Safeguard Properties

Bill to Permit Municipal Land Banking with Online Database Clears Committee

Posted on by Safeguard

Land Bank Update
December 10, 2018

Source: Insider NJ

Additional Resource:

New Jersey Legislature (S-1214 text/information)

TRENTON – Legislation sponsored by Senator M. Teresa Ruiz and Senator Nilsa Cruz-Perez which would permit municipal land banking in conjunction with online property database development cleared the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee today.

“Abandoned properties pose significant fire and safety hazards. They also create a ripple effect, lowering the property values of the entire neighborhood,” said Senator Ruiz (D-Essex). “Permitting the creation of land banks and the posting of available properties online will allow municipalities to create positive redevelopment plans for our communities.”

The bill, S-1214, would permit municipalities to designate themselves, a non-profit entity or a redevelopment entity as a land bank entity. The land bank entity would be required to develop and maintain an online database of current and former land bank properties.

“Getting these properties into the hands of developers and homeowners promotes economic development and expands housing opportunities,” said Senator Cruz-Perez (D-Camden/Gloucester). “Most importantly, this will make our neighborhoods safer places to live and play.”

The bill would require the municipalities designate the land banking entity through a formal agreement, adopted by the municipality and the entity after receiving community input.

Land banking is the practice of aggregating parcels of land for future sale or development. Land banks are private entities created and overseen by counties or municipalities to effectively manage and repurpose an inventory of underused, abandoned or foreclosed properties.

The bill was released from committee by a vote of 8-4-1, and next heads to the full Senate for further consideration.

Somerset County Considers Land Project to Deal with Blight

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Updated 11/27/18: An ordinance designating the Redevelopment Authority of Somerset County to act as land bank was passed by the Somerset County Board of Commissioners.

Link to ordinance

Land Bank Update
November 24, 2018

Source: AP

The Somerset County Redevelopment Authority is working toward establishing a land bank to help bring more properties back on the tax rolls.

Legislation introduced by state Sen. Pat Stefano in the 2017-18 session allows redevelopment authorities to also serve as land banks.

Land banks are a tool that municipalities may use to facilitate the return of vacant, abandoned and tax-delinquent properties to productive use. The biggest difference between a land bank and work that the redevelopment authority already does, is while some of the authority’s projects have to follow guidelines based on the grant funding they use for the project, the land bank does not have those restrictions.

“Land bank activities are separate from redevelopment authority, even though they will be done through redevelopment,” Steve Spochart, redevelopment authority executive director, said.

Spochart said that a land bank will also allow the authority to expedite title proceedings, which is often an issue with abandoned properties. They can also enter into an agreement with tax claims ahead of tax sales.

He said that land banks receive funding through agreements with taxing bodies for future tax revenues. Simply put, by getting properties on the tax rolls, municipalities share tax revenue with the land bank for a predetermined amount of time.

“Whether we rehab it, demo it, sell it or whatever to get it back on the tax rolls, future tax revenue will go into that pot,” he said.

Somerset County Commissioner John Vatavuk stressed that there will be a set point when the municipality would collect the entire tax amount.

Spochart said that when Westmoreland County started its land bank, officials there targeted municipalities to help with seed money.

“In their case that was nice, in our case that is not going to work,” he said.

Spochart said that to start the fund they will work on projects they can fund through grants. Once the land is back on the tax rolls, income from tax sharing will be used.

“It is more flexible,” he said. “As the land bank pot builds to a point where, yes, we can kind of be more creative.”

Spochart said that municipalities would not have to participate.

“Even though it blankets the county, the commissioners are not forcing any municipality to participate,” he said. “We will look at it case-by-case, property-by-property, taxing body-by-taxing body to be able to do these types of activities within the respective jurisdiction.”

Vatavuk said blighted properties are one of the biggest complaints the commissioners hear.

“Tons of them,” he said. “The phone rings off the hook. If this is something we can do to deal with these blighted properties it would be great for the county and great for the neighborhoods.”

The commissioners are set to adopt the ordinance during their meeting on Tuesday.

FEMA Declared Disaster Northern Mariana Islands

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FEMA Alert Update
October 26, 2018

FEMA issued a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for areas in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands affected by Super Typhoon Yutu beginning on October 24, 2018 and continuing. The action closes the incident period on October 26, 2018.

