The Emergency Management Network Podcast

The primary focus of today’s brief centers on the significant impacts of a powerful Pacific storm train, which is anticipated to bring excessive rainfall and heavy snow across various regions, particularly California, Nevada, and the Pacific Northwest. We begin by addressing the heightened risk of flooding in California, where coastal downpours are likely to raise river levels and exacerbate travel difficulties due to road closures and chain controls in mountainous areas. As the storm progresses, we will see its effects extend into Nevada and other states, with advisories for high winds and winter weather being issued.Takeaways:* A powerful Pacific storm train is currently affecting multiple regions across the United States.* California faces a slight risk of excessive rainfall, impacting coastal areas and Sierra Nevada mountains.* Travelers should anticipate road closures and chain control requirements due to severe weather conditions.* Nevada has winter storm warnings in place, with significant snow expected in various counties.* Wind and rain are expected to increase in Washington, accompanied by flood warnings in certain areas.* Arizona will experience moisture from the Pacific storm, leading to potential flooding and winter weather advisories.Sources[USGS M4.5+ Past Day | https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/feed/v1.0/summary/4.5_day.geojson][NWS Bay Area | https://www.weather.gov/mtr/][NWS Hanford (San Joaquin Valley/Sierra) | https://www.weather.gov/hnx/][NWS LOX Gale Warning | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=lox&wwa=gale+warning][WPC — Excessive Rainfall (CA Slight Risk today) | https://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/qpf/ero.php?day=1&opt=curr][SFGATE — Bay Area flood watch & storm timing | https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/flood-watch-bay-area-through-christmas-21256885.php][NWS Reno — Warnings/Travel briefing | https://www.weather.gov/rev/][NWS Las Vegas — Flood Watch & wind messaging | https://www.weather.gov/vef/][NWS Reno — Flood Watch text (issued 1:45 AM PST) | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=usa&wwa=flood+watch][NWS Portland — hazards | https://www.weather.gov/pqr/][WPC — CA-to-OR heavy rain corridor (Slight/Marginal) | https://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/qpf/ero.php?day=1&opt=curr][NWS Seattle — hazards & hydrology | https://www.weather.gov/sew/][NWS Phoenix — Flood Watch & event timeline | https://www.weather.gov/psr/][NWS Flagstaff — winter headlines | https://www.weather.gov/fgz/][NWS Buffalo — Hazardous Weather Outlook (Lake Ontario counties) | https://www.weather.gov/buf/BUFHWOBUF][NWS Buffalo — hazards | https://www.weather.gov/buf/] 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 Emergency Management Network PodcastThe Books That Belong on Your BookshelfHosts: Todd T. DeVoe and Dan ScottFormat: Conversational, reflective, practitioner-focusedEpisode Theme: The books that shape how emergency managers think, not just how they check boxesEpisode DescriptionEmergency management isn’t mastered through binders alone. It’s shaped by the ideas we return to when plans fall short, and judgment takes over. In this episode, Todd DeVoe and Dan Scott step away from the news cycle and into something more enduring: the books every emergency manager should have within arm’s reach.This is not a “top ten list” or a graduate syllabus. It’s a conversation about foundations, leadership under pressure, community resilience, and the philosophical frameworks that quietly influence how we make decisions when the stakes are high.If you’ve ever asked yourself why you lead the way you do in crisis, this episode starts answering that question.Key Discussion Segments1. The Foundations of Emergency ManagementThe books that explain how the system works, why it evolved the way it did, and where the seams begin to show under stress.* Introduction to Emergency Management* Emergency Management: Principles and Practice* Disaster Response and RecoveryTodd and Dan discuss why these texts matter long after certification exams are over, and how they provide a shared professional language across jurisdictions and disciplines.2. Leadership When the Plan Runs OutDisasters don’t test paperwork; they test people.* Leadership in Disaster* The Unthinkable* Extreme OwnershipThe conversation explores accountability, decision-making under uncertainty, and why understanding human behavior is just as critical as understanding ICS.3. Community, Recovery, and ResilienceWhy recovery is social before it is structural.* Building Resilience* Resilience ThinkingDan and Todd unpack how social capital, trust, and networks often determine recovery outcomes more than funding formulas or infrastructure alone.4. Philosophy for Emergency ManagersThe quiet influences behind calm leadership and ethical decision-making.