The Emergency Management Network Podcast

A powerful winter storm is currently impacting the upper Midwest and Great Lakes, resulting in blizzard conditions that pose significant hazards to travel and safety. As we delve into this episode, we will explore the ongoing weather events, including whiteouts and scattered power outages affecting regions from Northern Michigan to parts of Minnesota. Additionally, we will discuss the gale force winds and rough seas prevalent along the Texas and Louisiana coasts, which are exacerbated by a strong post-frontal surge. Our analysis will also cover the recent earthquake detected near Susanville, California, and the resultant advisories in effect for wind and marine conditions along the Pacific Coast. We remain vigilant in monitoring these weather developments and their implications for the affected areas.Takeaways:* A significant winter storm currently impacts the upper Midwest and Great Lakes regions.* Travel conditions remain perilous due to ongoing winter storm warnings and advisories.* Gale force winds are creating hazardous marine conditions along the Texas and Louisiana coasts.* Northern Michigan is experiencing heavy snowfall and dangerously low visibility due to the storm.* Blizzard warnings are in effect for parts of Minnesota, with dangerously low wind chill factors.* Earthquake activity was noted in Northern California, though no major damage has been reported.Sources[USGS Latest Earthquakes | https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/map/][NWS Los Angeles AFD | https://forecast.weather.gov/product.php?issuedby=LOX&product=AFD&site=LOX&version=1][NWS San Diego | https://www.weather.gov/sgx/][SFGATE | https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/magnitude-4-7-earthquake-strikes-outside-21265540.php][NHC Tropical Weather Discussion — Gulf gale | https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/text/MIATWDAT.shtml][NWS Lake Charles Marine WWA | https://www.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=hgx&wwa=all][NWS Marquette DSS Packet | https://www.weather.gov/media/mqt/DssPacket.pdf][NWS Gaylord DSS Packet | https://www.weather.gov/media/apx/DssPacket.pdf][NWS Twin Cities — Warnings | https://www.weather.gov/mpx/][NWS Minneapolis MapClick (Minneapolis) | https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?textField1=44.9618&textField2=-93.2668][NWS WWA Summary — Winter Weather Advisory (Monroe County) | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=usa&wwa=winter+weather+advisory][NWS Bismarck | https://www.weather.gov/bis/][NWS Grand Forks WWA text | https://www.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=bis&wwa=all][NWS Houston/Galveston Marine | https://www.weather.gov/hgx/][NWS Marine Zone — Galveston Bay | https://forecast.weather.gov/product.php?issuedby=HGX&product=CWF&site=NWS][NWS Lake Charles Marine WWA (TX/LA waters) | https://www.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=hgx&wwa=all][NWS Austin/San Antonio Fire Danger Statement | https://www.weather.gov/ewx/] 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 affecting the Inland Northwest and the Pacific Northwest, characterized by strong winds capable of causing significant damage. We elucidate the National Weather Service’s warnings regarding gusts that may lead to the downing of trees and power lines, thereby creating hazardous travel conditions, particularly for high-profile vehicles. Furthermore, we advise individuals residing in the affected areas to secure loose outdoor items and to prepare for potential power outages while exercising heightened caution on exposed roads. Additionally, we provide a brief overview of the routine seismic activity recorded by the US Geological Survey, noting the occurrence of small earthquakes across various regions, including Southern California. In our concluding remarks, we remind our audience to remain vigilant and prioritize safety amidst these challenging weather circumstances.Takeaways:* The National Weather Service has issued warnings for strong winds across the Inland Northwest and Pacific Northwest.* Residents in affected areas should secure loose outdoor items and prepare for potential power outages.* Small earthquakes have been routinely recorded in Southern California and other regions in the west.* High wind warnings in Oregon indicate gusts that can cause significant travel hazards for high profile vehicles.* Winter weather advisories in North Central Washington may impact morning commutes due to accumulating snow.* Overall, no significant updates were reported from other states in the last 24 hours.Sources[USGS Latest Earthquakes | https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/map/][NWS Watches/Warnings text | https://www.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=otx&wwa=all][NWS Watches/Warnings text | https://www.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=otx&wwa=all][NWS Portland forecast office update | https://www.weather.gov/pqr/][NWS Watches/Warnings text | https://www.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=otx&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

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