The salient focus of today's discourse centers on the imminent deadline regarding Department of Homeland Security funding, which is crucial for maintaining essential operations. Congress faces a critical juncture as the current stopgap funding is set to expire on February 13, 2026, necessitating legislative action to avert a lapse in appropriations. Should lawmakers fail to enact a new funding measure, the Department will implement a plan to sustain essential life, safety, and security functions while pausing non-essential activities. Additionally, we will discuss the severe winter weather conditions affecting various regions, including Alaska and Hawaii, where winter storm warnings and advisories have been issued, predicting substantial snowfall and hazardous travel conditions. Throughout this episode, we shall diligently monitor updates from pertinent agencies and provide guidance on navigating these pressing circumstances.
Takeaways:
The impending deadline for Department of Homeland Security funding necessitates immediate legislative action.
Congress must pass a new funding measure by February 13 to avoid operational disruptions.
Severe winter weather warnings have been issued for various regions, highlighting significant hazards ahead.
FEMA has implemented new call center hours for Alaska survivors, effective immediately.
Winter storm warnings predict significant snowfall and high winds across multiple states this week.
The Tahoe Basin is expected to experience hazardous conditions due to winter weather advisories.
Current stopgap funding runs through Friday, February 13, and if lawmakers don't pass a new measure in time, DHS would begin operating under a lapse in appropriations plan, keeping essential life, safety and security functions running while other activities could pause.
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We'll track official guidance from DHS and the Office of Management and Budget as the deadline approaches.
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Winter weather drives today's risk picture the National Weather Service posts winter storm warnings for Alaska's interior Kuskokwim Delta and northern Bristol Bay Western Capes beginning early Tuesday with heavy snow and 40 to 45 mile per hour gusts expected.
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A separate winter weather advisory covers the prevors the Pribilof Islands with Snow and near 70 mile per hour gusts on Hawaii Island.
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A winter storm warning remains in effect for the Big Island Summits through 6pm HST Monday with 10 to 16 inches of snow possible in the West.
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The Tahoe Basin faces a winter weather advisory from late Monday through Wednesday for 10 to 18 inches above 7,000ft and strong ridge winds.
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FEMA notes a service change that takes effect today for Alaska survivors seeking help.
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The FEMA Alaska call center shifts to weekday hours 8:30am to 5:00pm Meanwhile, USGS reports routine seismic activity nationally with no US significant event upgrades in the past day.
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Let's run through the States.
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Alaska prepares for a Bering Sea driven storm.
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Winter storm warnings begin early Tuesday for the interior Kuskokwim Delta and for the northern Bristol Bay coast.
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Western capes with 5 to 17 inches of snow, blowing snow and difficult travel through early Wednesday.
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The Pribilof Islands are under a winter weather advisory Monday evening through Tuesday with 4 to 6 inches and gusts near 70 mph.
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California Sierra Tahoe Impacts return A winter weather advisory runs 10pm Monday through 4pm Wednesday for the Greater Lake Tahoe area.
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Expect 10 to 18 inches above 7,000ft, 3 to 6 inches near lake level locally, 6 to 12 inches west of Highway 89 and ridge gusts to 75 mph.
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Lake Wave Heights 1 to 3ft may affect small craft.
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Hawaii A winter storm warning continues for the Big island summits Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa until 6pm HST Monday with 10 to 16 inches of snow possible and very difficult travel above 11,000ft.
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A flood advisory was also issued Sunday afternoon for Hawaii county mariners face gale warnings in surrounding waters.
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Montana High terrain hazards continue.
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A winter storm warning remains in effect until 5pm MST Monday for the Absaroka, Beartooth and Crazy Mountains, including routes toward Cooke City.
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Forecast calls for 10 to 20 inches and 40 to 50 mile per hour gusts with near whiteout conditions.
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At times, backcountry travel and high passes may be dangerous.
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All other states have no significant updates in the last 24 hours.
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We'll keep tracking the Alaska and Hawaii winter hazards and the Sierra setup into midweek.
