The Emergency Management Network Podcast

• Emergency Responses to Catastrophic Weather Events in the Northwest

  The ongoing extreme atmospheric river has rendered Western Washington and northwestern Oregon in a state of emergency response. Despite a temporary easing of rainfall, the ramifications of major to catastrophic river flooding persist, with additional atmospheric rivers anticipated in the forthcoming week. FEMA’s operations continue to address evacuations, shelter provisions, and transportation disruptions in the affected regions. As we traverse various states, we note that Alaska grapples with blizzard conditions while other areas, such as New York, face significant lake effect snow. Throughout this episode, we remain vigilant in monitoring the evolving weather scenarios across the nation, emphasizing the need for preparedness and safety in light of these severe conditions.The recent EM Morning Brief delineates the ongoing challenges faced by Western Washington and northwestern Oregon as they grapple with the aftermath of an unprecedented atmospheric river event. The episode opens with a somber acknowledgment of the severe flooding that has afflicted these regions, emphasizing that while the immediate rainfall has subsided, the repercussions are far from over. The Weather Prediction Center has issued dire warnings regarding significant river flooding, which may persist for an extended period, compounded by the potential for additional atmospheric rivers in the forthcoming week. The episode articulates the crucial role of FEMA in orchestrating evacuations and providing shelter, underscoring the collaborative efforts in federal tribal coordination to mitigate the disaster’s impact.The discussion further elaborates on the broader meteorological landscape across the United States, with a particular focus on the Arctic air masses sweeping southward and the impending lake effect snow that threatens the Great Lakes region. Alaska is highlighted for its harsh conditions, including blizzard advisories and travel disruptions due to severe marine weather. The nuances of state-level responses are meticulously detailed, particularly California’s proactive measures in deploying Urban Search and Rescue Task Forces to assist in flood response operations in Washington. This segment of the episode encapsulates the interconnectedness of state responses to natural disasters, illustrating the importance of mutual aid systems in times of crisis.In addition to these primary themes, the episode touches upon localized weather phenomena affecting Idaho, Minnesota, and New York, where residents face their own sets of winter hazards and flood warnings. The narrative concludes with a call for vigilance and safety amidst the ongoing turmoil, reiterating the importance of staying informed through reliable channels. This comprehensive overview not only serves to inform but also to remind listeners of the resilience required in the face of nature’s formidable challenges.Takeaways:* The atmospheric river has significantly impacted Western Washington and northwestern Oregon, necessitating ongoing emergency responses. * FEMA is currently coordinating evacuations, opening shelters, and managing transportation disruptions in the affected regions. * Flood warnings remain in effect across Idaho, with specific rivers experiencing critical flooding conditions. * Minnesota has issued cold weather advisories due to dangerous wind chills and snow hazards expected this weekend. * In Oregon, river flooding continues, prompting the National Weather Service to maintain flood warnings and advisories for local communities. * Texas is experiencing dense fog conditions, impacting visibility and travel safety across the coastal region. Sources[NWS Fairbanks | https://www.weather.gov/afg/][Alaska Marine Highway—Service Notices | https://dot.alaska.gov/amhs/service_notices.shtml][Office of the Governor | https://www.gov.ca.gov/2025/12/11/governor-newsom-deploys-resources-as-atmospheric-river-causes-catastrophic-flooding-in-the-pacific-northwest/][NWS Spokane—Flood Warnings | https://forecast.weather.gov/showsigwx.php?lat=47.9744&lon=-116.3059&product1=Flood+Warning][Bonner County Daily Bee | https://bonnercountydailybee.com/news/2025/dec/12/flood-emergency-declared-in-shoshone-county-coeur-/][NWS Duluth—Hazards | https://www.weather.gov/dlh/][City of Libby—Boil Order (Dec. 11) | https://cityoflibby.com/][Montana Free Press | https://montanafreepress.org/2025/12/11/atmospheric-river-drives-flooding-in-northwest-montana/][NWS Buffalo—Lake-Effect Snow Warnings | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=buf&wwa=lake%20effect%20snow%20warning][Democrat & Chronicle | https://www.democratandchronicle.com/story/weather/2025/12/12/lake-effect-snow-warning-new-york-how-much-snow-totals-snowstorm-forecast/87730027007/][NWS Portland—Watches/Warnings | https://www.weather.gov/pqr/][The Astorian | https://www.dailyastorian.com/news/local/flood-warning-issued-for-highway-101-at-seaside/article_b5fd6266-1d0b-11ef-a72a-931dbd6c3e83.html][NWS Corpus Christi | https://www.weather.gov/crp/][Laredo Morning Times | https://www.lmtonline.com/local/article/weather-nws-fog-mist-visibility-hazardous-traffic-21237911.php][NWS Seattle—Watches/Warnings | https://www.weather.gov/sew/][Governor of Washington—Emergency Proclamation | https://governor.wa.gov/news/2025/washington-state-responds-severe-weather-emergency-proclamation-issued] 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

