The Emergency Management Network Podcast

The principal focus of this morning’s briefing is the severe weather conditions impacting various regions across the United States, including blizzard warnings in Alaska and flood watches in Alabama and Mississippi. I commence by outlining the alarming forecasts, which predict whiteout conditions and gusts of wind reaching up to 65 miles per hour in parts of Alaska, while Western New York is bracing for similar high wind warnings. Furthermore, central Alabama and southwest Mississippi are under flood watches due to anticipated heavy rainfall, with projections of up to four inches, potentially leading to flash flooding. Additionally, I address the postponement of the reopening of FEMA’s Bethel Assistance Hub, which has been delayed once more due to adverse weather conditions. Lastly, I highlight the recent magnitude 4.0 earthquake near Adak, Alaska, as part of the ongoing situational updates.

Takeaways:

* Blizzard warnings are currently in effect in parts of Alaska, predicting severe weather conditions.

* Western New York is experiencing high wind warnings, which pose risks to travel and infrastructure.

* Flood watches have been issued for central Alabama and southwest Mississippi due to anticipated heavy rainfall.

* Minnesota’s governor has mobilized the National Guard in response to local law enforcement needs for safety.

* California is under wind advisories and freeze warnings, indicating hazardous conditions across various regions.

* Wisconsin faces potential flooding as heavy rain interacts with an existing deep snowpack.

Sources

[NWS Birmingham | https://www.weather.gov/bmx/]; [NWS Flood Watch text | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=usa&wwa=flood+watch]

[NWS Alaska WWA | https://forecast.weather.gov/showsigwx.php?firewxzone=AKZ948&product1=Blizzard+Warning]

[FEMA Bethel Hub update | https://www.fema.gov/press-release/20260108/reopening-bethel-assistance-hub-postponed-due-inclement-weather]

[USGS M4.0 Adak | https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eventpage/us7000rnm4]

[NWS San Diego WWA text | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=usa&wwa=wind+advisory]

[NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard WWA text | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=usa&wwa=wind+advisory]

[MN Governor | https://mn.gov/governor/newsroom/press-releases/?id=1055-719092]

[City of Minneapolis | https://www.minneapolismn.gov/news/2026/january/jan-7-statement/]

[NWS Jackson (MS) Flood Watch text | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=usa&wwa=flood+watch]

[NWS ABQ AFD & watches/warnings | https://forecast.weather.gov/product.php?format=ci&glossary=1&issuedby=ABQ&product=AFD&site=NWS&version=1]

[NWS Winter Storm Warning text | https://forecast.weather.gov/showsigwx.php?firewxzone=NMZ206&product1=Winter+Storm+Warning]

[NWS Buffalo High Wind Warning | https://forecast.weather.gov/showsigwx.php?product1=High+Wind+Warning&warnzone=NYZ011]

[NWS State College (CTP) WWA text | https://www.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=ctp&wwa=all]

[NWS Green Bay Flood Watch text | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=usa&wwa=flood+watch]

[AP | https://apnews.com/article/5eeffe06106f711b8a17f6072ad9b53d]

[Reuters | https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-federal-agents-shot-two-people-portland-abc-affiliate-reports-2026-01-08/]

[KATU/WLOS | https://wlos.com/news/nation-world/protests-outside-portland-ice-facility-after-federal-agent-shoots-injures-2-people]

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:

* The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has issued a G1 geomagnetic storm watch effective tonight, suggesting a potential view of the Northern Lights.

* A winter storm warning has been declared for the Colorado Front Range, predicting heavy snowfall and hazardous blowing snow conditions.

* Residents in western Alaska are encouraged to utilize the Bethel Assistance Hub, which has reopened to support survivors from previous storms and floods.

* In Texas, particularly the northwest Panhandle, accumulating snow is anticipated, alongside colder and breezy weather following a passing cold front.

* 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.

* 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:

* NOAA

* National Weather Service

* FEMA

* 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]

The primary focus of this podcast episode is the severe winter weather conditions affecting various regions across the United States, particularly highlighting heavy mountain snow in the Washington and Oregon Cascades and blizzard warnings in Alaska’s Pribilof Islands. As articulated, winter storm warnings are in effect, predicting snowfall accumulation of one to two feet at pass level. Additionally, blizzard conditions are anticipated in parts of Alaska, with wind gusts nearing 60 mph creating hazardous visibility. The episode further discusses the ongoing winter weather advisories in states such as New York, Pennsylvania, and Maine, emphasizing the need for caution due to slick roads. Furthermore, we explore the potential for severe storms in Arkansas and Louisiana as a cold front approaches, forecasting a significant shift in weather patterns.

