The Emergency Management Network Podcast

Today’s central theme revolves around the significant winter weather conditions that are anticipated to impact various regions, particularly the Great Lakes and Interior Northeast. The Weather Prediction Center has identified a high likelihood of severe snow accumulation, with multiple winter storm and blizzard warnings currently in effect across several states. In particular, Alaska continues to face winter hazards, while California is under dense fog advisories and expects Santa Ana winds. Michigan and New York also remain vigilant as lake effect and system snow persist, potentially leading to hazardous travel conditions. As we delve into the specifics of this weather forecast, we underscore the importance of remaining informed and prepared for the challenges posed by these winter storms.Takeaways:* The Weather Prediction Center indicates a high probability of impactful snow across the Great Lakes.* Winter storm and blizzard warnings are currently active in the Interior and western regions of the country.* California is experiencing dense fog advisories in the Central Valley and Bay Area today.* Wind chills are expected to drop significantly below zero in North Dakota tonight and into Saturday.* Pennsylvania will see winter weather advisories this evening with potential for heavy snow showers.* Texas is bracing for a strong cold front, leading to gusty winds and possible light snow.Sources[NWS Fairbanks | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=usa&wwa=winter%20storm%20warning][NWS Fairbanks (Blizzard) | https://forecast.weather.gov/showsigwx.php?product1=Blizzard%20Warning&warnzone=AKZ821][NWS Anchorage | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=usa&wwa=winter%20weather%20advisory][NWS Hanford | https://www.weather.gov/hnx/][NWS San Francisco Bay Area (AFD citing fog advisory) | https://forecast.weather.gov/product.php?issuedby=mtr&product=afd&site=mtr][NWS San Diego | https://www.weather.gov/sgx/][NWS Grand Rapids (Advisory) | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=grr&wwa=winter%20weather%20advisory][NWS Gaylord (Advisory) | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=usa&wwa=winter%20weather%20advisory][NWS Buffalo (HWO & Warning) | https://forecast.weather.gov/product.php?issuedby=BUF&product=HWO&site=NWS][NWS Buffalo (Warning details) | https://forecast.weather.gov/showsigwx.php?warnzone=NYZ006&product1=Lake%20Effect%20Snow%20Warning][NWS Bismarck (Warnings/Advisories) | https://www.weather.gov/bis/][NWS Bismarck point forecast (High Wind) | https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=46.80536&lon=-100.77933][NWS State College (Advisories/HWO) | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=ctp&wwa=hazardous%20weather%20outlook][NWS State College (Advisory text) | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=usa&wwa=winter%20weather%20advisory][NWS Aberdeen (Advisory) | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=usa&wwa=winter%20weather%20advisory][NWS Aberdeen Office Page | https://www.weather.gov/index.php/abr/][NWS Austin/San Antonio (Front and winds) | https://www.weather.gov/ewx/forecasts][NWS Amarillo (snow chance) | https://www.weather.gov/ama/ama/winter][NWS Duluth (Iron County Warning) | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=usa&wwa=winter%20storm%20warning][NWS Cheyenne (Warnings) | https://www.weather.gov/cys/highwind][NWS Cheyenne WWA text | https://www.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=cys&wwa=all] 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

