The Emergency Management Network Podcast

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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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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