Takeaways:

* The presence of winter storm warnings highlights the severity of the weather conditions across the Cascades.

* Alaska faces significant weather challenges, including blizzard warnings with gusts reaching 60 mph.

* Upcoming severe weather in Arkansas could result in strong winds and possible isolated tornadoes.

* California is under high wind warnings, indicating dangerous conditions across multiple regions.

* Oregon’s winter storm warnings predict one to two feet of snow, affecting travel safety.

* Monitoring local forecasts is crucial due to the variability of weather conditions across different states.

Links referenced in this episode:

* usgs.gov

* 511.gov

Sources

[NWS | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=usa&wwa=blizzard+warning]

[USGS | https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eventpage/ak2026alfphj/tellus]

[NWS Little Rock | https://www.weather.gov/lzk/]

[NWS DSS—LZK | https://www.weather.gov/lzk/dssarkansas.htm]

[NWS—Hanford High Wind Warning | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=HNX&wwa=high+wind+warning]

[NWS Hanford (overview) | https://www.weather.gov/hnx/]

[NWS Shreveport | https://www.weather.gov/shv/]

[NWS Shreveport AFD | https://www.weather.gov/shv/forecastproducts]

[NWS Gray—WWA | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=gyx&wwa=winter+weather+advisory]

[NWS Caribou—WWA | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=car&wwa=winter+weather+advisory]

[NWS Binghamton—WWA | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=bgm&wwa=winter+weather+advisory]

[NWS Norman | https://www.weather.gov/oun/]

[NWS Portland | https://www.weather.gov/pqr/]

[NWS Binghamton—WWA | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=bgm&wwa=winter+weather+advisory]

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

[NWS Seattle | https://www.weather.gov/sew/]

This podcast episode elucidates the significant meteorological events currently affecting various regions of the United States, with particular emphasis on the hazardous winter conditions prevailing in the Pacific Northwest and the upper Midwest. The discussion highlights the imminent heavy snowfall, with accumulations reaching up to several feet in the Cascades and northern Blues, thereby necessitating caution for travel through these regions. Additionally, the episode addresses the presence of dense fog along the Texas coast, which is impairing visibility and posing risks for commuters. Furthermore, it underscores the importance of vigilance against fraudulent activities targeting storm survivors, as advised by FEMA. In summation, the episode serves as a critical resource for understanding current weather patterns and ensuring safety amidst these challenging conditions.

Takeaways:

* Weather conditions across the United States today are characterized by significant winter storm warnings.

* The Cascades and northern Blue Mountains are expected to receive substantial snowfall, impacting travel significantly.

* Residents in Alaska are cautioned against scams following recent storm events and should verify assistance offers.

* Dense fog is affecting visibility along the Texas coast, which poses risks for motorists and marine activities.

* Winter weather advisories are in effect for regions in Idaho, indicating up to six inches of snow expected.

* Hazardous surf conditions continue along the North Coast of California, urging caution for beachgoers.

Sources

[USGS M4.5 AK | https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eventpage/ak2026ajuvvj]

[Tsunami.gov status | https://tsunami.gov/]

[ USGS M4.8 Aleutians | https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eventpage/us7000rmut]

[ FEMA Fraud Advisory (DR-4893) | https://www.fema.gov/disaster/4893/news-media]

[NWS SF Bay Area Flood Advisory — Monterey | https://www.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=lox&wwa=all#KMTR_FA_Monterey]

[NWS Eureka Coastal Hazard Message | https://www.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=sto&wwa=all]

[NWS San Diego outlook | https://www.weather.gov/sgx/]

[NWS Pocatello WWA | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=boi&wwa=winter+weather+advisory]

[Idaho City advisory window | https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=43.74565&lon=-115.493]

[NWS Twin Cities — Dense Fog Advisory | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=usa&wwa=dense+fog+advisory]

[NWS Billings — Wind Advisory | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=usa&wwa=wind+advisory]

[NWS Buffalo — Winter Weather Advisory | https://www.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=buf&wwa=all]

[NWS Pendleton — Blue Mountains WSW | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=usa&wwa=winter+storm+warning]

