Winter Storm Fern Hits 40 States with Snow and Ice

A massive winter storm known as Winter Storm Fern is moving across the United States, bringing heavy snow to the Midwest and Northeast, crippling ice to the South, and bitter cold to wide areas. It started in the Southern Plains on Friday and will reach from Texas to Maine by Monday, affecting more than 235 million people in 40 states.

Background

The storm formed from an upper-level low in the Pacific Ocean on January 22, moving southeast toward Baja California. Meteorologists spotted it early and sent NOAA Hurricane Hunters planes into the system to gather data for better forecasts. By Friday midday, the first snow and ice hit the Southern and Central Plains, including Texas, Arkansas, and Louisiana.

This storm stretches over 2,300 miles, making it one of the largest in years. Alerts cover areas from Albuquerque to Boston, with winter storm warnings and ice storm warnings in place across a 2,000-mile path. Governors in at least 18 states and Washington, D.C., declared emergencies. Nine states called up National Guard troops to help.

In Texas, Governor Greg Abbott declared a state of emergency on January 21 and activated the Division of Emergency Management. Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry did the same on January 18, starting up the state's Crisis Actions Team. Tennessee Governor Bill Lee covered the whole state on January 22. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear followed on January 23, along with local leaders in places like Nelson County.

Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe activated the National Guard and Emergency Operations Center. Kansas Governor Laura Kelly declared a disaster emergency on January 23 morning. Pennsylvania Governor Shapiro signed an emergency proclamation and set Tier 4 vehicle restrictions starting Sunday at midnight. Ohio readied 1,500 snowplows.

Over 8,000 flights were canceled across the US, with numbers climbing: 560 on January 23, nearly 2,400 on January 24, and over 1,600 on January 25 by afternoon. Amtrak canceled dozens of trains. Major airports like those in New York, Philadelphia, and Washington face shutdowns by Monday.

Key Details

The storm's path and impacts vary by region. It began Friday in the Plains, hitting Texas hard with ice from Midland to Dallas. Saturday brings more ice to Arkansas, Little Rock, and into Tennessee, Kentucky, Georgia, and the Carolinas. Cities like Nashville, Memphis, Atlanta, and Charlotte will see snow and ice, closing interstates and airports.

South and Plains

Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, and the Carolinas face up to an inch of ice or two inches of sleet. This could cause power outages and block roads. Widespread icing threatens travel all weekend.

Midwest and Ohio Valley

Heavy snow up to 25 inches possible in Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kentucky, West Virginia, and parts of Missouri and Kansas. Ohio mobilized plows for the expected dump.

Northeast

By Sunday and Monday, snow targets New York, Philadelphia, Washington, and up to Boston. Interstates I-81, I-95, and I-80 will be hit. Airports EWR, LGA, JFK, PHL, and DCA expect delays or closures. Snow could reach 25 inches in Pennsylvania and New York.

Cold adds to the trouble. Minneapolis hit 21 degrees below zero Friday morning, with wind chills worse. Record lows forecast for Southern Plains and Mid-Atlantic through the weekend.

"This is certainly sending a red flag that there can be a crippling icing event in portions of the southern US."

• Meteorologist on forecast models

Power companies brace for outages from ice on lines. Highways close in phases, starting with truck bans. Schools shut down across affected states. Residents stock up on food, water, and blankets as shelves empty in stores from Dallas to Charlotte.

What This Means

Travel grinds to a halt for millions. Major routes like I-95 from Texas to Maine see closures, stranding drivers. Airlines reroute or ground planes, leaving passengers stuck. Businesses close, and schools stay shut into next week.

Power outages could last days in iced areas, leaving homes without heat in sub-zero cold. Hospitals prepare for emergencies, and shelters open for those without power. National Guard helps clear roads and deliver supplies.

Farmers in the Plains worry about livestock in the cold. Ports and rail lines slow, delaying goods. The storm locks in snow and ice with the deep freeze, making cleanup slow.

Two-thirds of the US feels some effect, the biggest storm in at least five years. It tests emergency systems after years of milder winters in the South. Recovery starts midweek, but bitter cold lingers for weeks.

States coordinate with federal aid. FEMA watches closely. The wide reach means help spreads thin, so local teams lead the response. Drivers are told to stay off roads if possible. Heat and check on neighbors top safety lists.