* Meditations* The Obstacle Is the Way* Man’s Search for MeaningTodd reflects on why philosophy belongs in the EOC and how these works help leaders remain grounded during prolonged, high-stress events.Why This Episode MattersEmergency management is a profession of ambiguity. When checklists end, books help shape judgment. This episode challenges listeners to think about their own professional bookshelf and ask what ideas they are carrying into the next crisis.Listener Takeaways* Why foundational texts still matter for seasoned practitioners* How leadership books outside EM sharpen emergency decision-making* The role of philosophy in crisis leadership and resilience* What your bookshelf says about how you approach uncertaintyNext Episode What books should emergency managers stop relying on?In the next episode, Todd and Dan take on outdated thinking, legacy doctrine, and why some “classics” may quietly undermine modern preparedness. 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 episode articulates the significant impact of a potent Pacific storm train, which continues to target the western region of the United States, particularly California and Washington. We delve into the widespread flood watches issued by the National Weather Service, affecting vast areas along the California coast and valleys, alongside heavy snowfall in the Sierra Nevada, which complicates mountainous travel. Additionally, we address the winter storm warning currently in effect for the Washington Cascades, where hazardous conditions prevail due to blowing snow. Our discussion further encompasses the emergency declaration approved by FEMA for Montana, aimed at providing federal support in response to recent flooding incidents. We conclude by emphasizing the need for vigilance and safety amidst these challenging weather conditions, while we continue to monitor ongoing developments across various states. A comprehensive examination of the ongoing meteorological conditions reveals a formidable Pacific storm train currently imposing significant weather events across the western regions of the United States. The National Weather Service has issued widespread flood watches encompassing much of California’s coastal and valley areas, while simultaneously, heavy snowfall is complicating travel through the Sierra Nevada mountains. This duality of weather phenomena underscores the potential for both flooding and treacherous travel conditions, particularly in the context of the Sierra, where snow accumulation is exacerbating the risks associated with winter travel. Further north, the Washington Cascades are under a winter storm warning, highlighting hazardous conditions including blowing snow and limited visibility, which pose serious risks to both residents and travelers alike. As we navigate through these intense weather patterns, it is imperative to remain vigilant and informed, as river flood warnings persist in various basins, reflecting the substantial impact these storms are having on local ecosystems and communities alike.Takeaways:* The National Weather Service has issued widespread flood watches across California’s coastal regions and valleys.* A potent Pacific storm is currently affecting the West, leading to hazardous weather conditions.* FEMA has approved an emergency declaration for Montana in light of recent flooding incidents.* Winter storm warnings are in effect for the Washington Cascades, indicating severe weather challenges ahead.* Flood warnings persist on several rivers, including the Skokomish, indicating ongoing minor flooding issues.* Minnesota is experiencing icy road conditions due to overnight freezing rain, affecting travel safety.Sources[FEMA | https://www.fema.gov/press-release/20251220/president-donald-j-trump-approves-emergency-declaration-montana][NWS San Diego | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=usa&wwa=flood+watch][NWS Bay Area | https://www.weather.gov/mtr/][NWS Sacramento | https://forecast.weather.gov/showsigwx.php?product1=Flood+Watch&warnzone=CAZ066][NWS Eureka (Eel River) | https://www.weather.gov/eka/][NWS Seattle | https://www.weather.gov/sew/][NWS Warning Text | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=sew&wwa=winter+storm+warning][NWS River Warning | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=usa&wwa=flood+warning][NWS Medford | https://www.weather.gov/mfr/][NWS Advisory Timing | https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=43.1787&lon=-122.1389][NWS Spokane | https://forecast.weather.gov/showsigwx.php?firewxzone=IDZ101&product1=Winter+Weather+Advisory][Montana Governor | https://gov.mt.gov/Documents/GovernorsOffice/executiveorders/View?doc=EO112025DisasterDeclarationStatewideSevereWindEvent002.pdf][NWS Missoula | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=usa&wwa=winter+weather+advisory][NWS Fairbanks | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=usa&wwa=winter+weather+advisory][MnDOT 511 | https://511mn.org/list/events][MPR News | https://www.mprnews.org/story/2025/12/22/road-conditions-icy-schools-delayed-in-southern-minnesota] 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