[NWS Marine — Galveston Bay Dense Fog Advisory | https://forecast.weather.gov/shmrn.php?mz=gmz335&syn=gmz300]

[NWS Fort Worth — advisories/outlook | https://www.weather.gov/fwd/]

[NWS Spokane/Pendleton — WSW (Stevens Pass & E slopes) | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=usa&wwa=winter+storm+warning]

[NWS Twin Cities — Dense Fog Advisory (WI counties included) | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=usa&wwa=dense+fog+advisory]

[NWS Cheyenne — High Wind Warnings | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=usa&wwa=high+wind+warning]

[NWS Cheyenne homepage (active hazards) | https://www.weather.gov/cys/]

Episode Title

The Silent Failure Mode: When Nothing Happens

Episode Description

In emergency management, success is often defined by what doesn’t happen. No disasters. No major incidents. No headlines. And for a while, that quiet feels like validation.

But over time, silence can become dangerous.

In this episode, we explore the silent failure mode—the slow erosion of preparedness that occurs during long periods without crisis. When nothing happens, budgets shrink, plans gather dust, institutional memory fades, and readiness quietly degrades. The system does not fail loudly. It simply thins out.

This conversation is not about blaming leaders or chasing fear. It is about recognizing complacency as a structural risk and understanding why preparedness has a shelf life, even when everything appears calm.

If you have ever been told “we haven’t needed that in years,” this episode is for you.

What We Explore

• Why quiet years are often the most dangerous for emergency management programs• How “no incidents” can be misread as proof that preparedness is unnecessary• The political and organizational incentives that reward visibility over readiness• Complacency as a hidden hazard inside stable systems• Why preparedness degrades without friction, rehearsal, and institutional memory• How emergency managers can reframe value when nothing is actively happening

Key Takeaways

Preparedness is not a permanent state.Silence is not evidence of resilience.Readiness requires maintenance, storytelling, and intentional friction.The absence of crisis is not success—it is a test of discipline.

Who This Episode Is For

• Local and state emergency managers• Public safety leaders navigating budget pressure• Policy professionals and city managers• Anyone responsible for readiness in quiet times• Practitioners trying to explain the value of preparedness without a disaster

The principal focus of this morning’s briefing is the severe weather conditions currently affecting the western United States, particularly driven by a potent Pacific storm. This meteorological phenomenon is resulting in significant rainfall at lower elevations and heavy snowfall in mountainous regions, thereby posing serious travel hazards across various states. The National Weather Service has identified the western region as the primary area of concern, with additional advisories issued for blizzard conditions and coastal hazards. We shall also note that there are no active tropical cyclones reported in the Atlantic or Eastern Pacific during this off-season period. As we navigate through the particulars of each state and their respective weather warnings, it remains imperative to exercise caution during travel in these affected areas.

Takeaways:

* A strong Pacific storm is currently impacting the western United States with heavy rain and snow.

* The National Weather Service emphasizes the western region as the primary area of concern today.

* Hazardous travel conditions are prevalent in various states, particularly in the Sierra and Idaho regions.

* Alaska is experiencing severe winter hazards, including blizzard warnings and flood advisories along coastal areas.

* Southern California beaches are under high surf warnings due to increased rip currents and tidal overflow risks.

* The National Hurricane Center reports no active tropical cyclones during this off-season period.

Sources

[NWS Anchorage Hazards | https://www.weather.gov/afc]

[AFC Marine/High Surf detail | https://www.weather.gov/afc]

[NWS Reno — Lake Tahoe WSW | https://forecast.weather.gov/showsigwx.php?firewxzone=NVZ002&product1=Winter+Storm+Warning]

[NWS Sacramento — Sierra WSW | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=sto&wwa=winter+storm+warning]

[NWS Eureka — Navarro River Flood Watch | https://www.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=mtr&wwa=all]

[NWS LOX — Beach Hazards | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=lox&wwa=beach+hazards+statement]

[NWS SGX — Beach Hazards | https://forecast.weather.gov/showsigwx.php?product1=Beach+Hazards+Statement&warnzone=CAZ043]

[Cal OES pre-positioning — Jan 3–5 | https://news.caloes.ca.gov/new-years-storm-prepositioned-resources/]

[NWS Honolulu — Area Synopsis | https://www.weather.gov/hfo]

[HFO Surf/Advisories | https://www.weather.gov/hfo/SRF]

[HFO Watches/Warnings | https://www.weather.gov/hfo/watchwarn]

