The Emergency Management Network Podcast

• Alaska Faces Severe Weather: Freezing Spray and Gale Warnings

  The salient point of our discussion today revolves around the significant weather events currently impacting various regions across the United States. We commence with the early season influences from the Pacific, which have resulted in heavy rainfall and mountain snow in the Northwest and Northern California, alongside coastal hazards affecting Oregon and the Bay Area. Furthermore, the Northeast is experiencing the aftermath of a strong cold front, characterized by brisk winds that have led to scattered outages and downed limbs in Connecticut. Additionally, Alaska’s marine zones are grappling with severe freezing conditions and gale warnings, while Hawaii is under a high surf advisory, posing risks to coastal activities. We conclude with an overview of the broader weather landscape, noting the absence of active cyclones in the tropics, thus providing a comprehensive summary of the current meteorological challenges.Takeaways:* The Pacific Northwest is experiencing early season impacts, including heavy rain and mountain snow.* Connecticut has reported scattered outages and downed limbs following overnight wind bursts.* A high surf advisory is in effect for Hawaii, affecting north and east facing shores.* Coastal hazards and minor flooding are anticipated around the Bay Area during high tide periods.* Strong winds and hazardous marine conditions are expected in Long Island Sound this morning.* Minor flooding is possible in Oregon due to ongoing coastal flood warnings and high surf advisories.Sources[NWS Seattle | https://www.weather.gov/sew/][NWS Portland | https://www.weather.gov/pqr/][NWS San Francisco/Monterey | https://www.weather.gov/mtr/][NWS Boston Weather Story | https://www.weather.gov/box/weatherstory][CTInsider | https://www.ctinsider.com/weather/article/ct-road-closures-thursday-storm-damage-21142460.php][NWS Anchorage | https://www.weather.gov/afc][NWS Honolulu Watches/Warnings | https://www.weather.gov/hfo/watchwarn][NHC | https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/text/MIATWOAT.shtml][USGS Latest Earthquakes (Past Day) | https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/map/][NWS Anchorage | https://www.weather.gov/afc][NWS “Heavy Freezing Spray Warning” summary | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=usa&wwa=Heavy+Freezing+Spray+Warning][NWS San Francisco/Monterey | https://www.weather.gov/mtr/][NWS Sacramento | https://www.weather.gov/sto/][CTInsider | https://www.ctinsider.com/weather/article/ct-road-closures-thursday-storm-damage-21142460.php][NWS Boston Weather Story | https://www.weather.gov/box/weatherstory][NWS Honolulu Watches/Warnings | https://www.weather.gov/hfo/watchwarn][NWS Honolulu Surf Forecast | https://www.weather.gov/hfo/SRF][NWS Boston Weather Story | https://www.weather.gov/box/weatherstory][Boston 25 News advisory roundup | https://www.boston25news.com/news/local/weather-alert-high-wind-warnings-watches-posted-mass-gusts-up-60-mph/3K2HHB44KBA7HDIREZHE47LVNY/][NWS Great Falls | https://www.weather.gov/tfx/][NWS New York, NY | https://www.weather.gov/okx/][PIX11 via Yahoo — wind impacts roundup | https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/strong-damaging-winds-cause-chaos-111326054.html][NWS Portland | https://www.weather.gov/pqr/][NWS Medford (hazards & high surf) | https://www.weather.gov/mfr/][NWS Seattle | https://www.weather.gov/sew/][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

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• Understanding the Marginal Flash Flood Risk in Northern California and Oregon

