The Emergency Management Network Podcast

Navigating Dual Disasters: Ice Storms and Immigration in Emergency ManagementIn this episode of the EMN Podcast, the hosts explore the convergence of philosophy, disaster management, and uncomfortable truths within the emergency management profession.
The discussion begins with a light-hearted joke, but quickly shifts to serious topics: the impact of ice storms in the Southeast and the political complexities around immigration enforcement in Minnesota.
The hosts delve into the challenges emergency managers face in delivering services during crises, the importance of effective communication and collaboration, and the necessity of preparedness, mitigation, and recovery efforts.
They stress the critical need for emergency managers to advocate for themselves, educate their communities, and navigate the political landscape to implement effective policies and procedures.
The conversation also addresses the need for greater visibility into emergency management roles and the importance of proactive versus reactive measures to mitigate disasters.00:00 Introduction to the EMN Podcast00:58 Emergency Management and Ice Storms02:18 Challenges in Response and Recovery03:39 Preparedness and Mitigation Efforts07:03 Community Services and Messaging11:41 Policy Failures and Political Challenges22:19 Advocating for Emergency Management28:04 Conclusion and Final Thoughts



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Today, we delve into the pressing weather conditions and their potential implications for various regions across the United States. Our primary focus is on the lingering impacts of winter storms and the severe cold affecting the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic, while California grapples with localized marine advisories and air quality alerts. We shall explore the ongoing public protests linked to recent events, particularly highlighting the ramifications of anti-ice demonstrations in cities such as Minneapolis and Portland. Furthermore, we will address the hazardous commuting conditions posed by dense fog in the Central Valley and the continuing concerns surrounding black ice in North Carolina. As we navigate through these critical updates, our commitment to providing accurate and timely information remains paramount.
Takeaways:
* The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reports ongoing winter storm impacts across the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic regions.
* Residents in California are advised to be aware of localized marine advisories and air quality alerts due to environmental conditions.
* Protests related to anti-ice measures were widespread, potentially affecting travel and operations in various cities throughout the country.
* Minnesota is experiencing potential downtown delays due to intermittent protest activities following recent demonstrations in the state.
* Public safety communications may be impacted by a recent strong solar flare, necessitating monitoring for radio blackouts.
* North Carolina continues its post-storm recovery efforts, with hazardous conditions remaining on untreated roads due to black ice.
Sources
[NWS LOX | https://www.weather.gov/lox/]
[NWS Hanford | https://www.weather.gov/hnx/]
[NWS Marine (MTR/LOX) | https://www.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=mtr&wwa=all]
[LA Times (context) | https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2026-01-29/anti-ice-national-shutdown-protests-planned-in-la-county-heres-where]
[Reuters | https://www.reuters.com/world/us/nationwide-protests-walkouts-planned-over-fatal-ice-shootings-minneapolis-2026-01-30/]
[CBS Minnesota | https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/live-updates/nationwide-strike-ice-protest-operation-metro-surge-minnesota-don-lemon-arrested/]
[DHS NTAS | https://www.dhs.gov/national-terrorism-advisory-system]
[Washington Post | https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2026/02/02/ice-protest-apartment-tenants-caught/]
[Washington Post | https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2026/02/02/ice-protest-apartment-tenants-caught/]
[NWS Wilmington | https://www.weather.gov/media/ilm/DssPacket.pdf]
[NWS Charleston | https://www.weather.gov/chs/Jan31-Feb01-2026WinterStorm]


