The Emergency Management Network Podcast

The ongoing perilous cold wave remains the central focus of our discussion today, as it continues to affect regions from the Plains to the eastern coastline of the United States. With extreme cold warnings and advisories being issued by the National Weather Service, we anticipate wind chills plummeting well below zero in numerous areas, contributing to hazardous travel conditions due to lingering ice. Furthermore, the situation is exacerbated by a significant number of power outages, impacting over half a million customers, while officials have tragically attributed multiple fatalities to the inclement weather. Our analysis will extend to various states, highlighting specific warnings such as winter storm advisories in Alaska and freeze warnings in Florida, underscoring the pervasive nature of this cold snap. As we navigate through these grim weather updates, we remain committed to providing situational awareness and safety recommendations for our listeners.
Takeaways:
* The ongoing cold wave is affecting vast regions from the Plains to the east coast, prompting various weather warnings.
* With extreme cold conditions, wind chills are anticipated to plunge well below zero in several areas.
* The winter storm has caused widespread power outages, leaving over half a million customers without electricity.
* In Florida, Arctic air is leading to freeze warnings and significant cold weather advisories throughout the state.
* Travel conditions remain perilous in Texas due to black ice and persistent slick spots on untreated roads.
* Numerous earthquakes have been reported in the United States, but there have been no significant damaging events recently.
Sources
[NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard — Hazards page | https://www.weather.gov/lox/]
[NWS Jacksonville — Hazards | https://www.weather.gov/jax/]
[NWS Tampa Bay/Ruskin — Freeze & Marine updates | https://www.weather.gov/tbw/]
[NWS Melbourne — Cold Weather Advisory & marine | https://www.weather.gov/mlb/]
[NWS Cleveland DSS Packet — 4:37 a.m. EST Jan 27 | https://www.weather.gov/media/cle/DssPacket.pdf]
[WNEP — Coxton Road avalanche coverage (updated within 24h) | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/luzerne-county/large-amount-of-snow-falls-onto-roadway-in-duryea-luzerne-county/523-b92f34cc-2c09-4677-91db-0cdcead74ef9]
[NWS — Cold/Extreme Cold advisories summary | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=usa&wwa=Cold+Weather+Advisory]
[NWS Fort Worth — hazards & travel impacts | https://www.weather.gov/fwd/]
[NWS Austin/San Antonio — Extreme Cold Warning | https://www.weather.gov/ewx/]
[TDEM — Jan 25 official update (ongoing incident) | https://www.tdem.texas.gov/press-release/1-25-26]


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Snowstorms, Emergency Management, and Infrastructure ChallengesIn this episode of the EMN Podcast, the hosts discuss the impact of extreme weather on infrastructure and emergency management.
They share personal anecdotes about severe snowstorms and explore how different regions prepare for and cope with such events.
The conversation touches on the challenges faced by emergency managers, the importance of proper funding and training, and the consequences of complacency in disaster preparedness.
The discussion also delves into the role of FEMA and the need for restructuring to enhance efficiency and response capabilities.
Join the conversation as they dissect these critical issues and advocate for better preparedness and resources in emergency management.00:00 Introduction to the EMN Podcast00:36 Personal Anecdotes and Weather Challenges02:32 Emergency Management and Infrastructure Issues03:47 Preparedness and Complacency08:54 Challenges in Emergency Management17:25 Operational Tales and Listener Engagement18:49 FEMA and Organizational Challenges23:11 Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts
The hosts, Daniel and Todd, delve into the failures of infrastructure and emergency management in places like Buffalo, New York, and Texas, emphasizing the challenges posed by unexpected severe weather and the need for better preparedness. They discuss the importance of proper funding, staffing, and training for emergency managers while highlighting the issue of complacency and the necessity for more robust disaster preparedness plans. Additionally, the episode touches on the role and efficacy of FEMA, addressing recent controversies around potential layoffs and advocating for necessary restructuring and funding to enhance its effectiveness. The hosts invite listeners to contribute their own experiences and stories related to emergency management.


