The Emergency Management Network Podcast

This podcast episode provides a comprehensive overview of current weather conditions and natural events affecting various regions of the United States. The salient point of discussion centers on the notable warmth in the western states juxtaposed with a winter storm impacting the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes. Additionally, the episode addresses ongoing freezing spray hazards in the Bering Sea and the current status of wildfire incidents, which remain low but are nearing containment in Kentucky, Texas, and Missouri. Other significant updates include new flood maps released by FEMA for Pima County, Arizona, and winter weather advisories for Northern Michigan. We conclude with a reminder to monitor local forecasts for any evolving weather situations and to prioritize safety during adverse conditions.Takeaways:* The National Weather Service has reported significantly above normal warmth across the western United States.* In Alaska, freezing spray hazards are currently affecting portions of the Bering Sea, posing risks to mariners.* A prolonged Santa Ana event is anticipated in Southern California, with strong gusts and dry conditions.* Residents of Pima County, Arizona, are encouraged to review newly released flood maps from FEMA.* Winter weather advisories have been issued in Michigan, warning of slippery roads and reduced visibility due to blowing snow.* Flood watches are in effect for parts of Washington State, where minor flooding is a concern due to recent rains.Sources[NWS Anchorage Marine | https://marine.weather.gov/showsigwx.php?product1=Heavy+Freezing+Spray+Warning&warnzone=PKZ414][FEMA | https://www.fema.gov/press-release/20260112/fema-updates-flood-maps-pima-county][NWS Los Angeles | https://www.weather.gov/lox/][NWS San Diego FWF | https://forecast.weather.gov/product.php?issuedby=SGX&product=FWF&site=sgx][NWS Bay Area AFD | https://forecast.weather.gov/product.php?issuedby=mtr&product=AFD&site=mtr][NIFC | https://www.nifc.gov/fire-information/nfn][NWS — Winter Weather Advisory text | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=usa&wwa=winter+weather+advisory][NWS Grand Forks/Duluth — WWA/HWO | https://www.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=fgf&wwa=all][NIFC | https://www.nifc.gov/fire-information/nfn][NWS Seattle — Flood Watch | https://www.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=sew&wwa=all][NWS Seattle AFD | https://forecast.weather.gov/product.php?issuedby=SEW&product=AFD&site=sew] 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

Show NotesBased on the article: Leaders Don’t Fix People. Leaders Fix the EnvironmentIn this episode of the Emergency Management Network Podcast, we explore a simple idea that carries profound implications for leadership in emergency management and beyond: Leaders don’t fix people. Leaders fix the environment.Inspired by the work and insights of L. David Marquet, this conversation challenges the instinct many leaders have to correct, manage, or “repair” individuals. Instead, we focus on how great leaders shape the conditions in which people can succeed. Culture, trust, clarity of mission, psychological safety, and decision authority matter far more than control or micromanagement.In emergency management, the environment we create determines how teams perform under stress. It influences whether people speak up, take initiative, admit uncertainty, and adapt when plans collide with reality. When leaders build environments that encourage ownership and responsibility, they unlock capacity that no amount of supervision can create.We discuss how fixing the environment means:* Designing systems that support good decision-making* Replacing permission with intent* Shifting from control to trust* Creating space for learning, accountability, and growth* Recognizing that leadership is less about authority and more about stewardshipThis episode connects leadership philosophy to real-world emergency management practice, from EOC operations to planning teams to organizational culture. If you want stronger performance, better morale, and more resilient teams, start by asking not “What’s wrong with my people?” but “What kind of environment have I created?”Because when the environment is right, people don’t need fixing. They thrive.TagsLeadership, Emergency Management Leadership, Organizational Culture, L David Marquet, Turn the Ship Around, Trust and Empowerment, EOC Leadership, High Reliability Organizations, Psychological Safety, Crisis Leadership, Team Performance, Professional Development, EMN Podcast 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

