The principal focus of today’s discussion centers upon the imminent arrival of Arctic air in the Northern Plains, which necessitates the issuance of winter weather advisories and extreme cold watches. We elucidate the implications of a significant winter storm anticipated to develop this Friday, affecting regions from the Southern Rockies to the mid-south, with forewarnings of perilous wind chills and deteriorating travel conditions. Furthermore, we examine the recent seismic activity, including a magnitude 4.9 earthquake recorded in California, which has been followed by a series of aftershocks, yet fortunately, no major damage has been reported. In addition, we highlight FEMA's reopening of the Bethel Assistance Hub in Alaska, aimed at providing crucial support to survivors of the October 2025 storms. As we navigate through these pressing weather and disaster updates, we urge our listeners to remain vigilant and to heed safety advisories.
Takeaways:
The Northern Plains are currently experiencing Arctic Air and winter weather advisories.
A significant winter storm is anticipated to develop from the Southern Rockies to the mid south.
FEMA's Bethel Assistance Hub is reopening to aid survivors from the October 2025 storms.
A magnitude 4.9 earthquake occurred near Indio, California, with minor aftershocks reported.
Winter weather advisories are in effect for much of North Dakota today, warning of hazardous conditions.
Minnesota faces winter weather advisories today, with extreme cold expected later this week.
Arctic Air is diving into the Northern Plains today with winter weather advisories in effect and extreme cold watches posted later this week.
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NWS notes a major winter storm is likely to organize Friday from the Southern Rockies plains into the mid south, planned for dangerous wind chills and and rapidly deteriorating travel where advisories are up overnight in Hawaii.
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The Weather Service issued a flood advisory for Kauai and continues high surf small craft headlines Use caution near west and north facing shores and avoid flooded road crossings.
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Seismically USGS reports a magnitude 4.9 earthquake north northeast of Indio, California late Monday with a robust aftershock sequence through Tuesday.
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No major damage reports in the central U.S. a quake near Ulman, Illinois early Tuesday is listed by USGS at magnitude 3.5.
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Several outlets initially reported magnitude 3.8.
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No damage was reported.
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We're following the USGS magnitude.
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port survivors of the October:
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Check hours and deadlines if you're in the region, let's run through the states.
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Services include help with applications and case questions.
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Verify location and hours before traveling if you were affected.
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Note existing February deadlines for state FEMA individual assistance.
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California A magnitude 4.9 earthquake struck north northeast of Indio late Monday with ongoing small aftershocks Tuesday.
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USGS intensity maps show light shaking and no major damage is reported.
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NWS Los Angeles has routine coastal wind advisories posted.
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Check local WFO pages for any shortfuse updates before commuting.
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Freeze warnings and frost advisories continue early this morning across inland northeast and north central Florida with a rip current statement for area beaches.
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Conditions moderate later today, but another cold night is likely inland.
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Hawaii NWS issued a late night flood advisory for Kauai ended around 1am HST due to heavy rain.
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High surf and small craft headlines continue around the islands.
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Illinois USGS records an early morning quake near Ulman on Tuesday at magnitude 3.5.
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Media initially reported magnitude 3.8 shaking was felt widely across central Illinois and metro St. Louis with no damage.
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Official magnitude may be revised during analysis.
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Follow USGS for final values.
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Official update differs from some media reports following USGS data.
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Minnesota Winter weather advisories today generally 9am to 6pm CST bring light snow and slick travel followed by extreme cold watches starting Thursday night.
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Plan for rapidly falling wind chills and check local school commute impacts.
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North Dakota Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect through this evening for much of western North Dakota.
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Blowing snow with gusts to 55 mph will reduce visibility and create hazardous travel.
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All other states have no significant updates in the last 24 hours.
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Source Links are in the show notes below.
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That's the latest as of Wednesday, January 21st.
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We'll continue to track the cold blast and late week storm setup.
