CodeRED Emergency Alert Hack, Winter Storm Snow and Ice
December 2, 2025
Analyst Insight
Today’s posture is strained as a ransomware attack has crippled a widely‑used emergency‑alert system while the season’s first major snowstorm marches from the Midwest to the Northeast.
Threats are overlapping: local governments are scrambling to transition to replacement alert platforms after the CodeRED hack, and a fast‑intensifying winter storm is dumping up to a foot of snow across a 1,500‑mile swath from Michigan to New England, with freezing rain in the Mid‑Atlantic.
Patterns show increasing dependence on digital infrastructure vulnerable to cyberattacks, and severe early‑season weather tests grid and transport resilience.
These issues matter because cyber disruptions can delay emergency notifications while winter storms already strain road crews, power utilities, and supply chains; communities should plan for rolling outages and communications gaps.
Domestic Security & Civil Unrest
No major protests or mass‑casualty attacks reported in the last 24 hours. With investigators still pursuing leads in the Stockton, CA, and Washington, D.C., shootings, there were no reports of significant demonstrations, extremist violence, or active‑shooter incidents nationwide.
Why it matters: law enforcement can focus on routine patrols and weather‑related duties, but the absence of incidents should not invite complacency. Recent targeted attacks show that violence can occur without warning, and large public gatherings around the holidays may still be vulnerable.
Infrastructure & Grid Alerts
Ransomware disables CodeRED emergency‑alert platform (nationwide). Crisis24’s OnSolve CodeRED system, used by hundreds of U.S. municipalities for local emergency alerts, was shut down after a ransomware attack discovered on 18 Nov. The Inc ransomware gang claimed responsibility. Officials decommissioned CodeRED servers and migrated customers to a new platform. Sensitive subscriber data may have been stolen, prompting cities such as Denver and counties in Massachusetts and Colorado to drop the service and advise users to change passwords.
Why it matters: local governments may temporarily lose the ability to send timely emergency alerts, increasing reliance on backup notification methods. Residents should verify they are signed up for alternative alert systems and avoid reusing passwords.
BP Olympic pipeline resumes full operations after leak (Pacific Northwest). BP restarted its 400‑mile Olympic fuel pipeline linking Washington and Oregon after recovering over 2,300 gallons of gasoline and diesel spilled near Everett. Repairs allowed the line to return to full service on Nov. 29.
Why it matters: the pipeline supplies refined fuel to the Pacific Northwest. Successful cleanup and restart reduce the risk of regional fuel shortages, but the incident highlights the need for backup fuel storage.
Cyberattack disrupts Asahi beverage supply chain (Japan). Asahi Group, maker of Super Dry beer, reported that a September cyberattack leaked personal data of ~1.52 million customers and disrupted logistics; the company aims to normalise shipping by February 2026.
Why it matters: although overseas, the attack highlights rising cyber‑risks to food‑and‑beverage supply chains. Importers of Japanese beverages may experience sporadic shortages; U.S. businesses should review cybersecurity practices and diversify suppliers.
Overall grid status: aside from isolated storm‑related outages in the upper Midwest (described below), no widespread power or water disruptions were reported.
Extreme Weather & Natural Hazards
Winter storm from Midwest to New England. A strengthening blast of frigid air from Canada is expected to dump up to 12 inches (30 cm) of snow from Michigan through New England and the interior Mid‑Atlantic. About 16 million Americans are under winter‑weather advisories, and heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain are forecast for Pennsylvania, New York, and northern New Jersey. Earlier, Chicago’s O’Hare airport recorded 8.7 inches of snow, and an icy Indiana highway saw a 50‑vehicle pile‑up.
Why it matters: hazardous travel conditions could persist into Wednesday, causing flight cancellations, road closures, and supply‑chain delays. Residents should delay non‑essential travel, stock food and water, and prepare for possible short‑duration power outages.
Kīlauea volcano remains restless (Hawaii). The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reports that Kīlauea’s summit eruption is paused, but significant inflation suggests another fountaining episode may occur between Dec. 5‑10. Activity at the Halemaʻumaʻu crater includes persistent glow and tremor; volcanic gas emissions can cause poor air quality, and fine glass fibers (“Pele’s hair”) may fall downwind. Visitors are advised to stay on marked trails and avoid closed areas.