The salient point of this morning’s briefing is the significant winter weather and river flooding affecting various regions across the United States. As we delve into the current meteorological conditions, we note that the National Weather Service has issued warnings for heavy snow in interior Maine, while the Skokomish River in Washington faces a flood warning due to moderate flooding. It is imperative for individuals traversing the impacted corridors to remain vigilant for sudden whiteouts and to heed local wind advisories, particularly in areas prone to hazardous driving conditions. Additionally, we observe that coastal systems are gradually moving out of New England, yet challenges persist in the form of lake effect snow and ongoing winter advisories in multiple states. We shall continue to monitor these developments and provide updates as necessary to ensure public safety. The discourse presented unfolds with a comprehensive overview of the meteorological phenomena affecting various regions of the United States as of January 12, 2026. The session commences with an alert regarding winter weather conditions that are significantly impacting travel and daily life, particularly in northern states such as Maine, where heavy snowfall is reported. The National Weather Service elucidates the ongoing challenges posed by snow squalls and low visibility, advising travelers to exercise caution. As the narrative progresses, the discussion shifts to the implications of coastal weather systems affecting New England, followed by a detailed analysis of localized flooding concerns in Southern California and the Skokomish River area. Such phenomena underscore the critical need for vigilance and adherence to safety protocols during adverse weather conditions, particularly regarding driving in flood-prone areas and heeding wind advisories.Takeaways:* The National Weather Service has issued warnings regarding heavy snow and flooding across various states, necessitating caution for travelers.* Motorists are advised to be vigilant for unexpected whiteouts and slick road conditions in winter weather zones.* In Southern California, strong northeast winds are diminishing, yet wind advisories continue to affect several areas throughout the day.* Maine’s interior regions remain under winter storm warnings, impacting travel due to significant snowfall and winter conditions.* Flood warnings persist for the Skokomish River in Washington, indicating moderate flooding is expected and caution is advised.* Overall, most states report no new significant weather changes, maintaining stability in forecasts for the day.Sources[NWS Anchorage | https://www.weather.gov/afc/ ][NWS Phoenix | https://www.weather.gov/psr/ ][NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard – WWA Summary | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=klox&wwa=wind%20advisory ][NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard – Wind Headlines | https://forecast.weather.gov/showsigwx.php?warnzone=CAZ379&product1=Wind+Advisory][NWS Caribou | https://www.weather.gov/car/ ][NWS Buffalo – HWO & Advisories | https://www.weather.gov/buf/BUFHWOBUF ][NWS Seattle – Skokomish River Flood Warning | https://forecast.weather.gov/showsigwx.php?warnzone=WAZ328&product1=Flood+Warning ] 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