  The prevailing meteorological conditions today warrant significant attention, as a formidable Pacific atmospheric river continues to inundate the Northwestern region of the United States. With the advent of heavy precipitation, coupled with mountain snow and elevated surf conditions, we must remain vigilant regarding the potential for localized flooding and hazardous weather. The National Weather Service has issued flash flood risks, particularly along the northern California and southwestern Oregon coastlines, extending through Thursday morning. Moreover, high wind warnings are in effect, suggesting that residents should prepare for potential power outages and hazardous conditions. As we navigate through these tumultuous weather patterns, I urge all listeners to remain informed and take necessary precautions for their safety.Takeaways:* The Northwest is currently experiencing a significant atmospheric river, resulting in heavy precipitation and hazardous conditions.* Coastal areas in Northern California and Southwest Oregon face a marginal risk of flash flooding through Thursday morning.* High wind warnings and marine gale headlines are issued across multiple states, indicating dangerous weather conditions.* Preparedness for power outages and tree damage is advised due to anticipated adverse weather impacts this evening.* Severe weather warnings extend into New England, with expected wind gusts reaching up to 65 mph overnight.* Winter weather advisories are in effect for mountainous regions in Montana, signaling potential snow and reduced visibility.Sources[WPC | https://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/qpf/ero.php?day=1&opt=curr][SPC | https://www.spc.noaa.gov/products/outlook/day1otlk.html][NWS Boston | https://www.weather.gov/box/][NWS Gray (ME) | https://www.weather.gov/gyx/][USGS Latest Earthquakes (Past Day) | https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/map/?baseLayer=terrain&format=dyfi&listOnlyShown=true&range=search&search=%7B%22starttime%22%3A%22-1+day%22%2C%22producttype%22%3A%22dyfi%22%2C%22orderby%22%3A%22time%22%7D][NOAA Marine FZAK52 | https://www.ndbc.noaa.gov/data/Forecasts/FZAK52.PAFC.html][NWS Eureka hazards & ZFP | https://www.weather.gov/eka/][Cal OES pre-deployment update, Nov 4 | https://news.caloes.ca.gov/governor-newsom-pre-deploys-emergency-resources-ahead-of-significant-storm-impacts-in-northern-california/][NWS Gray (GYX) | https://www.weather.gov/gyx/][NWS Caribou (CAR) | https://www.weather.gov/car/][NWS Boston/Norton main page | https://www.weather.gov/box/][NWS Boston “Weather Story” | https://www.weather.gov/box/weatherstory][NWS Detroit/Pontiac — USCG Sector Detroit marine dashboard| https://www.weather.gov/dtx/uscg_sectordetroit][NWS Billings WWA | https://www.weather.gov/byz/][NWS Great Falls | https://www.weather.gov/tfx/][NWS Gray (covers NH) | https://www.weather.gov/gyx/][NWS Albany | https://www.weather.gov/aly/][NWS Marine — South of Long Island ANZ815 | https://forecast.weather.gov/shmrn.php?mz=anz815&syn=anz898][NWS Cleveland Quick Brief/Advisories | https://www.weather.gov/cle/quick_brief][NWS Cleveland Marine | https://www.weather.gov/cle/marine_forecast][NWS Medford hazards | https://www.weather.gov/mfr/][Medford High Surf/Coastal Flood text | https://forecast.weather.gov/showsigwx.php?product1=Coastal+Flood+Watch&warnzone=ORZ021&lat=43.6598&lon=-124.1928][NWS Burlington | https://www.weather.gov/btv/][NWS Seattle hazards | https://www.weather.gov/sew/][NWS Flood Watch text (Mason Co.) | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=usa&wwa=flood+watch] 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

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• Critical Fire Weather Alerts: Nebraska and South Dakota

  The primary focus of today’s discussion revolves around the absence of cyclonic activity in the Atlantic and eastern Pacific regions, as reported by the National Hurricane Center. The forecast indicates a period devoid of significant weather developments over the ensuing week, thereby suggesting limited severe weather potential. We also delve into the implications of a robust Pacific weather pattern, which is expected to generate marine gales and coastal hazards along the coasts of Washington and Oregon, while issuing wind advisories and coastal flood warnings for the San Francisco Bay area. Additionally, we address elevated fire weather concerns in the High Plains, particularly in western Nebraska and southwest South Dakota, where critical fire conditions are forecasted. In conclusion, we provide an overview of the current weather advisories across various states, emphasizing the importance of remaining vigilant amidst these conditions.Takeaways:* The National Hurricane Center currently reports no cyclones in the Atlantic or eastern Pacific regions.* Severe weather potential remains limited today, with only routine thunder chances noted out west.* A magnitude 4.0 earthquake was recorded south of Kotzebue, Alaska, prompting automatic aftershock monitoring.* California is under a Wind Advisory and a multi-day Coastal Flood advisory for the San Francisco Bay area.* Critical fire weather warnings are in effect for parts of western Nebraska and southwest South Dakota today.* Gale warnings are issued for Washington coastal waters due to high winds and significant seas.Sources[NHC | https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/][NHC EPac | https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/text/refresh/MIATWOEP+shtml/041124_MIATWOEP.shtml][SPC Day 1 | https://www.spc.noaa.gov/products/outlook/day1otlk.html][NWS Seattle | https://www.weather.gov/sew/][NWS Portland | https://www.weather.gov/pqr/][NWS SF Bay Zone Hazards | https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?zoneid=CAZ508][NWS Red Flag Summary | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=usa&wwa=red+flag+warning][USGS Event | https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eventpage/ak025e5h93e7][NWS SF MapClick (San Francisco) | https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=37.7771&lon=-122.4196][NWS Bay Area WFO | https://www.weather.gov/mtr/][NWS Alberton MT MapClick | https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?textField1=47.09982&textField2=-114.42633][NWS Montana statewide hazards | https://www.weather.gov/byz/montana_statewide_information][NWS Red Flag Summary | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=usa&wwa=red+flag+warning][NWS North Platte AFD | https://forecast.weather.gov/product.php?issuedby=LBF&product=AFD&site=LBF&format=ci&version=1][NWS Portland WFO | https://www.weather.gov/pqr/][NWS Portland WWA summary | https://www.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=pqr&wwa=all][NWS Rapid City — Red Flag Warning | https://www.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=unr&wwa=all][NWS Burlington HWO | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=btv&wwa=hazardous+weather+outlook][NWS Seattle WFO | https://www.weather.gov/sew/], [KSEW Marine Gale Warning text | https://www.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=sew&wwa=all] 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

