Across the United States, Mother Nature is showing her wild side.
From swirling “steamnadoes” over Texas lakes to blizzard conditions blanketing the Northeast, Winter Storm Fern is leaving no region untouched.
Millions of Americans are bracing for more snow, ice, and freezing temperatures as the storm continues its icy march.
The National Weather Service warns that while heavy snowfall and gusty winds have already caused havoc, the worst is still to come.
A deep freeze combined with “catastrophic ice” threatens to knock out power for millions more, complicating travel and daily life across the country.
Steamnadoes Stir Up Texas
In Texas, unusual “steamnadoes” have been spotted forming over local lakes.
These swirling vortexes look like mini tornadoes but form when cold air moves rapidly over warm water.
While fascinating to watch, they are a stark reminder of just how unpredictable the storm has become.
Meanwhile, Austin is grappling with extreme cold.
Emergency crews responded to over 400 calls in a 24-hour span, including 12 vehicle accidents and 15 cold-related emergencies.
Tragically, one person has already died due to the freezing conditions, highlighting the storm’s deadly reach.
Blizzard Conditions Freeze the Northeast
From Massachusetts to New York, blizzard conditions have reduced visibility to less than a quarter-mile while winds topped 35 mph.
Nantucket faced over three hours of near-blizzard weather, disrupting daily life and leaving residents scrambling to stay safe.
Boston is experiencing its largest snowstorm in four years, with totals ranging from 12 to nearly 24 inches.
Governor Maura Healey urged residents to stay home and look out for neighbors, emphasizing the severity of the storm: “It’s wicked cold already. Just hunker in … take care of one another, and ride this one out.”
Lives Lost Amid Freezing Temperatures
Sadly, Winter Storm Fern has claimed lives across the country.
In Kansas, 28-year-old elementary school teacher Rebecca Rauber was found dead in the snow, just 300 yards from where she was last seen.
Authorities suspect hypothermia as the cause of death.
Elsewhere, Austin recorded one fatality directly linked to the icy conditions, while at least 13 people have died nationwide from the severe cold.
Emergency services and local authorities continue to warn citizens to stay indoors whenever possible.
Airports and Travel in Turmoil
Air travel is facing massive disruptions.
Crowds at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport swelled as more than half of all flights were canceled.
Maine even reported a plane overturning at an airport amid blizzard conditions, though the status of the passengers remains unclear.
In New York City, subway stations were not immune, with shocking photos showing snow infiltrating the underground system, further complicating commuter travel.
Roads Become Treacherous
Travel on land is equally hazardous.
Nashville saw ice-covered tree limbs block traffic along West End Avenue, while Indiana reported over 360 crashes in one day alone.
These icy conditions have paralyzed commutes and forced officials to close roads, schools, and government offices in anticipation of worsening weather.
What’s Ahead for Winter Storm Fern
Meteorologists warn that Monday will likely bring the storm’s most dangerous conditions yet.
One to two feet of snow are expected in parts of the Northeast, while southern states face ice accumulation that could leave more than a million people without power.
The New York State Division of Homeland Security & Emergency Services urges extreme caution, noting that the “worst conditions are expected between 12 PM today and 12 AM Monday.”
With extreme cold, heavy snow, and treacherous ice still on the horizon, Americans are being advised to hunker down and prepare for a long and harsh winter weekend.
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