FEMA Release: Declared Disaster Amendment for Northern Mariana Islands


FEMA Alert
October 26, 2018

FEMA issued a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for areas in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands affected by Super Typhoon Yutu beginning on October 24, 2018 and continuing. The following islands are eligible for assistance:

Individual/Public Assistance

  • Rota
  • Saipan
  • Tinian

 

FEMA Release: Declared Disaster for Northern Mariana Islands

ZIP Code List for FEMA Declared Disaster for Northern Mariana Islands

Additional Resources

FEMA’s web site

FEMA’s Disaster Declaration Process

Safeguard Properties Industry Alerts

HUD Moratorium on Foreclosure

VA’s Policy Regarding Natural Disasters

Freddie Mac Disaster Relief Policies

Fannie Mae’s Natural Disaster Relief Policies

Fannie Mae: Eviction Suspension for the Holidays

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Investor Update
December 10, 2018

Source: Fannie Mae

WASHINGTON, DC – Fannie Mae (FNMA/OTCQB) announced today that it will suspend eviction lockouts of foreclosed single-family properties during the holiday season. The suspension of eviction lockouts will apply to single-family and 2-4 unit properties from December 17, 2018 through January 2, 2019. During this period, legal and administrative proceedings for evictions may continue, but families will be allowed to remain in the home. Servicers should continue to follow Fannie Mae’s guidelines for single-family mortgages related to homes and borrowers in disaster-affected areas.

“We believe it is important to extend the timeline of help for struggling borrowers during the holidays,” said Jacob Williamson, Vice President of Single-Family Real Estate at Fannie Mae. “We encourage homeowners who may be struggling with their mortgage or facing possible foreclosure to reach out to Fannie Mae or your servicer to get help. We want to help pursue those options whenever possible.”

Homeowners can visit www.knowyouroptions.com for resources on how to prevent foreclosure, including how to find out if Fannie Mae owns their loan. Homeowners also can contact Fannie Mae at 1-800-232-6643 for more information.

Fannie Mae helps make the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage and affordable rental housing possible for millions of Americans. We partner with lenders to create housing opportunities for families across the country. We are driving positive changes in housing finance to make the home buying process easier, while reducing costs and risk. To learn more, visit fanniemae.com and follow us on twitter.com/FannieMae.

Freddie Mac: Give Your Users Instant Access to Freddie Mac Tools

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Investor Update
December 3, 2018

Source: Freddie Mac

Freddie Mac Access Manager is a self-service system that enables you to easily create, manage, and provision your users’ access to certain Freddie Mac Single-Family sourcing and servicing tools and applications, including tools in Freddie Mac Loan Advisor Suite®.

Easier. Faster. More Efficient.

Through Freddie Mac Access Manager, the power is in your hands. Your Administrators can grant users fast access to our tools and applications − in just a few clicks and minutes − including:

Save Valuable Time

To provide users access to Freddie Mac tools and applications, you used to have to submit an online form that took several days to process. Now, you’ll get your users’ ID and password in just minutes − saving your organization valuable time. Web-based access request also means no more paper forms.

Your organization’s designated Executive Administrator can assign a Primary Administrator, who can provision other users within the organization to access Freddie Mac tools and applications.

Real-Time Reporting for Greater Transparency

Freddie Mac Access Manager also reports in real time on the tools and applications that users are provisioned to access − and the associated roles. Reports can be easily downloaded in PDF and CSV formats on demand, improving transparency of user access.

Get Access Now

Freddie Mac Access Manager is another innovation from Freddie Mac that enables simplified self-service.

If you’re not already using Freddie Mac Access Manager to provision your staff to use our tools and applications, visit the Access Manager web page and click the green “Get Started” button; fill out and submit the brief form. We’ll follow up.

Questions?

If you have any questions, or want to find out if your company is already using Freddie Mac Access Manager, contact the Customer Support Contact Center (800-FREDDIE).

Learn more

Freddie Mac: Holiday Eviction Moratorium; Natural Disaster Relief Policy Confirmation

Posted on by Safeguard

Investor Update
December 10, 2018

Source: Freddie Mac

MCLEAN, Va., Dec. 10, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Freddie Mac (OTCQB: FMCC) announced today a nationwide suspension of eviction lock-outs between Dec. 17, 2018 and Jan. 2, 2019. The moratorium applies to all foreclosed, occupied homes owned by Freddie Mac.