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The primary focus of this podcast episode is the extensive and debilitating winter storm that is currently affecting much of the central and eastern United States, resulting in severe weather conditions characterized by heavy snowfall, dangerous ice, and frigid temperatures. The National Weather Service has issued winter storm warnings spanning from the mid-south to New England, cautioning against travel in the most severely impacted areas due to hazardous conditions and low visibility. Moreover, widespread power outages have been reported, complicating recovery efforts, particularly in sub-zero temperatures. Air travel has also been significantly disrupted, with thousands of cancellations occurring since the onset of the storm. We will continue to monitor the evolving situation and provide updates regarding restoration efforts and road conditions as they develop throughout the day.
Takeaways:
* A substantial winter storm continues to wreak havoc across the central and eastern United States, resulting in significant snowfall, ice, and dangerously low temperatures that pose serious challenges to residents.
* The National Weather Service has issued widespread winter storm warnings, indicating that travel conditions may be extremely hazardous, particularly in the most severely affected regions of the country.
* Power outages remain a pressing concern, affecting hundreds of thousands of individuals, with restoration efforts hindered by persistently frigid temperatures.
* Air travel has experienced considerable disruption, with thousands of flight cancellations reported since the onset of the winter storm, leading to considerable inconvenience for travelers.
* Residents in numerous states have been urged to refrain from unnecessary travel due to icy conditions and ongoing winter storm warnings, prioritizing their safety and well-being.
* Emergency declarations have been made in various states, highlighting the seriousness of the weather impacts and the need for coordinated response efforts to assist affected communities.
Sources
[NWS New York/OKX | https://www.weather.gov/okx/]
[GEMA/HS update (Jan. 24, ongoing incident) | https://gema.georgia.gov/winter-storm-124-125]
[Axios Atlanta | https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/01/25/winter-storm-ferm-ice-power-outage-georgia]
[NWS Gray/Portland (GYX) | https://www.weather.gov/gyx/winter]
[NWS GYX Winter Storm Warning example | https://www.weather.gov/alerts?tz=America/New_York&wfo=GYX]
[NWS Baltimore/Washington (LWX) | https://www.weather.gov/lwx/weatherstory]
[NWS Boston/BOX | https://www.weather.gov/box/winter]
[MSEMA | https://www.msema.org/news/president-approves-emergency-declaration-ice-storm-damage-mississippi]
[NWS Jackson (JAN) | https://www.weather.gov/jan/]
[NWS Gray/Portland (GYX) | https://www.weather.gov/gyx/winter]
[NWS Philadelphia/Mt. Holly (PHI) | https://www.weather.gov/phi/]
[Office of Governor Hochul | https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-updates-new-yorkers-state-response-massive-winter-storm-impacting-state]
[NWS New York/OKX | https://www.weather.gov/okx/]
[NC Department of Public Safety/NCEM | https://www.ncdps.gov/news/press-release]
[WBTV (outage update) | https://www.wbtv.com/2026/01/26/37000-duke-energy-customers-carolinas-without-power-wake-winter-storm/]
[NWS Philadelphia/Mt. Holly (PHI) | https://www.weather.gov/phi/]
[NWS Boston/BOX | https://www.weather.gov/box/winter]
[Metro Nashville OEM | https://www.nashville.gov/departments/emergency-management/news/january-25th-winter-weather-evening-update]
[NWS Nashville/OHX | https://www.weather.gov/ohx/]
[Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) | https://www.tdem.texas.gov/press-release/1-25-26]
[NWS Fort Worth (FWD) | https://www.weather.gov/fwd/]
[NWS Burlington/BTV | https://www.weather.gov/btv/stormtotalsnow]
[NWS Baltimore/Washington (LWX) | https://www.weather.gov/lwx/weatherstory]


