The primary focus of today’s briefing is the impending G1 geomagnetic storm watch issued by NOAA, which may grant observers in the northern United States the opportunity to witness the Northern Lights. As we delve into the meteorological landscape, we will address the winter hazards currently affecting the central Rockies and southern High Plains, with specific attention to a winter storm warning in effect for the Colorado Front Range, predicting significant snowfall and adverse conditions. Additionally, we will highlight accumulating snow chances in the northwest Texas Panhandle and the subsequent colder, breezy weather anticipated across various regions. Furthermore, updates from Alaska’s FEMA Bethel Assistance Hub will be provided, emphasizing ongoing support for storm and flood survivors. We encourage our audience to remain vigilant and informed as these weather systems evolve, particularly if conditions permit a glimpse of the aurora tonight.

Takeaways:

1. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has issued a G1 geomagnetic storm watch effective tonight, suggesting a potential view of the Northern Lights.
2. A winter storm warning has been declared for the Colorado Front Range, predicting heavy snowfall and hazardous blowing snow conditions.
3. Residents in western Alaska are encouraged to utilize the Bethel Assistance Hub, which has reopened to support survivors from previous storms and floods.
4. In Texas, particularly the northwest Panhandle, accumulating snow is anticipated, alongside colder and breezy weather following a passing cold front.
5. California currently faces no urgent weather alerts, yet a recovery update from last winter's fires has been published by CAL OES, highlighting ongoing efforts and lessons learned.
6. Monitoring updates from the National Weather Service is recommended, as evolving weather systems may impact the Rockies and Plains regions significantly.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

1. NOAA
2. National Weather Service
3. FEMA
4. CAL OES

Sources

[FEMA | https://www.fema.gov/press-release/20260107/bethel-assistance-hub-reopens-jan-8-support-alaskans]

[Cal OES | https://news.caloes.ca.gov/a-year-after-the-la-fires-pacific-palisades-and-altadena-communities-recover/]

[NWS Pueblo | https://forecast.weather.gov/product.php?issuedby=PUB&product=WSW&site=pub]

[NWS Duluth | https://forecast.weather.gov/zipcity.php?inputstring=duluth%2CMN]

[NWS Amarillo | https://www.weather.gov/ama/winter]

[NWS Seattle | https://forecast.weather.gov/product.php?issuedby=SEW&product=CFW&site=SEW]