The Emergency Management Network Podcast

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

The primary focus of this podcast episode is the severe winter weather conditions affecting various regions across the United States, particularly highlighting heavy mountain snow in the Washington and Oregon Cascades and blizzard warnings in Alaska’s Pribilof Islands. As articulated, winter storm warnings are in effect, predicting snowfall accumulation of one to two feet at pass level. Additionally, blizzard conditions are anticipated in parts of Alaska, with wind gusts nearing 60 mph creating hazardous visibility. The episode further discusses the ongoing winter weather advisories in states such as New York, Pennsylvania, and Maine, emphasizing the need for caution due to slick roads. Furthermore, we explore the potential for severe storms in Arkansas and Louisiana as a cold front approaches, forecasting a significant shift in weather patterns.Takeaways:* The presence of winter storm warnings highlights the severity of the weather conditions across the Cascades.* Alaska faces significant weather challenges, including blizzard warnings with gusts reaching 60 mph.* Upcoming severe weather in Arkansas could result in strong winds and possible isolated tornadoes.* California is under high wind warnings, indicating dangerous conditions across multiple regions.* Oregon’s winter storm warnings predict one to two feet of snow, affecting travel safety.* Monitoring local forecasts is crucial due to the variability of weather conditions across different states.Links referenced in this episode:* usgs.gov* 511.govSources[NWS | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=usa&wwa=blizzard+warning][USGS | https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eventpage/ak2026alfphj/tellus][NWS Little Rock | https://www.weather.gov/lzk/][NWS DSS—LZK | https://www.weather.gov/lzk/dssarkansas.htm][NWS—Hanford High Wind Warning | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=HNX&wwa=high+wind+warning][NWS Hanford (overview) | https://www.weather.gov/hnx/][NWS Shreveport | https://www.weather.gov/shv/][NWS Shreveport AFD | https://www.weather.gov/shv/forecastproducts][NWS Gray—WWA | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=gyx&wwa=winter+weather+advisory][NWS Caribou—WWA | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=car&wwa=winter+weather+advisory][NWS Binghamton—WWA | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=bgm&wwa=winter+weather+advisory][NWS Norman | https://www.weather.gov/oun/][NWS Portland | https://www.weather.gov/pqr/][NWS Binghamton—WWA | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=bgm&wwa=winter+weather+advisory][NWS Amarillo | https://www.weather.gov/ama/; https://www.weather.gov/ama/winter][NWS Seattle | https://www.weather.gov/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

This podcast episode elucidates the significant meteorological events currently affecting various regions of the United States, with particular emphasis on the hazardous winter conditions prevailing in the Pacific Northwest and the upper Midwest. The discussion highlights the imminent heavy snowfall, with accumulations reaching up to several feet in the Cascades and northern Blues, thereby necessitating caution for travel through these regions. Additionally, the episode addresses the presence of dense fog along the Texas coast, which is impairing visibility and posing risks for commuters. Furthermore, it underscores the importance of vigilance against fraudulent activities targeting storm survivors, as advised by FEMA. In summation, the episode serves as a critical resource for understanding current weather patterns and ensuring safety amidst these challenging conditions.Takeaways:* Weather conditions across the United States today are characterized by significant winter storm warnings.* The Cascades and northern Blue Mountains are expected to receive substantial snowfall, impacting travel significantly.* Residents in Alaska are cautioned against scams following recent storm events and should verify assistance offers.* Dense fog is affecting visibility along the Texas coast, which poses risks for motorists and marine activities.* Winter weather advisories are in effect for regions in Idaho, indicating up to six inches of snow expected.* Hazardous surf conditions continue along the North Coast of California, urging caution for beachgoers.Sources[USGS M4.5 AK | https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eventpage/ak2026ajuvvj][Tsunami.gov status | https://tsunami.gov/][ USGS M4.8 Aleutians | https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eventpage/us7000rmut][ FEMA Fraud Advisory (DR-4893) | https://www.fema.gov/disaster/4893/news-media][NWS SF Bay Area Flood Advisory — Monterey | https://www.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=lox&wwa=all#KMTR_FA_Monterey][NWS Eureka Coastal Hazard Message | https://www.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=sto&wwa=all][NWS San Diego outlook | https://www.weather.gov/sgx/][NWS Pocatello WWA | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=boi&wwa=winter+weather+advisory][Idaho City advisory window | https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=43.74565&lon=-115.493][NWS Twin Cities — Dense Fog Advisory | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=usa&wwa=dense+fog+advisory][NWS Billings — Wind Advisory | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=usa&wwa=wind+advisory][NWS Buffalo — Winter Weather Advisory | https://www.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=buf&wwa=all][NWS Pendleton — Blue Mountains WSW | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=usa&wwa=winter+storm+warning][NWS Marine — Galveston Bay Dense Fog Advisory | https://forecast.weather.gov/shmrn.php?mz=gmz335&syn=gmz300][NWS Fort Worth — advisories/outlook | https://www.weather.gov/fwd/][NWS Spokane/Pendleton — WSW (Stevens Pass & E slopes) | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=usa&wwa=winter+storm+warning][NWS Twin Cities — Dense Fog Advisory (WI counties included) | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=usa&wwa=dense+fog+advisory][NWS Cheyenne — High Wind Warnings | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=usa&wwa=high+wind+warning][NWS Cheyenne homepage (active hazards) | https://www.weather.gov/cys/] 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

Episode TitleThe Silent Failure Mode: When Nothing HappensEpisode DescriptionIn emergency management, success is often defined by what doesn’t happen. No disasters. No major incidents. No headlines. And for a while, that quiet feels like validation.But over time, silence can become dangerous.In this episode, we explore the silent failure mode—the slow erosion of preparedness that occurs during long periods without crisis. When nothing happens, budgets shrink, plans gather dust, institutional memory fades, and readiness quietly degrades. The system does not fail loudly. It simply thins out.This conversation is not about blaming leaders or chasing fear. It is about recognizing complacency as a structural risk and understanding why preparedness has a shelf life, even when everything appears calm.If you have ever been told “we haven’t needed that in years,” this episode is for you.What We Explore• Why quiet years are often the most dangerous for emergency management programs• How “no incidents” can be misread as proof that preparedness is unnecessary• The political and organizational incentives that reward visibility over readiness• Complacency as a hidden hazard inside stable systems• Why preparedness degrades without friction, rehearsal, and institutional memory• How emergency managers can reframe value when nothing is actively happeningKey TakeawaysPreparedness is not a permanent state.Silence is not evidence of resilience.Readiness requires maintenance, storytelling, and intentional friction.The absence of crisis is not success—it is a test of discipline.Who This Episode Is For• Local and state emergency managers• Public safety leaders navigating budget pressure• Policy professionals and city managers• Anyone responsible for readiness in quiet times• Practitioners trying to explain the value of preparedness without a disaster 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