“As we have done in past years, we are suspending evictions from Freddie Mac-owned homes to help provide families with a greater measure of certainty during the upcoming holiday season,” said Yvette Gilmore, Freddie Mac’s Vice President of Single-Family Servicer Performance Management.

The holiday suspension will apply to eviction lockouts on Freddie Mac real estate owned homes but will not affect other pre- or post-foreclosure activities. Companies managing local evictions for Freddie Mac may continue to file documentation as needed during the suspension period.

The company also confirmed its mortgage relief options in disaster areas impacted by the California wildfires. Borrowers who may be experiencing financial challenges or disaster hardships are strongly encouraged to contact their mortgage servicer to explore one of the Freddie Mac workout options.

Freddie Mac has helped more than 1.3 million financially troubled borrowers avoid foreclosure since 2009. For more information on Freddie Mac mortgage relief, visit My Home by Freddie Mac(SM).

About Freddie Mac
Freddie Mac makes home possible for millions of families and individuals by providing mortgage capital to lenders. Since our creation by Congress in 1970, we’ve made housing more accessible and affordable for homebuyers and renters in communities nationwide. We are building a better housing finance system for homebuyers, renters, lenders, investors and taxpayers. Learn more at FreddieMac.com, Twitter @FreddieMac and Freddie Mac’s blog FreddieMac.com/blog.

MEDIA CONTACT: Chad Wandler
703-903-2446
Chad_Wandler@FreddieMac.com

Fannie Mae: Mortgage Assistance Options for Areas Affected by Hurricane Michael

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Investor Update
October 10, 2018

Source: Fannie Mae

WASHINGTON, DC – Fannie Mae (FNMA/OTC) is reminding those impacted by Hurricane Michael of the options available for mortgage assistance. Under Fannie Mae’s guidelines for single-family mortgages:

  • Homeowners impacted by Hurricane Michael are eligible to stop making mortgage payments for up to 12 months, during which time they:
    • will not incur late fees during this temporary payment break
    • will not have delinquencies reported to the credit bureaus
  • Servicers are authorized to suspend or reduce a homeowner’s mortgage payments immediately for up to 90 days without any contact with the homeowner if the servicer believes the homeowner has been affected by a disaster. Payment forbearance of up to 12 months is available in many circumstances.
  • Servicers must suspend foreclosure and other legal proceedings if the servicer believes the homeowner has been impacted by a disaster.

“It is important for those in the path of the storm to focus on their safety as they deal with the potential impact of Hurricane Michael,” said Carlos Perez, Senior Vice President and Chief Credit Officer at Fannie Mae. “Fannie Mae and our lending and servicing partners are focused on ensuring assistance is offered to individuals and families in need. We also are focused on working with our Multifamily DUS® lenders and borrowers to determine appropriate actions to assist renters impacted by the storm. We urge everyone in the area to be safe, and we encourage homeowners affected by the storm to contact their mortgage servicer for assistance as soon as possible.”

Homeowners can reach out to Fannie Mae directly by calling 1-800-2FANNIE (1-800-232-6643). For more information, please visit www.knowyouroptions.com/relief.

Hurricane Michael Collides with Florida Panhandle

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Updated 2/1/19: FEMA issued an update to a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for areas in Virginia affected by Tropical Storm Michael from October 9-16, 2018.

Link to Industry Update

Updated 1/31/19: FEMA issued a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for areas in North Carolina affected by Hurricane Michael from October 10-12, 2018.

Link to Industry Alert

Updated 12/18/18: FEMA issued a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for areas in Virginia affected by Tropical Storm Michael from October 9-16, 2018.

Link to Industry Alert

Updated 11/15/18: FEMA issued an update to a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for areas in Florida affected by Hurricane Michael from October 7-19, 2018.

Link to Industry Alert

Updated 11/15/18: FEMA issued an update to a Presidential Disaster Declaration for areas in Georgia affected by Hurricane Michael from October 9-23, 2018.

Link to Industry Alert

Updated 11/7/18: FEMA issued an update to a Presidential Disaster Declaration for areas in Georgia affected by Hurricane Michael from October 9-23, 2018.

Link to Industry Alert

Updated 11/5/18: FEMA issued a Presidential Disaster Declaration for areas in Alabama affected by Hurricane Michael from October 10-13, 2018.

