Navigating extreme weather: Insights from DHS Chief Meteorologist, Sunny Wescott

Join Rob Lawrence on EMS One-Stop as he welcomes Sunny Wescott, chief meteorologist at the Department of Homeland Security, for an eye-opening discussion about the impact of extreme weather on emergency services and critical infrastructure.

Sunny shares her expertise on meteorological trends, the challenges of preparing for severe weather events, and the evolving role of EMS in managing climate-induced emergencies. From hurricanes and polar vortices, to the implications of electric vehicle adoption during extreme weather, this episode is packed with actionable insights for public safety leaders and EMS professionals.

Rob and Sunny explore the complex interplay between extreme weather and emergency response, emphasizing the importance of proactive planning and reliable information sources. Sunny delves into the science behind weather phenomena like atmospheric rivers, Rex blocks and heatwaves, connecting them to real-world challenges faced by first responders.

During this edition of EMS One-Stop discover the tools, resources and strategies Sunny recommends for staying ahead of severe weather impacts on both infrastructure and personnel, and gain practical advice for improving communication with the public during weather crises, ensuring safety and minimizing risk.

Key quotes from this episode

“The uneven heating of our planet is amplifying weather events, making them stronger and more unpredictable.” — Sunny Wescott

“The weather affects everything – and for EMS leaders, preparation isn't optional, it's essential.” — Rob Lawrence

“We’re seeing infrastructure pushed to its breaking point by weather extremes – things we couldn’t anticipate when they were built.” — Sunny Wescott

“Sometimes, the hardest command decision is telling your crews, ‘We’re hunkering down now.’ It’s the right call, but it’s never an easy one.” — Rob Lawrence

“Your life means so much more than the possessions inside your home. Evacuate early – it’s always the safest choice.” — Sunny Wescott

“Let’s face it: weather is as much a part of public safety planning as personnel and resources.” — Rob Lawrence

“Weather preparedness isn’t just about forecasts; it’s about collaboration, data sharing and breaking down silos across sectors.” — Sunny Wescott

Timeline

00:24 – Rob’s introduction and reflections on weather in the UK and US

01:22 – Sunny explains global weather patterns and their cascading impacts

03:32 – Sunny describes her role at DHS and how critical infrastructure is assessed against weather risks

11:13 – Hurricane trends, preparedness and landfall impacts for 2025

20:00 – EMS-specific challenges during extreme heat and cold, including effects on equipment and personnel

24:04 – How to interpret long-term weather forecasts and model reliability

30:06 – Operational decisions during extreme weather events, like grounding helicopters and using resources wisely

36:06 – Final thoughts on misinformation, insurance concerns, and public safety resilience

Additional resources

• EMS in a changing climate: Understanding the impact of extreme weather
• Snowfall Reports from past events
• Annual Lightning Report 2024 – Xweather
• NWS Probabilistic Precipitation Portal
• National Fire News | National Interagency Fire Center
• AirNow Fire and Smoke Map
• Incidents | CAL FIRE