[NWS Pocatello — Warning | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=slc&wwa=winter+storm+warning]

[NWS Boise — Advisory/AFD | https://forecast.weather.gov/product.php?issuedby=BOI&product=AFD&site=boi]

[NWS Reno — Tahoe WSW | https://forecast.weather.gov/showsigwx.php?firewxzone=NVZ002&product1=Winter+Storm+Warning]

[NWS Medford — Advisory & Watch | https://www.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=eka&wwa=all]

[NWS Salt Lake City — Advisories | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=slc&wwa=winter+weather+advisory]

[NWS SLC — Warnings/Map | https://www.weather.gov/slc/]

[NWS Spokane — Mountain Snow | https://www.weather.gov/otx/]

[WSDOT Pass Reports | https://www.wsdot.com/travel/real-time/mountain-pass-reports]

Coastal flooding risks on the West Coast demand immediate attention as we navigate through the atmospheric conditions affecting various regions. The National Weather Service has issued a coastal flood warning for the San Francisco Bay, effective from 7 AM today until 2 PM Saturday, emphasizing the potential for significant tidal overflow and low-lying road closures. Additionally, a winter storm warning is in effect for the Sierra Nevada and adjacent ranges, where heavy snow accumulation is anticipated, thereby complicating travel across affected areas. Moreover, hazardous marine conditions persist in parts of Alaska, with warnings of heavy freezing spray and elevated sea conditions. As we delve into this episode, we shall provide a comprehensive overview of these critical weather alerts and their implications across the United States.

Takeaways:

* The National Weather Service has issued a coastal flood warning for the San Francisco Bay area, effective from today until Saturday afternoon.

* Coastal flood advisories are in effect for the broader Pacific coast and Monterey Bay through Sunday, indicating significant tidal concerns.

* Winter storm warnings have been issued for the Sierra Nevada region, with heavy snowfall anticipated and travel difficulties expected.

* Hazardous marine conditions persist in parts of Alaska, with warnings for heavy freezing spray and rough seas over the weekend.

* In New York, winter weather advisories remain active, particularly for areas experiencing lake effect snow, leading to hazardous road conditions.

* The Pacific Northwest is under a coastal flood warning due to king tides, with potential tidal overflow affecting low-lying areas.

Sources

[NWS Alaska | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=usa&wwa=Heavy+Freezing+Spray+Warning]

[NDBC Marine | https://www.ndbc.noaa.gov/data/Forecasts/FZAK52.PAFC.html]

[NWS Bay Area | https://www.weather.gov/mtr/]

[NWS Hazard Statement | https://forecast.weather.gov/showsigwx.php?warnzone=CAZ006&product1=Coastal+Flood+Warning]

[NWS Sacramento | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=sto&wwa=winter+storm+warning]

[NBC Bay Area recap | https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/wind-coastal-flood-advisories/4006265/]

[NWS Honolulu Surf | https://www.weather.gov/hfo/SRF]

[NWS Honolulu Coastal Flood Statement | https://www.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=usa&wwa=all]

[NWS Gray/Portland | https://www.weather.gov/gyx/]

[NWS Marquette | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=usa&wwa=winter+weather+advisory]

[NWS Gaylord | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=usa&wwa=winter+weather+advisory]

[NWS Reno | https://forecast.weather.gov/product.php?issuedby=REV&product=WSW&site=rev]

[NWS Buffalo | https://forecast.weather.gov/showsigwx.php?warnzone=NYZ085&product1=Hazardous+Weather+Outlook]

[NWS Albany/BGM Advisories | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=usa&wwa=winter+weather+advisory]

[NWS Cleveland | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=usa&wwa=winter+weather+advisory]

[NWS Portland | https://www.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=pqr&wwa=all]

[NWS Cleveland (NW PA) | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=buf&wwa=hazardous+weather+outlook]

[NWS Seattle | https://www.weather.gov/sew/]

[NWS SEW Coastal Flood products | https://www.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=sew&wwa=all]

[NWS Copalis/MapClick | https://forecast.weather.gov/zipcity.php?inputstring=98536]

A Message to Our EMN Community — 2026

As we step into 2026, I want to pause and say thank you.

Emergency management rarely affords us clean endings or fresh starts. Crises overlap, risks compound, and the work continues whether the calendar turns or not. Still, this moment matters. It’s a chance to reflect on what we’ve learned, recalibrate where we’re headed, and recommit to the craft and calling of this profession.