Link to Industry Alert

Updated 11/1/18: FEMA issued an update to a Presidential Disaster Declaration for areas in Georgia affected by Hurricane Michael from October 9-23, 2018.

Link to Industry Alert

Updated 10/25/18: FEMA issued an update to a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for areas in Georgia affected by Hurricane Michael beginning on October 9, 2018 and continuing.

Link to All Client Alert

Updated 10/16/18: FEMA issued an update to a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for areas in Georgia affected by Hurricane Michael beginning on October 9, 2018 and continuing.

Link to All Client Alert

Updated 10/16/18: FEMA issued an update to a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for areas in Florida affected by Hurricane Michael beginning on October 7, 2018 and continuing.

Link to All Client Alert

Updated 10/15/18: The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) issued Circular 26-18-23: Special Relief Following Hurricane Michael.

Link to All Client Alert

NOTE: This has not yet been declared a Presidential Major Disaster.

Updated 10/13/18: FEMA issued an update to a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for areas in Florida affected by Hurricane Michael beginning on October 7, 2018 and continuing.

Link to All Client Alert

Updated 10/12/18: FEMA issued an Emergency Declaration for areas in Alabama due to the emergency conditions in the area affected by Hurricane Michael beginning on October 10, 2018 and continuing.

Link to declaration

Link to associated ZIP Code list

MapAlert Disaster Viewer

Updated 10/12/18: FEMA issued an update to a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for areas in Florida affected by Hurricane Michael beginning on October 7, 2018 and continuing.

Link to All Client Alert

Updated 10/12/18: The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) issued a press release titled HUD Announces Disaster Assistance for Florida Storm Victims.

Link to All Client Alert

Updated 10/12/18: Approximate areas sustaining property damage:

Florida

Apalachicola (Franklin County, 32320, 32329)
Mexico Beach (Bay County, 32456)
Panama City (Bay County, 32401, 32402, 32404, 32405, 32406, 32412)
Tallhassee (Leon County, 32301, 32302, 32303, 32304, 32305, 32306, 32307, 32308, 32309, 32310, 32311, 32312, 32313, 32314, 32316, 32317, 32395, 32399)

Georgia

Oakland City (Fulton County, 47660)
Flint River Estates (Crawford County, 31078)

North Carolina

Reidsville (Rockingham County, 27320, 27323)
South Carolina
Irmo (Lexingon, Richland counties, 29063, 29212)

Virginia

Achilles (Gloucester County, 23001, 23072)
Burkeville (Nottoway County, 23922)
Danville (Pittsylvania County, 24540, 24541, 24543)
Farmville (Prince Edward, Cumberland counties, 23901, 23909)
Jamaica (Middlesex County, 23079)
Lanexa (New Kent County, 23089)
Richmond (Independent City, 23173, 23218, 23219, 23220, 23221, 23222, 23223, 23224, 23225, 23226, 23227, 23230, 23231, 23232, 23234, 23235, 23241, 23249, 23260, 23261, 23269, 23274, 23276, 23278, 23279, 23282, 23284, 23285, 23286, 23289, 23290, 23291, 23292, 23293, 23295, 23298
Roanoke (Independent City, 24001, 24002, 24003, 24004, 24005, 24006, 24007, 24008, 24009, 24010, 24011, 24012, 24013, 24014, 24015, 24016, 24017, 24018, 24019, 24022, 24023, 24024, 24025, 24026, 24027, 24028, 24029, 24030, 24031, 24032, 24033, 24034, 24035, 24036, 24037, 24038, 24040, 24042, 24043, 24050)

Updated 10/12/18: The Weather Channel issued a report titled Hurricane Michael Recap: Historic Category 4 Florida Panhandle Landfall; Swath of Wind Damage and Flooding Into the Carolinas, Mid-Atlantic.

Link to article

Updated 10/11/18: Virginia Governor Ralph S. Northam issued a state of emergency in anticipation of Tropical Storm Michael.

Link to declaration

Link to associated ZIP Code list

NOTE: This is independent from any FEMA Declared Disaster.

Updated 10/11/18: FEMA issued a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for areas in Florida affected by Hurricane Michael beginning on October 7, 2018 and continuing.