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The imminent winter storm developing off the Carolina coast is poised to deliver heavy snowfall and high winds, impacting regions from the Southern Appalachians through the Mid-Atlantic and into southern New England. As we traverse the breadth of the United States, we observe extreme cold conditions manifesting in South Florida, where officials have issued freeze warnings, and hazardous coastal impacts are anticipated. The National Flood Insurance Program is on the verge of expiration, necessitating vigilance for those reliant on its provisions. Our examination of the weather forecasts reveals a tapestry of conditions, with snow and wind warnings extending from the Midwest to the Northeastern states, ensuring widespread travel hazards. We conclude with a reminder to remain informed and prepared as these conditions evolve, prioritizing safety throughout the weekend ahead.
Takeaways:
* The weather forecast indicates a developing winter storm along the Carolina coast, bringing significant snow and high winds.
* Florida is expected to experience a rare cold snap, with extreme cold freeze watches issued.
* Heavy snow and coastal flooding risks are anticipated in the Mid Atlantic region due to an approaching storm.
* Travel conditions are likely to be hazardous due to heavy snow and wind across several states this weekend.
* Significant cold weather impacts are expected in the Southeastern regions with snow and low temperatures.
* The National Flood Insurance Program is set to expire today, urging those reliant on it to be vigilant.
Sources
[NWS Fairbanks AFD | https://forecast.weather.gov/product.php?format=ci&glossary=1&issuedby=AFG&product=AFD&site=NWS&version=1]
[USGS | https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eventpage/us6000s5du]
[NWS OKX Briefing — updated this morning | https://www.weather.gov/media/okx/briefing.pdf]
[NWS Mount Holly Briefing — updated this morning | https://www.weather.gov/media/phi/current_briefing.pdf]
[NWS Miami AFD — 6:57 AM EST | https://forecast.weather.gov/product.php?format=CI&glossary=0&highlight=off&issuedby=MFL&product=AFD&site=NWS&version=1]
[NWS — Extreme Cold/Freeze Watches | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=MFL&wwa=extreme+cold+watch]
[AP overview | https://apnews.com/article/8a4498e73dcda031f94ca0bb6ac5489c]
[NWS GSP Briefing — 4:46 PM EST Jan 29 | https://www.weather.gov/media/gsp/YouTube/brief.pdf]
[NWS FFC Special Briefing — Jan 23 context | https://www.weather.gov/media/ffc/Briefings/January_2026_SpecialBriefing_01232026.pdf]
[NWS Honolulu Surf Zone Forecast — issued Thu night HST | https://www.weather.gov/hfo/SRF]
[NWS Chicago DSS Packet — 4:00 AM CST Jan 30 | https://www.weather.gov/media/lot/DssPacket.pdf]
[NBC Chicago context — this morning | https://www.nbcchicago.com/weather/winter-storm-watches-warnings-and-advisories-issued-for-chicago-area-with-days-long-period-of-lake-effect-snow/3883652/]
[NWS Chicago DSS Packet — 4:00 AM CST Jan 30 | https://www.weather.gov/media/lot/DssPacket.pdf]
[NWS Gray/Portland — page updated ~7:00 AM EST | https://www.weather.gov/gyx/]
[NWS LWX — page updated ~7:20 AM EST | https://www.weather.gov/lwx/]
[NWS Boston/Norton — current hazards page | https://www.weather.gov/box/]
[NWS Mount Holly Briefing — updated this morning | https://www.weather.gov/media/phi/current_briefing.pdf]
[NWS OKX Briefing — updated this morning | https://www.weather.gov/media/okx/briefing.pdf]
[NWS Raleigh Briefing — today | https://www.weather.gov/media/rah/briefing/NWSRaleighLatestBriefing.pdf]
[NWS Morehead City Briefing — today | https://www.weather.gov/media/mhx/LatestBriefing.pdf]
[NWS Mount Holly Briefing — updated this morning | https://www.weather.gov/media/phi/current_briefing.pdf]
[NWS GSP Briefing — 4:46 PM EST Jan 29 | https://www.weather.gov/media/gsp/YouTube/brief.pdf]
[NWS Nashville SitRep — 12:53 PM CST Jan 29 | https://www.weather.gov/media/ohx/briefing/SitRep.pdf]
[TEMA update — updated Jan 28, ongoing ops | https://www.tn.gov/tema/updates/2026-disasters/january-2026-winter-weather.html]
[NWS Wakefield Full Briefing — 3:45 PM EST Jan 29 | https://www.weather.gov/akq/brief]


