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Critical Weather Updates: Prepare for Winter Hazards
Episode 6816th December 2025 • EM Morning Brief • Brian Colburn
00:00:00 00:03:47

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This podcast episode provides a comprehensive overview of the significant weather events currently affecting various regions, with a particular emphasis on the hazardous conditions prevalent in the Pacific Northwest. The National Weather Service has issued winter storm warnings for the Washington Cascades, predicting an accumulation of snow ranging from 10 to 36 inches, accompanied by ridge gusts reaching up to 65 miles per hour. Furthermore, the episode highlights the ongoing flooding situation in the Skagit River area near Mount Vernon, where major flooding is anticipated, prompting an extension of the flood warning into Friday. In addition, we examine the winter storm warnings affecting Juneau in Alaska, as well as the persistent lake effect snow impacting parts of New York. The episode concludes with a reminder for listeners to remain vigilant and heed local advisories regarding these severe weather conditions.

A comprehensive analysis of the current meteorological conditions reveals a significant winter storm warning in effect across the Pacific Northwest, particularly impacting the Washington Cascades. The National Weather Service has forecasted an alarming accumulation of snow ranging from ten to thirty-six inches, accompanied by ridge gusts reaching up to sixty-five miles per hour. This substantial snowfall is anticipated to commence in the late afternoon and persist through Wednesday night, thereby creating hazardous travel conditions and raising concerns for residents in the affected areas. Moreover, the Skagit River is experiencing notable flooding, with warnings extended until Friday, underscoring the urgency for vigilance and preparedness among local communities.

In the broader context of weather phenomena, Alaska's Panhandle is similarly grappling with winter storm warnings, predicting an additional three to seven inches of snowfall, coupled with gusty winds of thirty-five to forty miles per hour. These conditions are expected to pose challenges for both residents and travelers alike. The Great Lakes region is not exempt from winter weather, as lake effect snow continues to affect parts of New York, particularly Jefferson and Lewis counties, where visibility may be severely compromised by intense snow bands producing rapid accumulations and slick road conditions. Such developments necessitate heightened awareness and adherence to safety protocols as the region navigates through these tumultuous winter conditions.

Takeaways:

  • The Pacific Northwest is currently experiencing severe winter storm conditions and hazards.
  • The National Weather Service has issued winter storm warnings for multiple regions until Wednesday night.
  • Significant flooding is forecasted near Mount Vernon, affecting low-lying areas and access.
  • Alaska's Panhandle continues to face winter storm warnings with additional snowfall expected today.
  • Cold temperatures persist in North Carolina, with wind chills posing risks to sensitive populations.
  • Lake effect snow continues to impact visibility and road conditions in parts of New York.

Sources

[NWS Juneau | https://www.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=usa&wwa=all]

[NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=hnx&wwa=all]

[NWS Monterey Marine | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=hnx&wwa=all]

 [NWS Honolulu | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=usa&wwa=high+surf+advisory]

[NWS Wilmington NC | https://www.weather.gov/ilm/aviation]

[NWS Buffalo | https://www.weather.gov/buf/BUFHWOBUF]

[NWS Seattle | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=SEW&wwa=flood+warning]

[NWS Seattle | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=usa&wwa=winter+storm+warning]

Transcripts

Speaker A:

Good morning.

Speaker A:

,:

Speaker A:

The biggest hazard this morning is in the Pacific Northwest.

Speaker A:

The National Weather Service has winter storm warnings for the Washington Cascades from 4pm today through Wednesday night calling for 10 to 36 inches of snow with ridge gusts up to 65 miles per hour.

Speaker A:

Skagit river flooding also persists.

Speaker A:

Major flooding is forecast near Mount Vernon with a flood warning extended into Friday.

Speaker A:

In Alaska's Panhandle, winter storm warnings remain in effect this morning for Juneau and nearby zones with additional 3 to 7 inches and gusts 35 to 40 mph.

Speaker A:

Snow tapers after 9am local across the Great Lakes Lake effect snow continues.

Speaker A:

Warnings for parts of Jefferson and Lewis counties in New York run through early afternoon.

Speaker A:

Expect near whiteout bands at times.

Speaker A:

In Hawaii, a high surf advisory on the Leeward Big island is in effect through early this morning and along the southeast coast NWS offices continue messaging on dangerous cold conditions through today.

Speaker A:

Let's run through the states.

Speaker A:

Alaska Snow and blowing snow continue early in the Panhandle.

Speaker A:

Winter storm warnings for Juneau, eastern Chichagov island and Cape Fairweather Lisianski Strait remain in effect until 9am with additional 3 to 7 inches and gusts 35 to 40 mph before improvement.

Speaker A:

Late morning marine forecasts nearby also carry gale headlines and freezing spray.

Speaker A:

California A wind advisory remains in effect through 10am for the Santa Lucia and San Luis Obispo county mountains.

Speaker A:

Gusty winds may impact high profile vehicles on ridge routes offshore.

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A small craft advisory continues today for the central coast from Point Pinos to Point Piedras Blancas with northwest winds 15 to 25 knots.

Speaker A:

Hawaii west facing shores of the Big island remain under a high surf advisory through 6am HST today with surf up to 10ft and strong currents.

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Additional marine hazards are possible midweek as winds increase.

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Monitor updates if planning boating or shoreline activities.

Speaker A:

North Carolina Cold air lingers today with NWS Wilmington highlighting dangerous cold messaging from Monday into Tuesday.

Speaker A:

Wind chills run lowest at daybreak.

Speaker A:

Expect a gradual warm up mid week, but sensitive populations remain at risk this morning.

Speaker A:

New York Lake effect snow continues east of Lakes Erie.

Speaker A:

In Ontario, the Buffalo office maintains a lake effect snow warning for Jefferson and Lewis counties through early afternoon with intense snow bands producing rapid drops in visibility, localized heavy accumulations and slick roads.

Speaker A:

Conditions gradually improve later today as the bands weaken and shift.

Speaker A:

Two Primary river flooding and mountain snow.

Speaker A:

The flood warning for the Skagit river near Mount Vernon is extended into Friday with major flooding forecast expect impacts to low lying areas and riverfront access.

Speaker A:

Avoid flooded roads and follow local instructions.

Speaker A:

Meanwhile, a winter storm warning runs 4pm today to 10pm Wednesday for the Cascades and Olympics.

Speaker A:

Mount Baker 18 to 36 inches, Stevens and Snoqualmie 10 to 20 inches and strong ridge winds.

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All other states have no significant updates in the last 24 hours.

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We'll stay on the river flooding in Washington, the Alaska snow taper this morning and lingering Great Lakes bands through midday.

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Source links are in the show notes below.

Speaker A:

Stay safe.

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