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• Statewide Emergency Declared as Flooding Escalates in Washington

  The current episode elucidates the dire situation unfolding in the Pacific Northwest, where a potent atmospheric river has instigated severe flooding, prompting the governor of Washington to declare a statewide emergency. As multiple rivers reach or exceed flood stage, the National Guard has been activated to assist in the response efforts. We explore the rapid rise of levee concerns, particularly in regions such as the Skagit, Snohomish, Chehalis, Cowlitz, and Puyallup basins, underscoring the critical need for residents to heed local evacuation guidance and avoid flooded roadways. Moreover, we discuss the implications of high wind warnings in southeastern Wyoming, where gusts have reached alarmingly high levels, resulting in hazardous driving conditions. This episode aims to provide an informed overview of the ongoing weather-related adversities, emphasizing the necessity for vigilance and preparedness in the face of such natural calamities.A persistent atmospheric river continues to exert its influence over the Pacific Northwest, leading to severe weather conditions characterized by intense precipitation and resultant flooding. The governor of Washington has declared a statewide emergency, which has necessitated the activation of the National Guard to assist in mitigating the impact of the flooding that affects multiple rivers, some of which are reaching or exceeding flood stage. Concerns regarding levee integrity remain paramount, particularly in the Skagit, Snohomish, Chehalis, Cowlitz, and Puyallup basins, where swift rises in water levels pose a significant risk to the surrounding communities. Residents are urged to exercise caution, avoiding flooded roadways and adhering to local evacuation directives as the situation develops. As we navigate through this precarious weather event, the Weather Prediction Center has issued warnings for elevated rainfall risks across western Washington and northwest Oregon, with the potential for additional precipitation persisting into the weekend, thereby exacerbating the already critical conditions.Takeaways:* The Pacific Northwest is currently experiencing severe weather conditions due to a powerful atmospheric river. * Governor of Washington has declared a statewide emergency, activating the National Guard for flood response. * Residents are advised to avoid flooded roads and adhere to local evacuation guidance promptly. * Wyoming is facing significant wind hazards, resulting in the closure of major highway segments. * Alaska has established a Bethel Assistance Hub to aid survivors from the recent West Coast storm. * New York continues to experience winter storm warnings due to lake effect snow and hazardous travel conditions. Sources[FEMA | https://www.fema.gov/press-release/20251210/bethel-assistance-hub-opens-dec-11-support-alaskans][NWS Anchorage | https://www.weather.gov/afc][NWS Buffalo WSW | https://www.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=buf&wwa=all][NWS Fort Drum/Watertown Hazard Page | https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=43.972377&lon=-75.911254][NWS Portland Flood Statements | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=pqr&wwa=flood%20warning][PBOT Travel Advisory | https://www.portland.gov/transportation/news/2025/12/8/travel-advisory-heavy-rains-monday-night-through-wednesday-and][ODOT TripCheck | https://www.tripcheck.com/DynamicReports/Report/RoadConditions/0][Governor WA News Release | https://governor.wa.gov/news/news-releases][Proclamation (PDF) | https://governor.wa.gov/sites/default/files/proclamations/25-07%20-%20Atmospheric%20River.pdf][NWS Seattle Flood Warnings | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=sew&wwa=flood+warning][WPC ERO | https://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/qpf/excessive_rainfall_outlook_ero.php][AP | https://apnews.com/article/28344ef2f138633444ab247b91c4e4f4][NWS Cheyenne High Wind Warnings | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=cys&wwa=high+wind+warning][WYDOT I-80 | https://www.wyoroad.info/pls/Browse/WRR.RoutesResults?SelectedRoute=I80][WYDOT I-25 | https://www.wyoroad.info/pls/Browse/WRR.RoutesResults?SelectedRoute=I25] 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

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• Impending Storms: Pacific Flooding and Midwest Snow