Today, we elucidate the prevailing weather conditions across the United States, with particular emphasis on the inclement circumstances in Alaska, where blizzard warnings have been issued for the Bering Strait Coast, St. Lawrence Island, and Shishmaref, effective from this afternoon through Saturday. This episode meticulously details the winter storm warnings and advisories that have expanded throughout various regions, including the Brooks Range and Yukon Kuskokwim areas, which may restrict travel to emergencies only. Furthermore, we address the repercussions of a recent magnitude 4.4 earthquake in Southern California, along with the localized winter weather advisories affecting several states from Michigan to Pennsylvania. Our discussion also encompasses the marine hazards along the Gulf of Maine and the ongoing advisories in Hawaii, underscoring the diverse meteorological phenomena currently impacting the nation. We conclude by reiterating the necessity for vigilance as we monitor these evolving weather patterns.Takeaways:* Alaska is experiencing severe winter weather, including blizzard warnings that necessitate caution.* The National Weather Service has issued numerous advisories for hazardous conditions in various states.* A magnitude 4.4 earthquake occurred in Southern California, with reports of light shaking felt locally.* Travel in affected regions may be restricted to emergency situations due to adverse weather conditions.* Florida has issued a boil water notice due to a scheduled water outage affecting local residents.* Winter weather advisories are active in multiple states, emphasizing the need for preparedness and vigilance.Sources[NWS Fairbanks https://www.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php][USGS event page https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eventpage/ci41158263][City of Arcadia https://arcadia-fl.gov/2026/01/13/7129/][NWS Honolulu Watches/Warnings https://www.weather.gov/hfo/watchwarn][NWS Gray, ME https://www.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=gyx&wwa=all][NWS Detroit/Pontiac https://forecast.weather.gov/product.php?format=ci&glossary=0&issuedby=DTX&product=AFD&site=NWS&version=1][City of Hendersonville https://www.hendersonvillenc.gov/water-sewer/customer-center/water-alerts][NWS Portland https://www.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=pqr&wwa=all][NWS State College https://www.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=rlx&wwa=all][NWS Seattle https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=sew&wwa=all][NWS Charleston, WV https://forecast.weather.gov/showsigwx.php?firewxzone=WVZ526&lat=38.9166&local_place1=Harman+WV&lon=-79.533&product1=Cold+Weather+Advisory&warncounty=WVC083&warnzone=WVZ526] 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

Today, I provide a comprehensive overview of significant meteorological phenomena affecting various regions. The episode elucidates the incursion of Arctic air, which is precipitating lake effect snow across the Great Lakes, accompanied by dangerously low wind chills that may plummet to single digits or below zero in certain locales. We also note the absence of severe thunderstorms as the Storm Prediction Center reports minimal probabilities for such events today. Additionally, we discuss the restoration of buoy tender capacity by the Coast Guard in Oceania, enhancing navigational support in the Western Pacific. Furthermore, a magnitude 4.4 earthquake near Willits, California, has been documented, although no substantial damage has been reported thus far. We will continue to monitor these developments and provide updates as warranted.Takeaways:* Arctic air is pushing south and east, leading to significant lake effect snow along the Great Lakes.* The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for northern Indiana due to severe weather conditions.* A magnitude 4.4 earthquake occurred near Willits, California, with no significant damage reported by local officials.* FEMA has updated flood maps for Pima County, urging local residents to prepare for an appeal period for the new mappings.* The Coast Guard’s operational capacity has been restored in Oceania, enhancing navigational support for mariners in the Western Pacific.* Winter weather advisories remain in effect across multiple states, with specific warnings for parts of New York and Michigan.Sources[USCG | https://www.news.uscg.mil/Press-Releases/Article/4378815/uscgc-hickory-arrives-in-guam-restoring-full-buoy-tender-capacity-in-oceania/][FEMA | https://www.fema.gov/press-release/20260112/fema-updates-flood-maps-pima-county][USGS | https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eventpage/nc75295231][USGS | https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eventpage/nc75295291][SF Chronicle | https://www.sfchronicle.com/california/article/earthquake-willits-mendocino-21248590.php][USCG | https://www.news.uscg.mil/Press-Releases/Article/4377704/coast-guard-interdicts-15-aliens-near-san-clemente-island/][NWS Northern Indiana | https://forecast.weather.gov/showsigwx.php?firewxzone=INZ103&product1=Winter+Storm+Warning][NWS South Bend page | https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=41.6769&lon=-86.269][NWS Gaylord | https://www.weather.gov/apx/][NWS Grand Rapids | https://www.weather.gov/grr/][NWS Albany | https://www.weather.gov/aly/winterheadlines][NWS Buffalo | https://www.weather.gov/buf/BUFHWOBUF] 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 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