A powerful coast-to-coast storm continues to traverse the eastern United States, bringing with it a myriad of severe weather conditions. The National Weather Service has issued flood watches and river flood warnings for western Washington and northwest Oregon, while high winds affect the Northern Rockies and High Plains. As we delve into the specifics of this storm’s impact, we will also discuss the emergence of lake effect snow and the potential for flash freeze slick spots downwind of the Great Lakes. Furthermore, wind advisories are in effect for parts of the Mid Atlantic as the cold front advances offshore. We will also address seismic activity, noting several small to moderate earthquakes recorded off the coast of Alaska without significant damage reported. Join us as we explore these weather phenomena and their implications for various states across the nation. The latest briefing commences with a comprehensive overview of the meteorological conditions affecting the United States on December 19th, 2025. A formidable coast-to-coast storm is currently traversing the nation, prompting the National Weather Service (NWS) to issue flood watches and river flood warnings across western Washington and northwest Oregon. In addition, high winds are impacting the Northern Rockies and the High Plains, creating perilous travel conditions and potential hazards for local populations. Furthermore, the Great Lakes region is experiencing lake effect snow and flash freeze conditions, leading to dangerous slick spots that may exacerbate the challenges faced by commuters.Takeaways:* Today, a powerful coast to coast storm continues to move eastward across the nation, bringing severe weather.* The National Weather Service has issued flood watches and river flood warnings for western Washington and northwest Oregon.* High wind warnings have been issued for the Pribilof Islands with gusts reaching 75-80 mph, creating hazardous conditions.* Dense fog is present in California’s Central Valley, reducing visibility significantly and causing travel delays.* In Michigan, winter weather advisories remain in effect, predicting additional lake effect snow along the Lake Michigan shore.* Oregon faces ongoing flood warnings as an atmospheric river approaches, increasing the risk of landslides and flooding.Sources[NWS Anchorage overview & warnings | https://www.weather.gov/afc][NWS AFC High Wind pages | https://www.weather.gov/afc/HighWindWarningPribilofs , https://www.weather.gov/afc/HighWindBeringStormReview][NWS Hanford — Dense Fog Advisory & hazards | https://www.weather.gov/hnx/][Caltrans QuickMap travel info | https://quickmap.dot.ca.gov][NWS Baltimore/Washington — Wind Advisory & HWO | https://www.weather.gov/lwx/ https://forecast.weather.gov/showsigwx.php?warnzone=MDZ013&product1=Wind+Advisory][Washington Post Capital Weather Gang live updates | https://www.washingtonpost.com/weather/2025/12/19/dc-weather-live-updates-stormy-windy/][NWS Grand Rapids advisory summary | https://www.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=grr&wwa=all][NWS Detroit/Pontiac HWO & gales | https://forecast.weather.gov/product.php?issuedby=DTX&product=HWO&site=NWS , https://www.weather.gov/dtx/][FEMA—Branch County flood maps meeting | https://www.fema.gov/press-release/branch-county-residents-invited-review-flood-maps][NWS Billings hazards | https://www.weather.gov/byz/][NWS statewide wind hazards page | https://www.weather.gov/byz/montana_statewide_information][NWS Buffalo advisories & marine gales | https://forecast.weather.gov/showsigwx.php?warnzone=PAZ001&product1=Lake+Effect+Snow+Warning, https://www.weather.gov/buf/BUFHWOBUF][WBEN/Audacy local briefing | https://www.audacy.com/wben/news/weather/strong-winds-falling-temps-and-rain-transitions-to-snow][NWS Portland—flood warnings & watches | https://forecast.weather.gov/showsigwx.php?product1=Flood+Warning&warnzone=ORZ111 https://www.weather.gov/pqr/][OPB regional forecast update | https://www.opb.org/article/2025/12/18/atmospheric-river-flooding-oregon-washington-weather-forecast/][NWS Seattle—Flood Warnings/Watch text | https://www.