The Emergency Management Network Podcast

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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The ongoing perilous cold wave remains the central focus of our discussion today, as it continues to affect regions from the Plains to the eastern coastline of the United States. With extreme cold warnings and advisories being issued by the National Weather Service, we anticipate wind chills plummeting well below zero in numerous areas, contributing to hazardous travel conditions due to lingering ice. Furthermore, the situation is exacerbated by a significant number of power outages, impacting over half a million customers, while officials have tragically attributed multiple fatalities to the inclement weather. Our analysis will extend to various states, highlighting specific warnings such as winter storm advisories in Alaska and freeze warnings in Florida, underscoring the pervasive nature of this cold snap. As we navigate through these grim weather updates, we remain committed to providing situational awareness and safety recommendations for our listeners.
Takeaways:
* The ongoing cold wave is affecting vast regions from the Plains to the east coast, prompting various weather warnings.
* With extreme cold conditions, wind chills are anticipated to plunge well below zero in several areas.
* The winter storm has caused widespread power outages, leaving over half a million customers without electricity.
* In Florida, Arctic air is leading to freeze warnings and significant cold weather advisories throughout the state.
* Travel conditions remain perilous in Texas due to black ice and persistent slick spots on untreated roads.
* Numerous earthquakes have been reported in the United States, but there have been no significant damaging events recently.
Sources
[NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard — Hazards page | https://www.weather.gov/lox/]
[NWS Jacksonville — Hazards | https://www.weather.gov/jax/]
[NWS Tampa Bay/Ruskin — Freeze & Marine updates | https://www.weather.gov/tbw/]
[NWS Melbourne — Cold Weather Advisory & marine | https://www.weather.gov/mlb/]
[NWS Cleveland DSS Packet — 4:37 a.m. EST Jan 27 | https://www.weather.gov/media/cle/DssPacket.pdf]
[WNEP — Coxton Road avalanche coverage (updated within 24h) | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/luzerne-county/large-amount-of-snow-falls-onto-roadway-in-duryea-luzerne-county/523-b92f34cc-2c09-4677-91db-0cdcead74ef9]
[NWS — Cold/Extreme Cold advisories summary | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=usa&wwa=Cold+Weather+Advisory]
[NWS Fort Worth — hazards & travel impacts | https://www.weather.gov/fwd/]
[NWS Austin/San Antonio — Extreme Cold Warning | https://www.weather.gov/ewx/]
[TDEM — Jan 25 official update (ongoing incident) | https://www.tdem.texas.gov/press-release/1-25-26]


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Snowstorms, Emergency Management, and Infrastructure ChallengesIn this episode of the EMN Podcast, the hosts discuss the impact of extreme weather on infrastructure and emergency management.
They share personal anecdotes about severe snowstorms and explore how different regions prepare for and cope with such events.
The conversation touches on the challenges faced by emergency managers, the importance of proper funding and training, and the consequences of complacency in disaster preparedness.
The discussion also delves into the role of FEMA and the need for restructuring to enhance efficiency and response capabilities.
Join the conversation as they dissect these critical issues and advocate for better preparedness and resources in emergency management.00:00 Introduction to the EMN Podcast00:36 Personal Anecdotes and Weather Challenges02:32 Emergency Management and Infrastructure Issues03:47 Preparedness and Complacency08:54 Challenges in Emergency Management17:25 Operational Tales and Listener Engagement18:49 FEMA and Organizational Challenges23:11 Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts
The hosts, Daniel and Todd, delve into the failures of infrastructure and emergency management in places like Buffalo, New York, and Texas, emphasizing the challenges posed by unexpected severe weather and the need for better preparedness. They discuss the importance of proper funding, staffing, and training for emergency managers while highlighting the issue of complacency and the necessity for more robust disaster preparedness plans. Additionally, the episode touches on the role and efficacy of FEMA, addressing recent controversies around potential layoffs and advocating for necessary restructuring and funding to enhance its effectiveness. The hosts invite listeners to contribute their own experiences and stories related to emergency management.