Link to All Client Alert

Updated 10/11/18: CNN published a report titled After pummeling Florida and Georgia, deadly Michael heads to the Carolinas.

Link to article

Updated 10/10/18: Georgia Governor Nathan Deal expanded on his previous state of emergency declaration to include 16 additional counties.

Link to declaration

Link to associated ZIP Code list

NOTE: This is independent from any FEMA Declared Disaster.

Updated 10/10/18: FEMA issued an Emergency Declaration for areas in Georgia due to the emergency conditions in the area affected by Hurricane Michael beginning on October 9, 2018 and continuing.

Link to declaration

Link to associated ZIP Code list

Updated 10/10/18: North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper issued a state of emergency in anticipation of the remnants of Hurricane Michael.

Link to declaration

Link to associated ZIP Code list

NOTE: This is independent from any FEMA Declared Disaster.

Updated 10/10/18: South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster extended a state of emergency due to flooding from Hurricane Florence and potential impacts from the remnants of Hurricane Michael.

Link to declaration

Link to associated ZIP Code list

NOTE: This is independent from any FEMA Declared Disaster.

Updated 10/10/18: Fannie Mae issued a press release titled Fannie Mae Reminds Homeowners and Servicers of Mortgage Assistance Options for Areas Affected by Hurricane Michael.

Link to All Client Alert

Updated 10/10/18: Freddie Mac issued a press release titled Freddie Mac Confirms Disaster Relief Policies as Hurricane Michael Approaches.

Link to All Client Alert

Updated 10/10/18: The Weather Channel issued a report titled Hurricane Michael Just Hours Away From a Catastrophic, Unprecedented Florida Panhandle, Big Bend Category 4 Landfall.

Link to article

Updated 10/9/18: FEMA issued an Emergency Declaration for areas in Florida affected by Hurricane Michael beginning on October 7 and continuing.

Link to declaration

Link to associated ZIP Code list

Updated 10/9/18: Georgia Governor Nathan Deal declared a state of emergency in anticipation of Hurricane Michael.

Link to declaration

Link to associated ZIP Code list

Updated 10/9/18: As Hurricane Michael is on course to make landfall in the Florida Panhandle, Safeguard has compiled an approximate county ZIP Code list associated with the area.

Link to ZIP Code list

Updated 10/8/18: Florida Governor Rick Scott amended his previous state of emergency in anticipation of Hurricane Michael.

Link to declaration

Link to associated ZIP Code list

Updated 10/8/18: Alabama Governor Kay Ivey issued a statewide state of emergency due to the expected impact from Hurricane Michael.

Link to declaration

Link to associated ZIP Code list

All Client Alert
October 8, 2018

Source: The Weather Channel

Additional Resources:

Office of Florida Governor Rick Scott (Gov. Scott Declares State of Emergency for Tropical Storm Michael)

Link to associated ZIP Code list

NOAA National Coastal County ZIP Code list

Safeguard Properties Update Alert Center

Michael has strengthened into a hurricane and is forecast to strike the northeast Florida coastline as a Category 3 with dangerous storm surge flooding, destructive winds and flooding rainfall.

Michael is currently centered about 50 miles south of the western tip of Cuba and is moving north.
Outer rainbands from Michael are already soaking the Florida Keys, and rainfall totals of 2 to 4 inches are likely there through Tuesday.

Michael rapidly intensified from Sunday 11 a.m. EDT to Monday 11 a.m. EDT when its winds increased from 35 mph to 75 mph in that 24-hour period.

A hurricane watch is now posted for the northeast Gulf Coast from the Alabama/Florida border to Suwanee River, Florida. This includes Pensacola, Panama City and Tallahassee. Hurricane watches are issued 48 hours before the arrival of tropical-storm-force winds which is when outside preparations become dangerous.

Tropical storm watches are in effect from Suwanee River, Florida, to Anna Maria Island, Florida, including Tampa Bay. Also in a tropical storm watch is a swath from the Alabama/Florida border to the Mississippi/Alabama border as well as inland areas of southern Alabama and southwest Georgia.

A storm surge watch has been hoisted from Navarre, Florida, to Anna Maria Island, Florida, including Tampa Bay. This means life-threatening storm surge inundation is possible in the watch area within 48 hours.

Interests along the northeastern Gulf Coast in the path of Michael should be making preparations. Follow the advice of local officials if you are ordered to evacuate, particularly if you live in a storm surge prone location.