At EMN, our purpose remains steady: to create space for thoughtful analysis, honest conversation, and practitioner-driven insight. Not noise. Not performative urgency. But work that helps emergency managers think more clearly, decide more deliberately, and lead with humility in uncertain moments.

In 2026, EMN will continue leaning into the hard questions—about governance, leadership, federalism, risk communication, resilience, and the human side of disasters that rarely make the after-action report. We’ll challenge assumptions, elevate voices from the field, and stay grounded in the reality that disasters begin and end locally, with people.

Thank you for being part of this community—reading, listening, questioning, and contributing. The profession is better when we learn together.

Wishing you a steady hand, clear judgment, and a safe and meaningful year ahead.

— Todd

The episode delineates the significant meteorological events as the year 2025 concludes, highlighting the formidable winter conditions that are currently prevailing across various regions. A state of emergency has been expanded statewide in New York, primarily due to the incessant lake effect snow bands and accompanying winter storm warnings. Furthermore, the episode elucidates the nationwide security measures that have been heightened in anticipation of New Year’s festivities, with federal and local authorities implementing rigorous screening processes and restrictions at major venues. Notably, the episode provides critical updates regarding a recent magnitude 5.3 earthquake in California, emphasizing the absence of a tsunami threat yet cautioning against potential aftershocks. As we navigate these multifaceted challenges, we remain committed to delivering timely and relevant information to our audience.

Takeaways:

* The podcast discusses a strong winter weather setup impacting various regions as the year concludes.

* Lake effect snow warnings have been issued for areas in New York, particularly affecting Buffalo.

* Emergency measures have been implemented statewide in response to severe winter conditions across multiple states.

* Security measures are heightened nationwide in anticipation of New Year’s Eve celebrations and potential threats.

* The episode highlights specific security strategies in major cities such as New York and Las Vegas.

* Cold weather advisories are in effect for parts of Florida, indicating significant temperature drops overnight.

Sources

[AP News | https://apnews.com/article/new-orleans-bourbon-attack-security-1298ae460051ab9d80e04f41ed7b6802]

[Clark County | https://www.clarkcountynv.gov/government/departments/public_communications/clark_county_featured_stories/new-years-eve]

[LVMPD (ordinances) | https://www.lvmpd.com/services/tourist-safety/local-ordinances-and-state-laws]

[News3LV | https://news3lv.com/news/local/las-vegas-officials-outline-new-years-eve-restrictions-and-road-closures]

[Las Vegas Review-Journal | https://www.reviewjournal.com/local/local-las-vegas/las-vegas-officials-emphasize-safety-ahead-of-new-years-eve-3601857/]

[Governor of NY | https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-expands-state-emergency-statewide-response-lake-effect-snow-and-high-winds]

[Gothamist | https://gothamist.com/news/nyc-plans-new-security-measures-at-times-square-new-years-eve-celebration]

[ABC7NY | https://abc7ny.com/post/new-years-eve-nycs-times-square-everything-know-ball-drop-how-watch-more/18330767/]

[NY1 | https://ny1.com/nyc/all-boroughs/public-safety/2025/12/30/nypd-says-secondary-screenings-part-of-nye-security-plan]

[USGS | https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eventpage/nc75288851]

[NWS Buffalo | https://www.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=buf&wwa=all]

[Governor of NY (Dec 29–30 updates) | https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-expands-state-emergency-statewide-response-lake-effect-snow-and-high-winds]

[NWS Gaylord | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=apx&wwa=winter+weather+advisory]

[NWS Marquette | https://www.weather.gov/mqt/]

[NWS Austin/San Antonio | https://www.weather.gov/ewx/forecasts]

[NWS Melbourne | https://www.weather.gov/mlb/]

[NWS Tampa Bay | https://www.weather.gov/tbw/]

Today, we delve into the pressing meteorological phenomena affecting various regions across the United States. Our primary focus centers on the continuation of lake effect snow, particularly in the vicinity of lakes Erie and Ontario, as lingering heavy bands persist through midweek. As gale conditions prevail over Lake Erie, with winds reaching 30 to 35 knots and wave heights of 8 to 13 feet, we underscore the significant hazards posed to small craft and shoreline travel. Furthermore, we address the ongoing recovery efforts in the aftermath of a debilitating blizzard that has left over 150,000 without power, with Michigan bearing the brunt of the impacts. Additionally, we explore the forecast for Southern California, where moderate to strong Santa Ana winds precede a series of rain events that may provoke hazardous conditions, including potential mudslides and debris flows on recent burn scars.

