Travel in the U.S. has come to a screeching halt as Winter Storm Fern continues to wreak havoc across the country.
Millions are bracing against freezing temperatures, and the impacts of the storm are being felt from coast to coast, leaving both commuters and travelers stranded.
Snow Invades Long Island Rail Road
In New York, winter’s fury took an unusual turn when a Long Island Rail Road train literally filled with snow.
Gusty winds swept blinding flurries into a train car, forcing service to halt temporarily.
Officials said crews are working around the clock to clear tracks and monitor switches, with trains running on a weekend schedule while cleanup continues.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy reassured the public that air travel could stabilize by midweek.
“The snow is starting to subside in the Northeast, so now it’s dig-out day,” he explained.
“We’re hoping for normal schedules to resume by Wednesday.”
Boston Buried Under Record Snow
Boston, Massachusetts, became one of the hardest-hit cities, seeing nearly 20 inches of snow—a record high for the area in over four years.
Logan Airport alone recorded 18.6 inches by Monday morning, with surrounding areas reporting even higher totals.
Streets, sidewalks, and public transit systems have struggled to keep up as residents attempt to dig out from the historic snowfall.
Millions in the Dark
The storm’s reach extends far beyond the Northeast.
Power outages have surged, leaving over 819,000 Americans without electricity as of Monday morning.
The hardest-hit states in the South include Tennessee, Mississippi, and Louisiana, where sleet, rain, ice, and snow battered infrastructure.
Here’s a closer look at the outages:
- Tennessee: 250,536
- Mississippi: 160,987
- Louisiana: 127,635
- Texas: 62,449
- Kentucky: 47,311
- South Carolina: 44,191
- Georgia: 31,820
- North Carolina: 25,652
Officials warn that ice-related damages and prolonged blackouts may persist, especially in southern regions where the storm has left roads treacherous.
Air Travel Disrupted Nationwide
Airports continue to feel the ripple effects, with over 4,000 flights canceled and more than 1,000 delayed as of Monday morning.
Boston, New York City, and Washington, D.C. have seen the most disruption, leaving travelers frustrated and airlines scrambling to adjust schedules.
Deadly Toll and Economic Impact
Winter Storm Fern has proven deadly, claiming at least 16 lives across 17 states.
The storm’s trajectory stretched from Texas and Oklahoma to New Hampshire, bringing record snowfall and icy conditions along the way.
Bonito Lake, New Mexico, experienced the heaviest accumulation with 31 inches of snow recorded.
Experts warn that the storm could ultimately cost the nation over $100 billion in damages, affecting homes, transportation, and businesses alike.
Emergency crews continue to respond, urging caution as clean-up and recovery efforts remain underway.
What Lies Ahead
Meteorologists are keeping a close eye on lingering ice and heavy snow pockets across the South and Northeast.
Travelers are advised to monitor flight schedules and public transit updates, while residents in affected areas prepare for a challenging week of restoration.
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