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• The Myth of Control

  Episode SummaryIn this thought-provoking episode, Todd DeVoe and Dan Scott explore “The Myth of Control”—a concept that challenges one of the most fundamental assumptions in emergency management: that we can control chaos. Drawing from philosophy, leadership theory, and real-world emergency operations, they unpack how the illusion of control shapes decisions, policies, and leadership under pressure.The hosts discuss the paradox that while control provides comfort and structure, it can also lead to rigidity and tunnel vision during crises. They explore the balance between preparedness and adaptability, and how embracing uncertainty can make leaders—and organizations—more resilient.Listeners will leave with a deeper understanding of why humility, trust, and systems thinking are essential for navigating disasters' unpredictable nature.Key Talking Points* What “control” means in emergency management and why it’s an illusion.* The difference between command and influence in crisis leadership.* Stoic and philosophical insights on accepting uncertainty and focusing on what can be controlled.* How overconfidence and bureaucratic rigidity undermine effective response.* Real-world examples where flexibility outperformed strict adherence to plans.* Building cultures that prioritize adaptability, learning, and empowerment over control.* Emotional intelligence, trust, and psychological safety are essential in EOC leadership.* Practical strategies for letting go—trusting your team, systems, and training.Quotes to Remember“Control is the myth we tell ourselves to feel safe in the storm.” – Todd DeVoe“In crisis leadership, it’s not about controlling every variable—it’s about influencing outcomes through people.” – Dan ScottAbout the HostsTodd DeVoe, CEM, is the Editor-in-Chief of the Emergency Management Network and the Emergency Management Coordinator for the City of Inglewood.Dan Scott, CEM, is a regional emergency management leader and co-host of the EMN Podcast, bringing decades of operational experience and mentorship to the discussion.Listen & SubscribeAvailable on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts.Subscribe to the Emergency Management Network Newsletter for leadership insights, policy analysis, and community resilience stories. 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

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• Anticipating Adverse Weather: Safety Measures and Precautions

  The salient point of today’s discussion pertains to the impending adverse weather conditions across various states as a fast-moving cold front approaches the Northeast. We elucidate the potential ramifications of this meteorological phenomenon, including gusty winds and scattered showers, which are anticipated to affect numerous regions. Furthermore, we highlight the marine gales and the resultant hazardous surf conditions on the Great Lakes and Gulf of Maine, as well as the marginal flood risks in western Washington and northwest Oregon. Our analysis extends to specific states, detailing the surf hazards in California and the gale conditions prevalent in Michigan and Ohio. As we conclude, we emphasize the importance of remaining vigilant and informed as these weather patterns develop.Takeaways:* A fast-moving cold front is expected to sweep through the Northeast today, bringing gusty winds and scattered showers.* Marine gales and rough surf conditions are anticipated on the Great Lakes and Gulf of Maine due to the approaching weather system.* A marginal flood risk persists over parts of western Washington and northwest Oregon as a wet Pacific pattern commences.* Residents of Mason County should prepare for potential river rises later in the week, particularly on the Skokomish River.* In California, hazardous surf conditions are anticipated as a strengthening Pacific system begins to affect the Bay Area today.* Marine hazards are prevalent across multiple states, including gale conditions and significant wave heights on regional lakes.Sources[NWS | https://www.weather.gov/][WPC Day 1 ERO | https://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/#page=ero][NHC | https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/][USGS Earthquake Feeds | https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/feed/][NWS Bay Area hazard page | https://www.weather.gov/mtr/][NWS AFDMTR 4:05 AM PST Nov 3 | https://forecast.weather.gov/product.php?site=mtr&product=AFD&issuedby=MTR][NDBC Marine Forecast KMTR | https://www.ndbc.noaa.gov/data/Forecasts/FZUS56.KMTR.html][SFGATE forecast update, published today | https://www.sfgate.com/weather/article/bay-area-widespread-rain-thunder-wind-weather-21134293.php][NWS Gray ME hazards | https://www.weather.gov/gyx/][NWS Boston/BOX marine hazards page | https://www.weather.gov/box/marine][NWS Detroit AFD 4:46 AM EST Nov 3 | https://forecast.weather.gov/product.php?site=DTX&product=AFD&issuedby=DTX][USCG/NWS Sector Detroit marine dashboard (Lake Erie waveheights/gale) | https://www.weather.gov/dtx/uscg_sectordetroit][NWS Cleveland Nearshore/LE Marine Forecast | https://www.ndbc.noaa.gov/data/Forecasts/FZUS61.KCLE.html][NWS Portland hazards | https://www.weather.gov/pqr/][NWS Marine Forecast KPQR | https://www.ndbc.noaa.gov/data/Forecasts/FZUS56.KPQR.html][NWS Seattle Hydrologic Outlook 3:10 AM PST Nov 3 | https://forecast.weather.gov/showsigwx.php?warnzone=WAZ321&warncounty=WAC045&product1=Hydrologic+Outlook][WPC Day 1 ERO | https://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/#page=ero] 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

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