Forecast: U.S. Gulf Coast Threat Midweek

Forecast guidance is unanimous that Michael will be drawn northward through the Gulf of Mexico and pose a threat to the northeastern Gulf Coast by Tuesday night or Wednesday.
Michael is expected to become a hurricane on Monday and will continue to intensify early this week, potentially approaching major hurricane strength before it makes landfall. This will be due to a combination of increasingly favorable upper-level winds and above average sea-surface temperatures along Michael’s path.

Here’s a general overview of what we know right now.

Timing

– Landfall is most likely to occur somewhere between the Florida Panhandle and the Big Bend of Florida Wednesday into Wednesday night. Depending on how quickly or slowly Michael begins to turn northeast, landfall could be delayed until early Thursday.
– Conditions could begin to deteriorate as early as Tuesday night on the northeast Gulf Coast.
– After landfall, Michael will then move farther inland across the southeastern U.S. into late-week.

Intensity

– The National Hurricane Center is forecasting Michael to be a Category 2 hurricane when it makes landfall. However, the intensity forecast is uncertain, and Michael could be slightly weaker or even stronger than that at landfall. There is a chance Michael could be near major hurricane strength (Category 3+) when it approaches the coast.

Wind

– Hurricane-force winds (74-plus mph) could arrive in the hurricane watch area on the northeast Gulf Coast by Wednesday.
– Tropical-storm-force winds (39-plus mph) are most likely to arrive in the tropical storm watch area on the northeastern Gulf Coast by Tuesday night or Wednesday morning.
– Widespread power outages, tree damage and structural damage could occur along the path of Michael near and just inland from where it makes landfall on the northeastern Gulf Coast.
– Windy conditions may extend farther inland across parts of the Southeast as Michael moves northeast, including parts of southern Alabama, Georgia and the Carolinas. Although there is uncertainty with the strength of winds across inland locations, there could be scattered tree damage and scattered power outages.

Storm Surge

– Dangerous storm surge flooding will occur along the immediate coastline near and east of where the center makes landfall.
– Michael is expected to affect portions of the Florida Gulf coast that are especially vulnerable to storm surge, particularly Apalachee Bay south of Tallahassee.

The National Hurricane Center says water levels on the coast could reach the following heights if the peak storm surge arrives at high tide:

Indian Pass to Crystal River: 7 to 11 feet
Crystal River to Anclote River: 4 to 6 feet
Okaloosa/Walton County Line to Indian Pass 4 to 7 feet
Anclote River to Anna Maria Island including Tampa Bay: 2 to 4 ft
Navarre to Okaloosa/Walton County Line: 2 to 4 feet

Here are the high tides for Wednesday and Thursday for a few locations in the storm surge threat area (all times are local):

Panama City: 10:30 p.m. on Wednesday | 11:00 p.m. on Thursday
Apalachicola: 4:39 a.m. and 6:10 p.m. on Wednesday | 4:58 a.m. and 7:04 p.m. on Thursday
Cedar Key: 2:48 a.m. and 3:36 p.m. on Wednesday | 3:18 a.m. and 4:19 p.m. on Thursday
Tampa Bay/St. Petersburg: 2:46 a.m. and 4:06 p.m. on Wednesday | 3:09 a.m. and 4:55 p.m. on Thursday

On the Southeast coast, onshore winds and high astronomical tides will also lead to some coastal flooding this week. Charleston Harbor is forecast to see minor to moderate coastal flooding at high tide.

Rainfall

– Heavy rain is likely to spread inland from the northeastern Gulf Coast midweek to other parts of the southeastern U.S. into late-week.
– Rainfall totals of 4 to 8 inches are forecast from the Florida Panhandle into southern Georgia, according to the National Hurricane Center. Locally up to a foot of rain is possible. This may cause life-threatening flash flooding in some areas.
– Some heavy rain could affect parts of the Carolinas that were devastated by flooding from Hurricane Florence. That said, this system is unlikely to stall like Florence did and will, therefore, not bring extreme rainfall amounts. Some flooding could still occur there, but details are uncertain this far out in time.

Tornadoes

– As is typical with landfalling hurricanes, isolated tornadoes will be a threat on the eastern side of the storm.
– A tornado threat may develop in the Florida Panhandle and southern Georgia by Wednesday.

