The ongoing extreme atmospheric river has rendered Western Washington and northwestern Oregon in a state of emergency response. Despite a temporary easing of rainfall, the ramifications of major to catastrophic river flooding persist, with additional atmospheric rivers anticipated in the forthcoming week. FEMA's operations continue to address evacuations, shelter provisions, and transportation disruptions in the affected regions. As we traverse various states, we note that Alaska grapples with blizzard conditions while other areas, such as New York, face significant lake effect snow. Throughout this episode, we remain vigilant in monitoring the evolving weather scenarios across the nation, emphasizing the need for preparedness and safety in light of these severe conditions.
The recent EM Morning Brief delineates the ongoing challenges faced by Western Washington and northwestern Oregon as they grapple with the aftermath of an unprecedented atmospheric river event. The episode opens with a somber acknowledgment of the severe flooding that has afflicted these regions, emphasizing that while the immediate rainfall has subsided, the repercussions are far from over. The Weather Prediction Center has issued dire warnings regarding significant river flooding, which may persist for an extended period, compounded by the potential for additional atmospheric rivers in the forthcoming week. The episode articulates the crucial role of FEMA in orchestrating evacuations and providing shelter, underscoring the collaborative efforts in federal tribal coordination to mitigate the disaster's impact.
The discussion further elaborates on the broader meteorological landscape across the United States, with a particular focus on the Arctic air masses sweeping southward and the impending lake effect snow that threatens the Great Lakes region. Alaska is highlighted for its harsh conditions, including blizzard advisories and travel disruptions due to severe marine weather. The nuances of state-level responses are meticulously detailed, particularly California's proactive measures in deploying Urban Search and Rescue Task Forces to assist in flood response operations in Washington. This segment of the episode encapsulates the interconnectedness of state responses to natural disasters, illustrating the importance of mutual aid systems in times of crisis.
In addition to these primary themes, the episode touches upon localized weather phenomena affecting Idaho, Minnesota, and New York, where residents face their own sets of winter hazards and flood warnings. The narrative concludes with a call for vigilance and safety amidst the ongoing turmoil, reiterating the importance of staying informed through reliable channels. This comprehensive overview not only serves to inform but also to remind listeners of the resilience required in the face of nature's formidable challenges.
Takeaways:
The atmospheric river has significantly impacted Western Washington and northwestern Oregon, necessitating ongoing emergency responses.
FEMA is currently coordinating evacuations, opening shelters, and managing transportation disruptions in the affected regions.
Flood warnings remain in effect across Idaho, with specific rivers experiencing critical flooding conditions.
Minnesota has issued cold weather advisories due to dangerous wind chills and snow hazards expected this weekend.
In Oregon, river flooding continues, prompting the National Weather Service to maintain flood warnings and advisories for local communities.
Texas is experiencing dense fog conditions, impacting visibility and travel safety across the coastal region.
Western Washington and northwestern Oregon remain in response mode after an extreme atmospheric river.
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The Weather Prediction center says rain has eased but major to catastrophic river flooding effects continue for days with additional atmospheric rivers possible next week.
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FEMA's daily operations briefing reports ongoing evacuations, shelters open, transportation disruptions and and federal tribal coordination in Region 10 elsewhere.
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The Storm Prediction Center's Day 1 outlook carries no thunderstorm risk today while Arctic air spreads south and lake effect snow ramps up this weekend across the Great Lakes per WPC guidance.
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The National Hurricane center reports no active tropical cyclones in the Atlantic, Eastern Pacific or Central Pacific.
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Let's run through the states.
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Alaska Blowing snow and near whiteout conditions persist at times in northern and interior zones.
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NWS Fairbanks maintains winter weather and blizzard advisories for parts of the Brooks Range and Arctic Coast.
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Rough marine weather is also affecting travel.
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The Alaska Marine highway lists multiple service changes and delays.
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California is sending help north.
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Governor Newsom authorized Urban Search and Rescue Task Forces CATF3, CATF4 and CATF7 to deploy to Washington through the Interstate Mutual Aid System to support flood response for Californians.
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Local weather is comparatively quiet today.
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Idaho Flood warnings continue on multiple panhandle rivers including the Coeur d', Alene, cataldo, Enneville and St. Joe Calder.
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Shoshone county declared a local flood emergency.
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ITD urges drivers to avoid standing water and monitor Idaho,511 for closures.
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Low lying and poor drainage areas remain vulnerable today.
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Minnesota Cold weather advisories and winter hazards expand today and through the weekend for northern Minnesota.
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NWS Duluth Highlights dangerous wind chills and periods of snow with lake effect bands redeveloping late Saturday into Sunday.
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Montana Northwestern Montana remains in response after rain on snow flooding.
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Lincoln county declared a local emergency.
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The city of Libby issued a boil water order for all users on the city system.
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Reports include washed out bridges and road closures.
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Shelters are available for displaced residents.
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New York Lake effect snow warnings are up east of Lakes Ontario and Erie.
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NWS Buffalo warns accumulations up to 2ft in the most persistent bands through Sunday with rapidly changing visibilities and hazardous travel.
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Oregon river flooding and high water continue along parts of northwest Oregon.
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NWS Portland maintains flood warnings and advisories.
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Local impacts include closures and minor urban flooding near coastal and Valley rivers, including Highway 101 near Seaside.
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Texas Dense fog advisories this morning from the Coastal bend into the i35 corridor lowered visibilities to a quarter mile or less.
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NWS Corpus Christi and Austin.
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San Antonio advised slow speeds, low beams and extra spacing.
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Conditions improve late morning, with a stronger front due Sunday.
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Washington's statewide emergency remains in effect as major river flooding continues on the Skagit, Snohomish, Cowlitz and others.
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NWS maintains widespread flood warnings.
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Several communities keep evacuation orders and levee monitoring in place.
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All other states have no significant updates in the last 24 hours.
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That's your national and 50 state situational brief for Friday, December 12th.
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We'll continue to track lingering flood impacts in the Northwest and the weekend cold and snow across the upper Midwest and Great Lakes.