  A potent Pacific atmospheric river is currently inundating Washington and Oregon, resulting in significant urban and river flooding. The episode elucidates the ongoing flood warnings affecting several rivers in these regions, while simultaneously addressing a rapidly advancing winter storm traversing the upper Midwest and Great Lakes. This storm is anticipated to produce bursts of snow, pockets of freezing rain, and robust winds, thereby complicating travel and potentially causing localized power outages. Moreover, Southeast Alaska is grappling with perilous wind chills under cold weather advisories, as the National Hurricane Center confirms a lack of active cyclones in both the Atlantic and Eastern Pacific during this off-season. Throughout the discussion, we emphasize the necessity for vigilance and preparedness in the face of these severe weather conditions.Takeaways:* The Pacific atmospheric river continues to cause significant urban and river flooding in Washington and Oregon, necessitating urgent caution. * Multiple regions are under flood warnings due to saturated soils and strong winds, which pose risks of falling trees and power outages. * Severe winter storms are affecting the Midwest and Northeast, leading to hazardous travel conditions and potential power disruptions due to ice and snow. * In Alaska, dangerously cold temperatures persist, bringing about severe wind chill advisories that require vigilance and preparedness. * California’s Bay Area is experiencing notable coastal hazards, including strong currents and high breaking waves, prompting advisories for beachgoers. * Oregon remains under flood watch as continuous heavy rain leads to rising river levels and associated dangers in the region. Sources[NWS — Cold Weather Advisory product summary | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=usa&wwa=Cold+Weather+Advisory][NWS Fairbanks discussion portal | https://www.weather.gov/afg/AOD][NWS San Francisco/Monterey — hazards page | https://www.weather.gov/mtr/][NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard — hazards page | https://www.weather.gov/lox/][NWS Honolulu Surf Forecast — issued today | https://www.weather.gov/hfo/SRF][Kauaʻi Now News advisory write-up | https://kauainownews.com/2025/12/10/moderate-swells-trigger-high-surf-advisory-for-north-west-shores-of-kauai-niihau/][NWS Caribou — office hazards page | https://www.weather.gov/car/][NWS point forecast—Caribou with advisory timing | https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?textField1=46.8668&textField2=-67.9906][NWS Gaylord—WWA text | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=grr&wwa=winter+weather+advisory][Big Rapids News roundup | https://www.bigrapidsnews.com/news/article/michigan-winter-weather-advisories-december-9-21233133.php][MPR News school delays/commute impacts | https://www.mprnews.org/story/2025/12/09/winter-storm-forecast-snow-freezing-rain-strong-winds][NWS Duluth office portal | https://www.weather.gov/dlh/][NWS Billings—Absaroka/Beartooth WSW | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=mso&wwa=winter+storm+warning][NWS Great Falls/Missoula advisory summary | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=mso&wwa=winter+weather+advisory][NWS Binghamton—Northern Oneida WSW | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=bgm&wwa=winter%20storm%20warning][Adirondack Daily Enterprise—travel impacts today | https://www.adirondackdailyenterprise.com/news/local-news/2025/12/tricky-travel-today/][NWS Bismarck—hazards page | https://www.weather.gov/bis/][InForum statewide travel impacts | https://www.inforum.com/news/north-dakota/high-winds-snow-freezing-rain-create-hazardous-driving-across-north-dakota][NWS Portland—hazards page showing Flood Warnings | https://www.weather.gov/pqr/][OPB recap of flooding/landslides | https://www.opb.org/article/2025/12/10/weather-pacific-northwest-storms-flooding-landslides/][NWS Burlington—office hazards | https://www.weather.gov/btv/][NWS Burlington recreational forecast/advisory timing | https://www.weather.gov/btv/recreation][NWS Seattle—hazards page showing Flood Warnings | https://www.weather.gov/sew/][AP regional recap including rescues and outages | https://apnews.com/article/8eb0a0bbfa34a5b542c727fefed668a4][NWS Wisconsin WWA summary page (selected zones) | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=mkx&wwa=winter%20storm%20warning][NWS Riverton—WSW text (Yellowstone/Absaroka/Teton) | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=riw&wwa=winter+storm+warning][LocalNews8 alert mirror of NWS product | https://localnews8.com/weather/alerts-weather/2025/12/10/winter-storm-warning-issued-december-10-at-337am-mst-until-december-10-at-500pm-mst-by-nws-riverton-wy/] 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

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• Navigating Severe Weather: Essential Updates for the Northern States