Check back with weather.com throughout the week ahead for more details on the forecast for Michael.

Cuba and Mexico Impact

A hurricane warning is now effect for the Pinar del Rio Province in western Cuba. Hurricane conditions are possible there later Monday.

Tropical storm warnings have been posted for Isle of Youth, Cuba, and Mexico’s northeastern Yucatan Peninsula, including Cozumel.

Rainfall totals of 4 to 8 inches (locally 12 inches) are forecast over western Cuba, with 1 to 2 inches over the northeast Yucatan Peninsula.
These downpours could contribute to life-threatening flash flooding and mudslides, particularly in areas of mountainous terrain.

Winter Storm Diego Set to Strike Southeast

Posted on by Safeguard

Updated 12/9/18: FOX News (Carolina) issued a report titled Power outage numbers continue to climb in the Upstate, Mountains as winter weather continues.

Link to article

North/South Carolina Power Outages (by county) as of 12/9/18:

  • Buncombe: 18,355
  • Haywood: 9,649
  • Henderson: 8,186
  • Jackson: 4,004
  • Macon: 6,080
  • Polk: 7,007
  • Rutherford: 12,844
  • Transylvania: 7,131
  • Cherokee (SC) – 1,219
  • Greenville: 12,226
  • Oconee: 916
  • Pickens: 492
  • Spartanburg: 15,076

Source: FOX Carolina

Updated 12/9/18: The Weather Channel published an article titled Winter Storm Diego Leaves Nearly 270,000 Without Power Across Southeast.

Link to article

Updated 12/8/18: Virginia Governor Ralph Northam issued a statewide emergency declaration in anticipation of Winter Storm Diego.

Link to declaration

Link to associated ZIP Code list

Updated 12/7/18: North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper issued a statewide emergency declaration in anticipation of Winter Storm Diego.

Link to declaration

Link to associated ZIP Code list


Updated 12/6/18: Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin issued a statewide emergency declaration in anticipation of Winter Storm Diego.

Link to declaration

Link to associated ZIP Code list


Industry Alert
December 6, 2018

Source: The Weather Channel

Winter Storm Diego will spread a widespread mess of snow, sleet and freezing rain from the southern Plains to the Southeast late this week into early next week.

Diego was named Wednesday evening with the expectation that its long swath of wintry precipitation will meet both the areal and population thresholds used to trigger naming. Population criteria for naming was reached late Friday afternoon.

The storm system is currently producing lower-elevation rain and mountain snow from parts of the Southwest into the southern Plains.

Some pockets of mixed precip are possible this afternoon in the Texas panhandle.

Heavy rain and high elevation snow caused problems in southern California on Thursday.

Mudslides and flash flooding forced evacuations and necessitated several rescues while higher elevations in the southern Sierra picked up 6 inches of snowfall.

Into early next week, Diego will unleash its heaviest amounts of snow and ice as it moves farther eastward while interacting with cold air supplied by high pressure to its north. The snow and ice will cause significant travel disruptions from parts of the southern Plains into the Southeast. Ice accumulations in some areas may be heavy enough for tree damage and power outages as well.

Current Winter Alerts

Winter weather advisories have been issued by the National Weather Service for portions of New Mexico and the Texas Panhandle, as well as in southern Missouri and northern Arkansas. Winter storm watches are posted for parts of southeastern New Mexico, northern Texas and Oklahoma, including the Oklahoma City area.

Winter storm warnings are in effect for much of northern Arkansas for the early part of the weekend.

Winter storm warnings and winter storm watches are also in effect for western North Carolina, southwestern Virginia, upstate South Carolina and extreme northeastern Georgia for Saturday evening through Monday. This area includes Charlotte, Greensboro and Asheville, North Carolina, Greenville, South Carolina and Johnson City, Tennessee.

These warnings and watches stand as a heads up that dangerous winter weather conditions, including heavy snow and/or damaging ice, are possible this weekend.

There is still some uncertainty in key forecast details, but the odds continue to increase for a major winter storm.

Winter Storm Diego Timing

Into Friday Night

– Freezing rain will develop and become more widespread by Friday evening across the Texas Panhandle.

– By Friday night, widespread snow will develop from eastern New Mexico into the Texas Panhandle and western Oklahoma.