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The primary focus of today’s discourse centers upon the perilous and severe cold conditions that are currently afflicting substantial portions of the Midwest and Northern Plains, with warnings issued by the National Weather Service indicating wind chills plummeting to a staggering -25 to -45 degrees Fahrenheit. As we delve into the implications of this arctic front, we will explore the expansion of winter weather alerts extending from eastern North Carolina to Texas, where the potential for hazardous icing and treacherous road conditions manifests imminently. Furthermore, we shall address the recent seismic activity in Wyoming, specifically a magnitude 4.7 earthquake, which has elicited minimal damage reports thus far. Additionally, we will highlight FEMA’s initiation of a 90-day appeal window for updated flood maps in Central Lane County, Oregon, emphasizing the importance of community preparedness in the face of these extreme weather phenomena. Join us as we navigate through these critical updates, ensuring that we remain informed and vigilant during this tumultuous winter period.
Takeaways:
* The National Weather Service has issued extreme cold warnings affecting areas such as Chicago and North Dakota.
* A substantial arctic front is anticipated to bring significant winter weather across multiple states this weekend.
* FEMA has initiated a 90-day appeal process for updated flood maps in Central Lane County, Oregon, necessitating property owner awareness.
* North Dakota continues to experience life-threatening wind chills due to extreme cold warnings in effect this morning.
* A magnitude 4.7 earthquake was reported south of Evanston, Wyoming, with no significant damage reported thus far.
* Residents in eastern North Carolina are under a winter storm watch, with significant ice and power outages possible.
Sources
[NWS Austin/San Antonio | https://www.weather.gov/ewx/]
[NWS EWX Warning Text | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=EWX&wwa=extreme+cold+warning]
[NWS Houston/Galveston Briefing | https://www.weather.gov/media/hgx/Winter/webinar3_januarywinterstorm.pdf]
[NWS Buffalo | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=usa&wwa=winter+storm+watch]
[NWS Chicago | https://www.weather.gov/lot/]
[NWS Chicago DSS Packet (Jan 23) | https://www.weather.gov/media/lot/DssPacket.pdf]
[NWS Newport/Morehead City | https://www.weather.gov/mhx/]
[NWS MHX Winter Storm Watch Text | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=usa&wwa=winter+storm+watch]
[NWS MHX Briefing (Jan 23) | https://www.weather.gov/media/mhx/LatestBriefing.pdf]
[NWS Bismarck — Extreme Cold Warning | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=usa&wwa=Extreme+Cold+Warning]
[NWS Norman | https://www.weather.gov/oun/]
[Oklahoma DOT prep advisory | https://oklahoma.gov/odot/about-us/newsroom/2026/odot-crews-prepare-statewide-ahead-of-forecasted-winter-storm.html]
[OK LPG Emergency HOS Extension (Jan 21) | https://oklahoma.gov/content/dam/ok/en/lpgas/documents/2026-01-21-Declaration-LPG-Delivery-Drivers.pdf]
[FEMA Press Release | https://www.fema.gov/press-release/20260122/fema-updates-flood-maps-central-lane-county-oregon]
[How to Challenge a Flood Zone | https://www.fema.gov/flood-maps/change-your-flood-zone]
[USGS Event Page — M4.7 S of Evanston | https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eventpage/uu80127891]
[CISA — Known Exploited Vulnerabilities | https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog]


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A substantial winter storm is poised to impact a wide swath of the United States this weekend, with significant weather disturbances anticipated from the Southern Plains to the Ohio Valley and Mid Atlantic regions. Various states, including Texas, New Mexico, Missouri, and Ohio, are currently under winter storm watches, as forecasters predict the potential for heavy snowfall and damaging ice. The National Weather Service has indicated that travel disruptions are likely to commence Saturday evening, persisting through Monday, particularly in the Texas Panhandle. Additionally, a magnitude 4.3 earthquake occurred near Ferndale, California, though no tsunami threat has been detected. As we navigate these developments, we will provide ongoing updates regarding the storm’s progression and any necessary safety measures.
Takeaways:
* A significant winter storm is anticipated to impact multiple regions, including Texas and the Northeast.
* Winter storm watches have been issued for various states, indicating potential heavy snow and ice accumulation.
* Travel disruptions are expected as the winter weather system evolves, particularly from Friday night through Sunday.
* Governor Wes Moore has declared a state of preparedness in Maryland in response to the impending winter storm.
* Seismic activity was noted with a minor earthquake occurring near Ferndale, California, without tsunami threats.
* The National Weather Service has high confidence in significant winter weather impacts throughout the weekend.
Sources
[USGS | https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/feed/v1.0/detail/nc75299751.geojson]
[NWS | https://www.weather.gov/mtr/]
[USGS | https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/feed/v1.0/detail/us7000rra1.geojson]
[Governor’s Office | https://governor.maryland.gov/Lists/ExecutiveOrders/Attachments/104/EO%2001.01.2026.01%20Declaration%20of%20a%20State%20of%20Preparedness%20-%20Winter%20Storm_Accessible.pdf]
[NWS | https://www.weather.gov/sgf/]
[NWS | https://www.weather.gov/abq/]
[NWS | https://www.weather.gov/cle/Forecast_Cold_Outbreak]
[NWS | https://www.weather.gov/media/phi/current_briefing.pdf]
[NWS | https://www.weather.gov/ama/]
[NWS | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=usa&wwa=winter+storm+watch]


This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit emnetwork.substack.com/subscribe