  The episode elucidates the current atmospheric conditions affecting various regions of the United States, particularly highlighting the ongoing Pacific atmospheric river that is inundating Washington and Oregon. The National Weather Service has issued multiple flood warnings, including a flood watch for the Seattle Metro area, which is expected to persist through Friday. Concurrently, a winter storm is advancing through the Northern Plains, bringing significant snowfall and hazardous conditions that may lead to treacherous travel. Additionally, damaging winds are impacting South Central regions, compounding the challenges faced by restoration efforts in areas previously affected by severe weather. As we navigate these multifaceted weather phenomena, I urge all listeners to exercise caution and remain informed about local conditions.Takeaways:* The Pacific atmospheric river is significantly impacting Washington and Oregon, leading to multiple flood warnings. * Residents are urged to avoid flooded roads and remain vigilant for potential landslides in steep areas. * A fast-moving winter storm is expected to bring severe weather conditions across parts of the Midwest. * High winds are causing additional challenges in South Central Alaska, with ongoing power restoration efforts indicated. * Winter storm warnings are in effect for several states, including Minnesota and Michigan, with substantial snowfall predicted. * Ongoing flooding concerns persist in western Washington as river flood warnings remain active through Friday. Sources[NWS Mat-Su High Wind Warning | https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=61.5814&lon=-149.4410][Anchorage Daily News | https://www.adn.com/alaska-news/mat-su/2025/12/08/mat-su-residents-many-still-without-power-brace-for-another-day-of-wind/][NWS Gaylord WSW (W. Mackinac) | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=mqt&wwa=winter+storm+warning][Detroit Free Press roundup | https://www.freep.com/story/weather/2025/12/08/michigan-snow-rain-winter-storm-warning-doppler-radar/87670899007/][NWS Twin Cities WSW | https://forecast.weather.gov/product.php?site=MPX&issuedby=MPX&product=WSW][MPR News forecast | https://www.mprnews.org/story/2025/12/09/latest-winter-storm-to-bring-a-wintry-mix-and-heavy-snow][NWS MT advisories/warnings (statewide excerpts) | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=byz&wwa=winter+weather+advisory][NBC Montana forecast update | https://nbcmontana.com/weather/forecasts/cold-front-to-bring-increasing-wind-atmospheric-river-continue-through-thursday][NWS Bismarck/Grand Forks hazard pages | https://www.weather.gov/bis/; https://www.weather.gov/fgf/][Valley News Live First Alert | https://www.valleynewslive.com/2025/12/08/first-alert-tuesdays-winter-storm-brings-mix-snow-wind/?outputType=amp][NWS Portland hazards | https://www.weather.gov/pqr/][OPB regional flood watch coverage | https://www.opb.org/article/2025/12/08/weather-oregon-wahington-atmospheric-river-rain-flooding/][NWS Flood Warnings text (Seattle) | https://a.atmos.washington.edu/data/warning_report.WWA.html][KIRO-7 roundup | https://www.kiro7.com/news/local/heres-where-expect-rising-rivers-strong-atmospheric-river-comes-washington/QDZWK3R2DVGQ5EZWXSAMMLZE4Q/][NWS Twin Cities WSW (NW WI counties) | https://forecast.weather.gov/product.php?site=MPX&issuedby=MPX&product=WSW][Wausau Pilot & Review update | https://wausaupilotandreview.com/2025/12/09/winter-storm-warning-issued-for-central-wisconsin-as-heavy-snow-bitter-cold-loom/][NWS Riverton WSW (Yellowstone/Absaroka) | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=usa&wwa=winter+storm+warning][WYDOT 511 road conditions (I-80 district example) | https://www.wyoroad.info/pls/Browse/WRR.STATIC5?SelectedDistrict=1] 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

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• Antifragile Emergency Managers

  Show Notes: Antifragile Emergency ManagersEpisode SummaryIn this episode of the Emergency Management Network Podcast, we explore what it truly means to be an antifragile emergency manager—a practitioner who doesn’t just withstand disruption, but grows stronger because of it. Drawing on Nassim Nicholas Taleb’s concept of antifragility, the conversation moves beyond resilience and robustness to examine how uncertainty, stress, failure, and volatility can become sources of learning and professional growth in emergency management.Rather than chasing the illusion of control or perfect plans, antifragile emergency managers cultivate adaptive thinking, decentralized decision-making, strong relationships, and the humility to learn in real time. From chaotic incidents to political pressure, from after-action reports to lived experience, this episode challenges the field to rethink what “good leadership” really looks like in an increasingly complex risk environment.This is a conversation about mindset, culture, and leadership—not checklists.Topics Covered* Resilience vs. Antifragility: why “bouncing back” isn’t enough in modern emergency management* Stress as a Teacher: using disruption, mistakes, and friction to sharpen judgment* Decentralized Leadership: empowering teams instead of over-controlling outcomes* Planning for Uncertainty: why flexible frameworks outperform rigid plans* Failure and After-Action Learning: turning lessons observed into lessons applied* Psychological Safety and Trust: creating organizations that can adapt under pressure* Leadership Amid Ambiguity: decision-making when information is incomplete and stakes are high* How emergency managers can become antifragile—personally and institutionallyKey TakeawayEmergency management is not about eliminating chaos—it’s about learning how to operate within it. Antifragile emergency managers don’t fear disruption; they use it to become sharper, wiser, and better prepared for whatever comes next.Recommended Reading & Influences* Nassim Nicholas Taleb – Antifragile* Craig Fugate – Leadership in complex disasters* Stanley McChrystal – Team of Teams* General Jim Mattis – Leadership and discipline under uncertainty 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

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