– Snow, sleet and freezing rain may spread as far east as southern Missouri and northern Arkansas by Friday night.

– Rain, heavy at times, is expected farther south across Texas, Louisiana, southern Arkansas, northern Mississippi, southern Tennessee and northwestern Alabama.

– Travel will likely be affected by wet and/or wintry weather on stretches of interstates 40 and 35 in the southern Plains.

Sunday-Sunday Night

– Snow, heavy at times, will affect the southern half of the Appalachians, potentially including far upstate South Carolina, western North Carolina, southern Virginia and southern West Virginia.

– Snow, ice and strong winds increase the possibility of falling trees and power lines, according to the National Weather Service.

– Significant ice or snow will impact parts of the adjacent foothills and Piedmont region as far south and east as the Interstate 85 corridor in the Carolinas and possibly as far east as Interstate 95 in southern Virginia.

– Travel disruption is possible on stretches of Interstate 26, Interstate 40, Interstate 85, Interstate 77 and Interstate 95.

– Strong onshore winds may contribute to pounding surf, beach erosion and possible coastal flooding from the southern mid-Atlantic coast to the Outer Banks of North Carolina, including the Delmarva Peninsula and the Virginia Tidewater.

Monday

– Strengthening low pressure off the Southeast coast may allow a rain-and-snow mix to linger from the southern Appalachians and adjacent Piedmont into the Tennessee Valley.

– We will continue to monitor the storm for any potential turn toward the northeastern United States early next week. As of right now, the majority of forecast guidance suggests the low will stay far enough offshore to prevent major impacts in the Northeast.

How Much Snow and Ice?

Snow and ice accumulations from this storm will be expansive, extending from the southern Plains, Ozarks and to the southern half of the Appalachian Mountains and the adjacent Piedmont region.

Significant mixing is likely in each of these areas, meaning additional rain, sleet or freezing rain compared to these forecasts will cut down snowfall totals. If the air is colder than currently forecast, then the opposite could occur, and more snow would accumulate.

Here’s an initial look at what to expect in each region, keeping in mind it’s subject to change.

Southern Plains and Ozarks

– Snow totals in the southern Plains are forecast to be generally less than 6 inches in the Texas Panhandle, eastern New Mexico and in southwestern Oklahoma.

– Light to moderate snow is possible in parts of the Ozarks in northern Arkansas. Some sleet and freezing rain will also mix in at times.

– Significant icing, potentially causing tree damage and triggering power outages, cannot be ruled out from northern Arkansas into northwestern Tennessee and far southwestern Kentucky.

Ohio Valley to the Appalachians and Piedmont

– The heaviest snow accumulations from Winter Storm Diego will be in the southern Appalachians in western North Carolina. Totals topping a half-foot or even a foot are likely in this region.

– Significant ice and snow accumulations could also impact the adjacent foothills and Piedmont, as well as into parts of southern Virginia, but it’s too early for specifics since precipitation types may vary in those lower elevations.

– Power outages and tree damage could occur in areas where snow and ice accumulations are heaviest.

– Some light snow or light ice accumulation also cannot be ruled out as far south as northeastern Georgia.

There is the possibility that Diego could bring a foot or more of snow to Asheville, North Carolina.

In records dating to 1869, the western North Carolina city has only seen a dozen snowstorms with accumulations of at least 12 inches.

FEMA Declared Disaster Connecticut

Posted on by Safeguard

FEMA Alert
December 5, 2018

FEMA issued a Major Presidential Disaster Declaration for areas in Connecticut affected by severe storms and flooding from September 25-26, 2018. The following counties and tribal areas are eligible for assistance:

Public Assistance

  • Middlesex
  • New London
  • Mashantucket Pequot Indian Tribe (New London County, 06338)
  • Mohegan Tribe of Indians (New London County, 06382)


NOTE: Tribal area ZIP Codes are approximate and may not be complete.

FEMA Release: Declared Disaster for Connecticut

ZIP Code List for FEMA Declared Disaster for Connecticut

Additional Resources

FEMA’s web site

FEMA’s Disaster Declaration Process

Safeguard Properties Industry Alerts

HUD Moratorium on Foreclosure

VA’s Policy Regarding Natural Disasters

Freddie Mac Disaster Relief Policies

Fannie Mae’s Natural Disaster Relief Policies