The principal focus of this morning’s briefing is the severe weather conditions impacting various regions across the United States, including blizzard warnings in Alaska and flood watches in Alabama and Mississippi. I commence by outlining the alarming forecasts, which predict whiteout conditions and gusts of wind reaching up to 65 miles per hour in parts of Alaska, while Western New York is bracing for similar high wind warnings. Furthermore, central Alabama and southwest Mississippi are under flood watches due to anticipated heavy rainfall, with projections of up to four inches, potentially leading to flash flooding. Additionally, I address the postponement of the reopening of FEMA’s Bethel Assistance Hub, which has been delayed once more due to adverse weather conditions. Lastly, I highlight the recent magnitude 4.0 earthquake near Adak, Alaska, as part of the ongoing situational updates.Takeaways:* Blizzard warnings are currently in effect in parts of Alaska, predicting severe weather conditions.* Western New York is experiencing high wind warnings, which pose risks to travel and infrastructure.* Flood watches have been issued for central Alabama and southwest Mississippi due to anticipated heavy rainfall.* Minnesota’s governor has mobilized the National Guard in response to local law enforcement needs for safety.* California is under wind advisories and freeze warnings, indicating hazardous conditions across various regions.* Wisconsin faces potential flooding as heavy rain interacts with an existing deep snowpack.Sources[NWS Birmingham | https://www.weather.gov/bmx/]; [NWS Flood Watch text | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=usa&wwa=flood+watch][NWS Alaska WWA | https://forecast.weather.gov/showsigwx.php?firewxzone=AKZ948&product1=Blizzard+Warning][FEMA Bethel Hub update | https://www.fema.gov/press-release/20260108/reopening-bethel-assistance-hub-postponed-due-inclement-weather][USGS M4.0 Adak | https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eventpage/us7000rnm4][NWS San Diego WWA text | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=usa&wwa=wind+advisory][NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard WWA text | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=usa&wwa=wind+advisory][MN Governor | https://mn.gov/governor/newsroom/press-releases/?id=1055-719092][City of Minneapolis | https://www.minneapolismn.gov/news/2026/january/jan-7-statement/][NWS Jackson (MS) Flood Watch text | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=usa&wwa=flood+watch][NWS ABQ AFD & watches/warnings | https://forecast.weather.gov/product.php?format=ci&glossary=1&issuedby=ABQ&product=AFD&site=NWS&version=1][NWS Winter Storm Warning text | https://forecast.weather.gov/showsigwx.php?firewxzone=NMZ206&product1=Winter+Storm+Warning][NWS Buffalo High Wind Warning | https://forecast.weather.gov/showsigwx.php?product1=High+Wind+Warning&warnzone=NYZ011][NWS State College (CTP) WWA text | https://www.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=ctp&wwa=all][NWS Green Bay Flood Watch text | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=usa&wwa=flood+watch][AP | https://apnews.com/article/5eeffe06106f711b8a17f6072ad9b53d][Reuters | https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-federal-agents-shot-two-people-portland-abc-affiliate-reports-2026-01-08/][KATU/WLOS | https://wlos.com/news/nation-world/protests-outside-portland-ice-facility-after-federal-agent-shoots-injures-2-people] 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

The primary focus of today’s briefing is the impending G1 geomagnetic storm watch issued by NOAA, which may grant observers in the northern United States the opportunity to witness the Northern Lights. As we delve into the meteorological landscape, we will address the winter hazards currently affecting the central Rockies and southern High Plains, with specific attention to a winter storm warning in effect for the Colorado Front Range, predicting significant snowfall and adverse conditions. Additionally, we will highlight accumulating snow chances in the northwest Texas Panhandle and the subsequent colder, breezy weather anticipated across various regions. Furthermore, updates from Alaska’s FEMA Bethel Assistance Hub will be provided, emphasizing ongoing support for storm and flood survivors. We encourage our audience to remain vigilant and informed as these weather systems evolve, particularly if conditions permit a glimpse of the aurora tonight.Takeaways:* The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has issued a G1 geomagnetic storm watch effective tonight, suggesting a potential view of the Northern Lights.* A winter storm warning has been declared for the Colorado Front Range, predicting heavy snowfall and hazardous blowing snow conditions.* Residents in western Alaska are encouraged to utilize the Bethel Assistance Hub, which has reopened to support survivors from previous storms and floods.* In Texas, particularly the northwest Panhandle, accumulating snow is anticipated, alongside colder and breezy weather following a passing cold front.* California currently faces no urgent weather alerts, yet a recovery update from last winter’s fires has been published by CAL OES, highlighting ongoing efforts and lessons learned.* Monitoring updates from the National Weather Service is recommended, as evolving weather systems may impact the Rockies and Plains regions significantly.Companies mentioned in this episode:* NOAA* National Weather Service* FEMA* CAL OESSources[FEMA | https://www.fema.gov/press-release/20260107/bethel-assistance-hub-reopens-jan-8-support-alaskans][Cal OES | https://news.caloes.ca.gov/a-year-after-the-la-fires-pacific-palisades-and-altadena-communities-recover/][NWS Pueblo | https://forecast.weather.gov/product.php?issuedby=PUB&product=WSW&site=pub][NWS Duluth | https://forecast.weather.gov/zipcity.php?inputstring=duluth%2CMN][NWS Amarillo | https://www.weather.gov/ama/winter][NWS Seattle | https://forecast.weather.gov/product.php?issuedby=SEW&product=CFW&site=SEW] 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