with wireless emergency alert (WEA) messages or hear them on your local radio or television stations.
Do not be caught off guard. Know how to receive watch and warning information and know what to do when severe weather threatens. Specific safety information will be available each day of this Colorado Severe Weather Awareness Week.
This guest blog written by Tom Magnuson, Warning Coordination Meteorologist, National Weather Service, Pueblo, Colorado.
Thunderstorm Season is Approaching. Are you Ready?
The National Weather Service wants everyone to be part of a Weather Ready Nation. Colorado is an annual host for tornadoes, flash floods, hail, killer lightning and wind damage. Are you Weather READY? Now is the time to make sure you know How to stay safe when severe weather threatens. The week of APRIL 14 - 20 is Colorado Severe Weather Awareness Week.
Now is the time to learn more about Severe weather in Colorado and develop severe weather preparedness plans.
Each year for the past 20 years there have been an average of 50 tornadoes in Colorado, three people killed by lightning and another 13 injured by lightning.
The National Weather Service offices which cover Colorado will issue a series of public information statements during the week covering the following topics:
Warnings are issued by the National Weather Service for a variety of thunderstorm hazards. Make sure you have a way to receive warnings. If you live in a community with a siren understand the protocol for sounding those sirens. If you have a relatively new cell phone you will receive tornado and flash flood warnings on your phone if you are in the area of the warning. NOAA Weather Radios are a great way to monitor the weather and receive warnings and they can be found and most hardware or electronics stores.
Safety information, watches, warnings, forecasts, past weather and much more information is available at your local National Weather Service websites:
Now is the time to learn more about Severe weather in Colorado and develop severe weather preparedness plans.
Each year for the past 20 years there have been an average of 50 tornadoes in Colorado, three people killed by lightning and another 13 injured by lightning.
The National Weather Service offices which cover Colorado will issue a series of public information statements during the week covering the following topics:
- Monday: Watches and Warnings
- Tuesday: Tornadoes and Tornadoe Safety
- Wednesday: Flood and Flash Flood Safety
- Thursday: Downburst Wind and Hail
- Friday: Lighting and Lightning Safety
- Saturday: A Reivew of the Week
Warnings are issued by the National Weather Service for a variety of thunderstorm hazards. Make sure you have a way to receive warnings. If you live in a community with a siren understand the protocol for sounding those sirens. If you have a relatively new cell phone you will receive tornado and flash flood warnings on your phone if you are in the area of the warning. NOAA Weather Radios are a great way to monitor the weather and receive warnings and they can be found and most hardware or electronics stores.
Safety information, watches, warnings, forecasts, past weather and much more information is available at your local National Weather Service websites:
- WWW.WEATHER.GOV/DENVER NWS DENVER WEB SITE
- WWW.WEATHER.GOV/PUEBLO NWS PUEBLO WEB SITE
- WWW.WEATHER.GOV/GOODLAND NWS GOODLAND WEB SITE
- WWW.WEATHER.GOV/GJT NWS GRAND JUNCTION WEB SITE
Colorado Daily Status Report April 11
Colorado
Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management - DHSEM
Colorado
Daily Status Report
*****April
11, 2014*****
Information in this report was
gathered before 11:00AM.
NSTR = Nothing Significant to
Report
Alerts/Warnings
SEOC and Other EOC Activations
Duty Officer: (303) 472-4046
Emergency
Operations Center (SEOC): Day to Day
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