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=sew&wwa=all][NWS Seattle office dashboard | https://www.weather.gov/sew/][NWS Cheyenne—High Wind Warning text & local page | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=cys&wwa=high+wind+warning , https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?textField1=41.1454&textField2=-104.792][Cowboy State Daily regional brief | https://cowboystatedaily.com/2025/12/18/don-days-wyoming-weather-forecast-friday-december-19-2025/] 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 discussion centers on the severe weather conditions currently impacting the Pacific Northwest and surrounding regions. A high-impact Pacific storm is delivering substantial rainfall, strong winds, and snowfall across various areas, raising significant concerns about flooding and hazardous travel conditions. As we navigate through the complexities of this weather event, it is imperative to recognize the ongoing flood warnings, winter hazards, and the risks posed by blizzard conditions in states such as North Dakota and Montana. Furthermore, we shall highlight the critical situation in Washington, where record flooding has necessitated numerous rescues and evacuations. We will continue to monitor these developments closely as we provide updates on the evolving weather patterns and their implications.The recent episode of our podcast delves into the multifaceted impacts of a powerful Pacific storm currently affecting the western United States, particularly in Washington and Oregon. Our discussion begins with a detailed analysis of the meteorological phenomena at play, including the significant precipitation and high winds that have resulted in severe flooding across these regions. We examine the National Weather Service’s ongoing flood warnings and advisories, which highlight the urgency of the situation as urban flooding and hazardous conditions threaten the safety and well-being of residents. Furthermore, we explore the implications of saturated soils, which have led to widespread power outages and fatalities, emphasizing the dire need for preparedness in the face of such natural disasters.As the episode progresses, we provide a state-by-state breakdown of the weather conditions, detailing the specific challenges faced by each area. In California, for instance, we discuss the anticipated rainfall and the potential for minor urban flooding, while in Idaho, we highlight the blizzard conditions and the resultant dangers posed to travelers. Our analysis does not shy away from the human aspect of these events, as we recount reports of fatalities linked to the extreme weather, underscoring the importance of vigilance and community response during such crises. By the conclusion of our discourse, we aim to impart a comprehensive understanding of the current storm’s impact, fostering awareness and preparedness among our listeners.Takeaways:* A potent Pacific storm is currently causing significant flooding and hazardous weather across the Northwest region. * Wind advisories and winter weather warnings have been issued for multiple states due to severe conditions. * The ongoing weather events have resulted in major power outages and numerous emergency responses throughout the affected areas. * Travel remains extremely dangerous in regions experiencing blizzard conditions and high winds, particularly in North Dakota and Montana. * Flood warnings and advisories continue to be in effect as heavy rainfall persists in western Oregon and California. * Authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant and prepared for changing weather conditions and potential evacuations. Sources[NWS Eureka AFD | https://forecast.weather.gov/product.php?format=CI&glossary=1&highlight=off&issuedby=EKA&product=AFD&site=NWS&version=1][NWS Bay Area Dense Fog Advisory | https://www.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=lox&wwa=all][NWS Denver/Boulder AFD | https://www.weather.gov/bou/afd][NWS Denver/Boulder Hazards | https://www.weather.gov/bou/][NWS Pocatello Hazards | https://www.weather.gov/pih/][AP | https://apnews.com/article/fe814b86139b6d30b8e19f5f1d44e47e][NWS Duluth Hazards | https://www.weather.gov/dlh/][NWS Duluth Marine | https://www.weather.gov/dlh/marine][NWS Glasgow | https://www.weather.gov/ggw/][NWS text for MT/ND blizzard | https://www.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=bis&wwa=all][NWS Bismarck | https://www.weather.gov/bis/][BIS Decision Support Blizzard Brief (PDF) | https://www.weather.gov/media/bis/DssPacket.pdf][NWS Portland Briefing/Hazards | https://www.weather.gov/pqr/][NWS Coastal Flood Advisory | https://www.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=pqr&wwa=all][NWS/WPC ERO | https://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/qpf/excessive_rainfall_outlook_ero.php][NWS Aberdeen | https://www.weather.gov/abr/][NWS Seattle Hazards | https://www.weather.gov/sew/][AP regional impacts | https://apnews.com/article/fe814b86139b6d30b8e19f5f1d44e47e][NWS Cheyenne High Wind Warning | https://www.weather.gov/cys/highwind][NWS Cheyenne 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