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The forthcoming winter storm is poised to impact the Southern Appalachians, Carolinas, and the southern Mid Atlantic from Friday through Sunday, as highlighted by the Weather Prediction Center, which emphasizes the potential for heavy snowfall and perilous cold conditions. As the storm’s trajectory becomes clearer, the Winter Storm Severity Index indicates increasing moderate impacts across the Southeast and Mid Atlantic regions, necessitating vigilance from maritime interests. Various National Weather Service offices have issued winter storm watches, particularly for areas in Georgia, North Carolina, and Virginia, where significant snowfall and hazardous wind chills are anticipated. Additionally, FEMA is actively supporting Louisiana’s state-led response to recent severe winter conditions by mobilizing essential resources. As we delve into this episode, we underscore the importance of preparedness and safety amidst these inclement weather developments.
Takeaways:
* A significant winter storm is forecasted to impact the Southern Appalachians and Carolinas from Friday through Sunday, prompting heavy snowfall and dangerous cold conditions.
* The National Weather Service has issued winter storm watches for multiple states, indicating potential hazardous weather conditions on the roads this weekend.
* Emergency management agencies are coordinating responses to severe winter weather, providing essential supplies such as generators, food, and medical support to affected regions.
* Forecasters express increased confidence in significant snowfall and subzero wind chills throughout the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic regions this weekend.
* It is imperative for federal, state, and local partners to verify the remediation status of newly identified vulnerabilities to ensure cybersecurity preparedness.
* As temperatures plummet, citizens are advised to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to safeguard against extreme cold and hazardous travel conditions.
Sources
[WPC | https://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/index.shtml]
[NWS WSSI | https://www.weather.gov/wssi/]
[NHC | https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/]
[CISA KEV (added Jan. 27) | https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog]
[NWS Atlanta/Peachtree City | https://www.weather.gov/ffc/]
[NWS Atlanta Hazardous Weather Outlook | https://www.weather.gov/ffc/hwo]
[FEMA press release | https://www.fema.gov/press-release/20260129/fema-and-federal-partners-supporting-louisianas-state-led-response-severe]
[NWS Raleigh homepage | https://www.weather.gov/rah]
[NWS Raleigh text products — WSW/NPW updates | https://www.weather.gov/rah/textproducts]
[NWS Bismarck Winter Briefing Page | https://www.weather.gov/bis/ND_winter_page]
[NWS Greenville-Spartanburg | https://www.weather.gov/gsp/]
[NWS Morristown WWA text | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=MRX&wwa=winter+storm+watch]
[NWS Wakefield Briefing | https://www.weather.gov/akq/brief]
[NWS Morristown WWA text | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=MRX&wwa=winter+storm+watch]
[NWS Charleston WV Briefing | https://www.weather.gov/rlx/briefing]


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The salient point of our discussion revolves around the dangerous cold that continues to grip the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions, as the National Weather Service has issued extended cold advisories and forecasts a potential coastal storm this weekend, which may exacerbate conditions leading to coastal flooding. We delve into the complexities faced by mariners in New Jersey, where freezing spray and developing ice create significant navigation challenges in the Delaware Bay. Additionally, we highlight the ongoing power restoration efforts in various states, addressing the impact of severe weather conditions from Texas to Tennessee. The episode also emphasizes the critical situation in New York City, where enhanced cold weather measures are in place following tragic fatalities linked to the extreme cold. We urge our listeners to stay informed and safe amidst these hazardous conditions, as we navigate through the latest updates and advice from local authorities.
Takeaways:
* The National Weather Service has issued cold advisories due to dangerously low temperatures in the Mid Atlantic and Northeast regions.
* Mariners are facing significant challenges due to freezing spray and ice in the Delaware Bay, complicating navigation efforts.
* Power restoration efforts are ongoing across multiple states, with a focus on areas affected by ice and snow.
* Winter storm warnings remain in effect for specific counties in Michigan, highlighting the severity of lake effect snow and blizzard conditions.
* The upcoming weekend may bring a coastal storm, increasing the risk of coastal flooding and hazardous winds along the full moon tide cycle.
* Local officials in New York City report increased cold weather measures and expanded shelter options due to fatalities during the cold snap.
Sources
[NWS | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=usa&wwa=winter+storm+warning]
[NWS | https://www.weather.gov/media/phi/current_briefing.pdf]
[NWS | https://forecast.weather.gov/product.php?format=ci&glossary=0&highlight=off&issuedby=FFC&product=AFD&site=NWS&version=1]
[NWS | https://forecast.weather.gov/product.php?format=ci&glossary=0&highlight=off&issuedby=FFC&product=AFD&site=NWS&version=1]
[Action News 5 | https://www.actionnews5.com/2026/01/28/national-guard-delivers-emergency-supplies-northern-mississippi/]
[USACE | https://www.usace.army.mil/Media/News/Article/4391250/usace-repositions-emergency-power-team-to-support-mississippi-after-storm/]
[NWS | https://www.weather.gov/media/phi/current_briefing.pdf]
[FOX5 NY | https://www.fox5ny.com/news/mamdani-nyc-cold-winter-weather-code-blue]
[NWS | https://www.weather.gov/media/phi/current_briefing.pdf]
[Nashville OEM | https://www.nashville.gov/departments/emergency-management/news/january-27-winter-weather-update]
[WZTV FOX 17 | https://fox17.com/news/local/nashville-power-outages-nes-electric-services-drop-to-108000-customers-days-after-ice-storm-wednesday-january-28-2026]
[KLTV | https://www.kltv.com/2026/01/28/over-15000-remain-without-power-east-texas-following-winter-storm/]
[TxDOT | https://www.txdot.gov/about/newsroom/stories/txdot-asking-drivers-to-stay-home-during-winter-storm.html]


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