As winter tightens its grip across the United States, a massive storm system named Storm Fern is rapidly moving east, leaving a trail of ice, snow, and chaos in its wake.
After dumping heavy snow and ice across parts of the South and the Plains overnight, this storm now threatens millions of Americans with conditions that could rival some of the harshest in recent memory.
Experts say more than 220 million people in 34 states—nearly two-thirds of the country—are now under winter weather warnings as the storm advances from the southern Rockies toward New England.
Northeast Faces Relentless Snowfall
The heaviest snowfall is expected in the Northeast, where states like New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. could see up to one inch of snow per hour starting Sunday morning.
For some Southern states, the storm may even produce a rare phenomenon known as thunder sleet, where lightning and thunder coincide with large ice pellets falling from the sky.
NOAA meteorologists warned that “the heavy snow potential from Pennsylvania and New Jersey northward will continue into the late morning hours,” while areas such as Northern Virginia, Maryland, and Delaware could see conditions change to freezing rain later in the morning.
Widespread Power Outages and Travel Chaos
Storm Fern has already caused major disruptions.
Over 800,000 homes in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee experienced power outages, while more than 13,000 flights were canceled over the weekend.
The storm’s epicenter is forecast to hit the tri-state area by mid-morning Sunday, bringing as much as 16 inches of snow.
Officials warn that damage to infrastructure could be as severe, or worse, than typical hurricane impacts.
Panic-buying has begun in many areas, with residents stocking up on frozen food, canned goods, and other essentials, preparing to hunker down for multiple days of snow and extreme cold.
Record-Breaking Cold Temperatures
Temperatures are expected to plummet in key cities: Pittsburgh: 18°F, Manhattan: 11°F, Boston: 9°F, and Portland, Maine: 3°F.
New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill urged residents to stay indoors, stating, “It’s a good weekend to stay home.
The snow and ice will be very slow to melt and won’t disappear anytime soon, which will hinder recovery efforts.”
National Weather Service meteorologist Allison Santorelli echoed the concern, highlighting the difficulty of snow and ice removal and the challenges facing emergency crews.
Emergency Preparations Underway
President Donald Trump has approved emergency declarations in at least a dozen states, with more expected as the storm progresses.
FEMA has pre-positioned supplies, staff, and search-and-rescue teams to respond to emergencies.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem advised citizens: “Stay home if possible and be smart about your safety.”
Local authorities have reported vehicles hitting downed trees and ice-laden branches collapsing onto homes, especially in DeSoto Parish, Louisiana, where over half of electric customers lost power.
Airports Shut Down Amid Record Cancellations
The aviation sector is feeling the impact as well.
Saturday flights at Will Rogers International Airport in Oklahoma City were completely canceled, with plans to resume Sunday afternoon.
Dallas–Fort Worth International Airport saw over 700 departures canceled, and disruptions are widespread in Chicago, Atlanta, Nashville, Charlotte, and Washington, D.C.
Cirium, an aviation analytics firm, notes that Sunday’s cancellations already mark the highest single-day flight disruption since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Extreme Cold and Snow Accumulation
The Midwest is experiencing wind chills as low as -40°F, creating a risk of frostbite within 10 minutes.
Rhinelander, Wisconsin, recorded -36°F, the coldest reading in nearly three decades.
Snowfall has been staggering in some regions: over 23 inches in Colorado near Crested Butte, eight inches in north-central Kansas, and similar accumulations in Gibson, Arkansas.
How to Stay Safe During Storm Fern
Authorities and experts recommend preparing for extended power outages.
Essential tips include:
- Stock up on ice, blankets, warm clothing, and alternative heat sources.
- Keep a Styrofoam cooler and ice to preserve food.
- Assemble an emergency kit with water (one gallon per person per day), tinned food, a flashlight, battery-powered radio, first-aid kit, seven-day supply of medications, portable phone chargers, and emergency contact information.
- Fill your gas tank in case evacuation orders are issued.
The Red Cross emphasizes the importance of readiness, reminding Americans that staying prepared could be a lifesaver in the coming days.
Storm Fern is shaping up to be one of the most intense winter storms in recent memory.
With snow, ice, and dangerously low temperatures, the coming days will challenge millions of Americans to stay safe, warm, and prepared.
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