Brian Abraham, the second link you posted is a year old, and refers to the satellite that the US shot down.
This warning is a little over-the-top considering the situation. Most of the debris from the recent satellite collision is still 700km above the ground and will remain up there for hundreds of years. Only a small amount of it will re-enter during our lifetimes.
I think you are dead right about the reason for the warning though, the satellite remains were passing over Texas last night.
Round D. Globe, not unexpected. About 6 hours before passing over Texas the debris was over Florida.
I'd love to know what exactly you are supposed to do when bits of satellite start raining down on you at hypersonic speeds, though.
