A colossal winter storm, potentially one of the most powerful in years, is racing across the United States after dumping ice and snow on the South and Plains.
Dubbed Storm Fern, it is now moving eastward toward New England, putting more than 220 million Americans across 34 states under winter weather warnings—almost two-thirds of the country.
Northeast Faces Blinding Snow and Extreme Cold
New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Washington DC are bracing for snowfalls of up to one inch per hour starting Sunday morning.
The storm isn’t just snow—residents in the South may witness the rare phenomenon of thunder sleet, with lightning crackling through icy pellets.
Meteorologists at NOAA warned that northern Virginia, Maryland, and Delaware could see a switch to freezing rain by late morning, complicating travel and infrastructure recovery.
Power Outages and Flight Disruptions Already Widespread
Storm Fern has already wreaked havoc, leaving more than 800,000 households without electricity across Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee.
The chaos extended to the skies, with over 13,000 flights canceled nationwide over the weekend.
Airports from Dallas-Fort Worth to Chicago, Atlanta, Nashville, and Charlotte are facing disruptions, while Oklahoma City’s Will Rogers International Airport canceled all Saturday flights, aiming to resume operations Sunday afternoon.
Extreme Temperatures Set to Challenge Residents
Temperatures are plummeting to dangerous lows.
Pittsburgh may see 18°F, Manhattan 11°F, Boston 9°F, and Portland, Maine, a frigid 3°F.
Midwest windchills have already reached minus 40°F, making frostbite a risk in under 10 minutes.
Rhinelander, Wisconsin, reported minus 36°F, the coldest reading in almost three decades.
Officials Issue Warnings and Restrictions
Authorities are urging Americans to stay home and prepare for several days of hazardous conditions.
New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill implemented commercial vehicle restrictions and a 35 mph (56 kph) speed limit on highways.
President Donald Trump approved emergency declarations in at least a dozen states, and FEMA has pre-positioned staff, supplies, and search and rescue teams.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem emphasized, “We just ask that everyone would be smart – stay home if possible.”
Communities Struggle with Ice-Laden Trees
Storm Fern’s early impact has already caused structural damage.
In DeSoto Parish, Louisiana, ice-laden trees snapped and blocked roads, taking out power lines.
“These trees are just completely saturated with ice,” said Mark Pierce from the local sheriff’s office, noting the dangers to residents and motorists.
Snowfall Totals Soar Across the Country
Colorado’s Crested Butte recorded over 23 inches of snow, while Arkansas and north-central Kansas saw around eight inches.
The storm is expected to peak in the Northeast mid-morning Sunday, with up to 16 inches forecast in the tri-state area.
Experts warn that melting will be slow, delaying recovery efforts and leaving communities exposed to further hazards.
Red Cross Urges Preparations for Power Outages
Officials are advising residents to stock up on essentials: blankets, heat sources, ice, tinned food, and water.
The Red Cross recommends assembling an emergency kit with one gallon of water per person per day, medications for seven days, battery-powered radios, flashlights, and phone chargers.
Filling gas tanks is also suggested in case evacuation becomes necessary.
What’s Next
As Storm Fern barrels eastward, Americans are bracing for a weekend of extreme weather, travel chaos, and potentially record-breaking snowfall.
Authorities urge patience, preparation, and caution as the storm continues to leave its icy mark across the nation.
Share on Facebook «||» Share on Twitter «||» Share on Reddit «||» Share on LinkedIn