Episode 72
Emergency Declarations and Weather Warnings: A Comprehensive Overview
The episode articulates the significant impact of a potent Pacific storm train, which continues to target the western region of the United States, particularly California and Washington. We delve into the widespread flood watches issued by the National Weather Service, affecting vast areas along the California coast and valleys, alongside heavy snowfall in the Sierra Nevada, which complicates mountainous travel. Additionally, we address the winter storm warning currently in effect for the Washington Cascades, where hazardous conditions prevail due to blowing snow. Our discussion further encompasses the emergency declaration approved by FEMA for Montana, aimed at providing federal support in response to recent flooding incidents. We conclude by emphasizing the need for vigilance and safety amidst these challenging weather conditions, while we continue to monitor ongoing developments across various states. A comprehensive examination of the ongoing meteorological conditions reveals a formidable Pacific storm train currently imposing significant weather events across the western regions of the United States. The National Weather Service has issued widespread flood watches encompassing much of California's coastal and valley areas, while simultaneously, heavy snowfall is complicating travel through the Sierra Nevada mountains. This duality of weather phenomena underscores the potential for both flooding and treacherous travel conditions, particularly in the context of the Sierra, where snow accumulation is exacerbating the risks associated with winter travel. Further north, the Washington Cascades are under a winter storm warning, highlighting hazardous conditions including blowing snow and limited visibility, which pose serious risks to both residents and travelers alike. As we navigate through these intense weather patterns, it is imperative to remain vigilant and informed, as river flood warnings persist in various basins, reflecting the substantial impact these storms are having on local ecosystems and communities alike.
Takeaways:
- The National Weather Service has issued widespread flood watches across California's coastal regions and valleys.
- A potent Pacific storm is currently affecting the West, leading to hazardous weather conditions.
- FEMA has approved an emergency declaration for Montana in light of recent flooding incidents.
- Winter storm warnings are in effect for the Washington Cascades, indicating severe weather challenges ahead.
- Flood warnings persist on several rivers, including the Skokomish, indicating ongoing minor flooding issues.
- Minnesota is experiencing icy road conditions due to overnight freezing rain, affecting travel safety.
Sources
[NWS San Diego | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=usa&wwa=flood+watch]
[NWS Bay Area | https://www.weather.gov/mtr/]
[NWS Sacramento | https://forecast.weather.gov/showsigwx.php?product1=Flood+Watch&warnzone=CAZ066]
[NWS Eureka (Eel River) | https://www.weather.gov/eka/]
[NWS Seattle | https://www.weather.gov/sew/]
[NWS Warning Text | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=sew&wwa=winter+storm+warning]
[NWS River Warning | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=usa&wwa=flood+warning]
[NWS Medford | https://www.weather.gov/mfr/]
[NWS Advisory Timing | https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=43.1787&lon=-122.1389]
[NWS Spokane | https://forecast.weather.gov/showsigwx.php?firewxzone=IDZ101&product1=Winter+Weather+Advisory]
[Montana Governor | https://gov.mt.gov/Documents/GovernorsOffice/executiveorders/View?doc=EO112025DisasterDeclarationStatewideSevereWindEvent002.pdf]
[NWS Missoula | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=usa&wwa=winter+weather+advisory]
[NWS Fairbanks | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=usa&wwa=winter+weather+advisory]
[MnDOT 511 | https://511mn.org/list/events]
[MPR News | https://www.mprnews.org/story/2025/12/22/road-conditions-icy-schools-delayed-in-southern-minnesota]
Transcript
Good morning.
Speaker A: nd December: Speaker A:A potent Pacific storm train continues to target the West.
Speaker A:The National Weather Service highlights widespread flood watches along much of California's coast and valleys, while heavy Sierra snow complicates mountain travel.
Speaker A:Farther north, the Washington Cascades sit under a winter storm warning with hazardous passes and blowing snow.
Speaker A:River flood warnings persist on some basins.
Speaker A:Nationwide.
Speaker A:Earthquakes remain ordinary with no damaging US events with a magnitude 5 or greater in the past day per USGS.
Speaker A:Administratively, FEMA approved an emergency declaration for Montana over recent flooding, unlocking federal support to protect life and property.
Speaker A:State and locals can now seek reimbursement for protective measures.
Speaker A:Lets run through the states.
Speaker A:California A broad flood watch blankets large portions of the state today, including San Diego, the Bay Area, Sacramento Valley and the Sierra foothills as an atmospheric river renews periods of heavy rain.
Speaker A:River issues are already in play.
Speaker A:The Eel river at Fernbridge has a flood warning with minor flooding forecasts through at least this evening.
Speaker A:Washington the Washington Cascades, including the Mount Baker area, remain under a winter storm warning through this evening with heavy snow and strong winds.
Speaker A:Flood warnings also persist on select rivers, including the Skokomish, where minor flooding continues.
Speaker A:Oregon Winter weather advisories have been in effect for portions of the southern and central Cascades into early this morning, with additional storms lined up this week.
Speaker A:Idaho A winter weather advisory continues this morning for the central Panhandle Mountains, including Lookout Pass and Dobson Pass.
Speaker A:Snow above about 3,500ft reduces visibility and creates slick travel.
Speaker A:FEMA approved an emergency declaration For Montana on December 20th for flooding impacts in the Northwest, allowing federal support for emergency protective measures.
Speaker A:The governor also issued a statewide disaster order last week for severe wind damage.
Speaker A:Winter weather advisories continue for portions of western Montana this morning with snow over the passes.
Speaker A:Alaskawestern Alaska's Yukon Delta coast is under a winter weather advisory through midday today with snow and blowing snow reducing visibility.
Speaker A:Minnesota Icy spots developed across parts of southern Minnesota after overnight freezing rain.
Speaker A:MnDOT reports frost ice on some roadways and some schools delayed openings this morning.
Speaker A:Will keep tracking conditions and official updates throughout the day.
Speaker A:Stay safe.
Speaker A:Source links are in the show notes below.