Takeaways:

* The ongoing weather events include lake effect snow affecting areas downwind of the Great Lakes today.

* California is experiencing moderate to strong Santa Ana winds, posing risks for hazardous conditions.

* Power restoration efforts are underway following the extensive blizzard impacts that affected multiple states.

* Significant rainfall is anticipated in Southern California midweek, leading to potential mudslides and flooding.

* The recent magnitude 5.1 earthquake in Alaska prompted a tsunami information statement but no immediate warnings were issued.

* Winter advisories and lake effect snow warnings remain active across various states, impacting travel conditions significantly.

Sources

[USGS — M5.1, 93 km N of Yakutat, AK | https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eventpage/us7000rlhy]

[NWS Los Angeles (LOX) — Rain/Santa Ana Overview | https://www.weather.gov/lox/]

[NWS LOX Area Forecast Discussion | https://forecast.weather.gov/product.php?issuedby=LOX&site=LOX&product=AFD&format=CI&version=1]

[Iowa DOT/DPS — Plan to Reopen I-35 (News Release) | https://iowadot.gov/news/2025-12-29/iowa-dot-and-dps-plan-reopen-interstate-35-early-afternoon-december-29]

[KCRG — I-35 Fully Reopens (Local Confirmation) | https://www.kcrg.com/2025/12/29/i-35-fully-reopens-after-nearly-24-hour-blizzard-closure-north-central-iowa/?outputType=amp]

[NWS Baltimore/Washington (LWX) — High Wind Warning (Highland Co. VA/Blue Ridge) | https://forecast.weather.gov/showsigwx.php?warnzone=VAZ503&warncounty=VAC091&firewxzone=VAZ503&local_place1=Blue+Grass+VA&product1=High+Wind+Warning]

[NWS LWX — High Wind Warning (Blue Ridge) | https://forecast.weather.gov/showsigwx.php?warnzone=VAZ507&warncounty=VAC113&firewxzone=VAZ507&local_place1=Etlan+VA&product1=High+Wind+Warning]

[NWS Blacksburg (RNK) — Hazardous Weather Outlook noting High Wind Warning (WV Potomac Highlands) | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=rnk&wwa=hazardous+weather+outlook]

[PowerOutage.US — Michigan Statewide Outage Map (Live) | https://poweroutage.us/area/state/michigan]

[AP — Great Lakes/Northeast Storm & Outages Overview | https://apnews.com/article/91be280dce64d7d02ff587ba63e5dd26]

[NWS Buffalo — Winter Storm Warning (Lake-Effect) | https://forecast.weather.gov/showsigwx.php?warnzone=NYZ020&warncounty=NYC009&firewxzone=NYZ200&local_place1=Olean+NY&product1=Winter+Storm+Warning]

[Office of Governor Hochul — Expanded State of Emergency | https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-expands-state-emergency-statewide-response-lake-effect-snow-and-high-winds]

[NWS Cleveland — Lake Erie Marine Gale Warnings | https://www.weather.gov/cle/marine_forecast]

[NWS Cleveland — Winter Weather Advisory/Lake-Effect (NE OH) | https://forecast.weather.gov/showsigwx.php?warnzone=OHZ022&warncounty=OHC133&firewxzone=OHZ022&local_place1=Hiram+OH&product1=Winter+Weather+Advisory]

[NWS Cleveland — Lake Effect Snow Warning (Erie/Crawford) | https://forecast.weather.gov/showsigwx.php?warnzone=PAZ001&warncounty=PAC049&firewxzone=PAZ001&local_place1=Erie+PA&product1=Lake+Effect+Snow+Warning]

[NWS State College (CTP) — Lake Effect Snow Warning (Warren/McKean) | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=CTP&wwa=lake+effect+snow+warning]

[NWS Baltimore/Washington (LWX) — High Wind Warning (Blue Ridge) | https://forecast.weather.gov/showsigwx.php?warnzone=VAZ507&warncounty=VAC113&firewxzone=VAZ507&local_place1=Etlan+VA&product1=High+Wind+Warning]

[NWS Blacksburg (RNK) — Hazardous Weather Outlook noting High Wind Warning (Western Greenbrier) | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=rnk&wwa=hazardous+weather+outlook]