The Emergency Management Network Podcast

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

The salient point of this morning’s briefing is the significant winter weather and river flooding affecting various regions across the United States. As we delve into the current meteorological conditions, we note that the National Weather Service has issued warnings for heavy snow in interior Maine, while the Skokomish River in Washington faces a flood warning due to moderate flooding. It is imperative for individuals traversing the impacted corridors to remain vigilant for sudden whiteouts and to heed local wind advisories, particularly in areas prone to hazardous driving conditions. Additionally, we observe that coastal systems are gradually moving out of New England, yet challenges persist in the form of lake effect snow and ongoing winter advisories in multiple states. We shall continue to monitor these developments and provide updates as necessary to ensure public safety. The discourse presented unfolds with a comprehensive overview of the meteorological phenomena affecting various regions of the United States as of January 12, 2026. The session commences with an alert regarding winter weather conditions that are significantly impacting travel and daily life, particularly in northern states such as Maine, where heavy snowfall is reported. The National Weather Service elucidates the ongoing challenges posed by snow squalls and low visibility, advising travelers to exercise caution. As the narrative progresses, the discussion shifts to the implications of coastal weather systems affecting New England, followed by a detailed analysis of localized flooding concerns in Southern California and the Skokomish River area. Such phenomena underscore the critical need for vigilance and adherence to safety protocols during adverse weather conditions, particularly regarding driving in flood-prone areas and heeding wind advisories.Takeaways:* The National Weather Service has issued warnings regarding heavy snow and flooding across various states, necessitating caution for travelers.* Motorists are advised to be vigilant for unexpected whiteouts and slick road conditions in winter weather zones.* In Southern California, strong northeast winds are diminishing, yet wind advisories continue to affect several areas throughout the day.* Maine’s interior regions remain under winter storm warnings, impacting travel due to significant snowfall and winter conditions.* Flood warnings persist for the Skokomish River in Washington, indicating moderate flooding is expected and caution is advised.* Overall, most states report no new significant weather changes, maintaining stability in forecasts for the day.Sources[NWS Anchorage | https://www.weather.gov/afc/ ][NWS Phoenix | https://www.weather.gov/psr/ ][NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard – WWA Summary | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=klox&wwa=wind%20advisory ][NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard – Wind Headlines | https://forecast.weather.gov/showsigwx.php?warnzone=CAZ379&product1=Wind+Advisory][NWS Caribou | https://www.weather.gov/car/ ][NWS Buffalo – HWO & Advisories | https://www.weather.gov/buf/BUFHWOBUF ][NWS Seattle – Skokomish River Flood Warning | https://forecast.weather.gov/showsigwx.php?warnzone=WAZ328&product1=Flood+Warning ] 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