Why it matters: a renewed eruption could disrupt air travel and local infrastructure on Hawaii’s Big Island. Those with respiratory conditions should monitor air quality alerts and have N95 masks available.
Border & Immigration
No large‑scale crossings or interdictions reported. In the wake of the D.C. ambush, federal agencies continue reviewing asylum cases for Afghan nationals, but there have been no reports of mass crossings or major cartel‑related violence along the U.S.‑Mexico border within the past day.
Why it matters: border operations remain steady; travelers should expect routine delays at checkpoints but no widespread disruptions.
Church, Mission & Civilian Safety
No reported attacks on missionaries or faith‑based teams. No kidnappings, harassment, or targeted surveillance incidents affecting U.S. mission teams or humanitarian workers overseas were reported in the last 24 hours.
Why it matters: travel risk for mission teams remains low; however, teams should maintain situational awareness, particularly in regions affected by severe weather or political instability.
International Flashpoints
Kīlauea (Hawaii) and Southeast Asia floods as regional hazards. Besides Kīlauea’s potential eruption, no major overseas flashpoints directly impacting U.S. security were widely reported in the last 24 hours. Reports of deadly flooding in Indonesia and Sri Lanka highlight the vulnerability of global supply chains, but U.S. markets are not yet directly affected.
Supply Chain & Liberty Watch
Supply Chain: The CodeRED cyberattack and Asahi breach demonstrates the fragility of digital supply chains. U.S. importers of Japanese beverages may see short‑term shortages. Weather‑related travel disruptions could delay holiday deliveries.
Liberty & Policy: No new federal or state rulings affecting firearms, speech, privacy, or property rights were reported in the past day. The only significant policy action remains the administration’s suspension of Afghan immigration processing following the D.C. ambush.
Signals to Monitor
Progress of municipalities transitioning away from the CodeRED alert system; watch for reports of delayed or missed emergency notifications.
National Weather Service updates on snowfall totals and ice accretion; additional storm systems forming over the Rockies could exacerbate outages.
Inflationary uplift or seismic activity at Kīlauea that may indicate an imminent eruption.
Any signs of cyberattacks targeting U.S. utilities or food distributors following the Asahi breach.
Red Flags
If emergency notification failures occur because of the CodeRED hack, activate local communications plans (check portable radios and social‑media channels).
If winter storm warnings upgrade to blizzard conditions or freezing rain extends southward, postpone travel immediately and ensure generators and backup heat sources are functional.
Should Kīlauea’s alert level change to Warning or color code RED, avoid travel to Hawaii’s volcano district and monitor airline advisories.
Preparedness Action Items
Enroll in alternative alert systems: Verify that your county or city has switched to a new emergency‑alert provider; sign up today and test notifications.
Prepare for snow and ice: Top off fuel, stock at least 72 hours of food and water, and charge power banks and flashlights by tonight. Clear gutters and secure outdoor items before the storm arrives.
Check heating and plumbing: Insulate exposed pipes and ensure heating systems are serviced to prevent freezing during sub‑freezing temperatures this week.
Cyber hygiene: Update and diversify passwords for any accounts tied to emergency notifications; avoid using the same credentials across multiple services.
Monitor volcano updates: Travelers to Hawaii should pack N95 masks and be prepared for flight delays; sign up for alerts from the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory.
Preparedness Focus of the Day
Emergency Alerts Without the Internet – In light of the CodeRED outage, establish non‑digital alert pathways. Invest in a NOAA weather radio and program local frequencies. Create a phone tree among neighbors so that warnings can be relayed quickly if digital systems fail. Practice sending and receiving test messages this week.
Gear Pick of the Day
Portable Battery‑Powered NOAA Weather Radio – A compact NOAA weather radio receives alerts even when power and internet are down. Look for models with hand‑crank charging and USB ports to charge phones, ensuring you stay informed if winter storms knock out electricity or cyberattacks disrupt digital alert systems. I have had good luck with Midland, but any reputable brand would suffice.