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The primary focus of this podcast episode is the extensive and debilitating winter storm that is currently affecting much of the central and eastern United States, resulting in severe weather conditions characterized by heavy snowfall, dangerous ice, and frigid temperatures. The National Weather Service has issued winter storm warnings spanning from the mid-south to New England, cautioning against travel in the most severely impacted areas due to hazardous conditions and low visibility. Moreover, widespread power outages have been reported, complicating recovery efforts, particularly in sub-zero temperatures. Air travel has also been significantly disrupted, with thousands of cancellations occurring since the onset of the storm. We will continue to monitor the evolving situation and provide updates regarding restoration efforts and road conditions as they develop throughout the day.
Takeaways:
* A substantial winter storm continues to wreak havoc across the central and eastern United States, resulting in significant snowfall, ice, and dangerously low temperatures that pose serious challenges to residents.
* The National Weather Service has issued widespread winter storm warnings, indicating that travel conditions may be extremely hazardous, particularly in the most severely affected regions of the country.
* Power outages remain a pressing concern, affecting hundreds of thousands of individuals, with restoration efforts hindered by persistently frigid temperatures.
* Air travel has experienced considerable disruption, with thousands of flight cancellations reported since the onset of the winter storm, leading to considerable inconvenience for travelers.
* Residents in numerous states have been urged to refrain from unnecessary travel due to icy conditions and ongoing winter storm warnings, prioritizing their safety and well-being.
* Emergency declarations have been made in various states, highlighting the seriousness of the weather impacts and the need for coordinated response efforts to assist affected communities.
Sources
[NWS New York/OKX | https://www.weather.gov/okx/]
[GEMA/HS update (Jan. 24, ongoing incident) | https://gema.georgia.gov/winter-storm-124-125]
[Axios Atlanta | https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/01/25/winter-storm-ferm-ice-power-outage-georgia]
[NWS Gray/Portland (GYX) | https://www.weather.gov/gyx/winter]
[NWS GYX Winter Storm Warning example | https://www.weather.gov/alerts?tz=America/New_York&wfo=GYX]
[NWS Baltimore/Washington (LWX) | https://www.weather.gov/lwx/weatherstory]
[NWS Boston/BOX | https://www.weather.gov/box/winter]
[MSEMA | https://www.msema.org/news/president-approves-emergency-declaration-ice-storm-damage-mississippi]
[NWS Jackson (JAN) | https://www.weather.gov/jan/]
[NWS Gray/Portland (GYX) | https://www.weather.gov/gyx/winter]
[NWS Philadelphia/Mt. Holly (PHI) | https://www.weather.gov/phi/]
[Office of Governor Hochul | https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-updates-new-yorkers-state-response-massive-winter-storm-impacting-state]
[NWS New York/OKX | https://www.weather.gov/okx/]
[NC Department of Public Safety/NCEM | https://www.ncdps.gov/news/press-release]
[WBTV (outage update) | https://www.wbtv.com/2026/01/26/37000-duke-energy-customers-carolinas-without-power-wake-winter-storm/]
[NWS Philadelphia/Mt. Holly (PHI) | https://www.weather.gov/phi/]
[NWS Boston/BOX | https://www.weather.gov/box/winter]
[Metro Nashville OEM | https://www.nashville.gov/departments/emergency-management/news/january-25th-winter-weather-evening-update]
[NWS Nashville/OHX | https://www.weather.gov/ohx/]
[Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) | https://www.tdem.texas.gov/press-release/1-25-26]
[NWS Fort Worth (FWD) | https://www.weather.gov/fwd/]
[NWS Burlington/BTV | https://www.weather.gov/btv/stormtotalsnow]
[NWS Baltimore/Washington (LWX) | https://www.weather.gov/lwx/weatherstory]


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