Winter Storm Fern: US Braces for ‘Catastrophic’ Ice, Record Flight Cancellations
A massive winter storm, dubbed Fern, is impacting a vast swath of the United States, threatening over 140 million people. The storm has already caused significant disruption, including a record number of flight cancellations and widespread power outages, as it moves across the nation.
Flight Disruptions Reach Record Levels
On Sunday, more than 8,600 flights were grounded, marking the highest number of cancellations in the US in the past year, according to FlightAware data. Saturday also saw substantial disruptions, with over 4,000 flights canceled. This surpasses the previous record of nearly 2,000 grounded flights set on November 9, 2025, due to a government shutdown.
Texas is currently experiencing the brunt of the flight disruptions, with 1,000 flights canceled out of the Fort-Dallas airport alone.
Widespread Impacts and Severe Conditions
As of midday Saturday, a quarter of an inch of ice had accumulated in parts of Oklahoma, Texas, and Louisiana. Forecasters predict that Winter Storm Fern will ultimately affect approximately 40% of the country, stretching from the Southern Plains to New England, with “catastrophic” snow and ice conditions.
Officials in northern Georgia are advising drivers to avoid travel for at least two days. Will Lanxton, a senior state meteorologist, described Fern as “perhaps the biggest ice storm we have expected in more than a decade.” Experts warn that conditions in some areas, particularly those experiencing significant ice accumulation, could cause damage comparable to a hurricane.
More than 119,000 power outages were reported across the country Saturday morning, including 51,000 in Texas, 20,000 in Louisiana, and nearly 11,000 in New Mexico, according to poweroutage.us.
Federal Response and State of Emergency
President Trump has directed the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to prepare for the storm. Nearly 30 search and rescue teams are on standby, with over 7 million meals, 600,000 blankets, and 300 generators strategically positioned throughout the potentially impacted areas.
Nine states have requested emergency declarations to unlock FEMA resources. Declarations have been approved for South Carolina and Virginia, while requests from Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, North Carolina, Tennessee, and West Virginia are still pending.
Regional Conditions and Forecasts
Light snow began falling overnight Friday, with six inches recorded in parts of Kansas and Arkansas. Kentucky has received approximately three inches, but forecasters anticipate up to 15 inches along the I-64 corridor. In the Midwest, wind chills have plummeted to 40 degrees below zero, posing a risk of frostbite within just 10 minutes.
Oklahoma City is bracing for up to 13 inches of snow, nearing the record of 13.5 inches set on Christmas Eve 2009. Memphis, Tennessee, was hit with about 3 inches of sleet on Saturday, reducing visibility to a mile or less in some areas.
The storm is expected to move into the Northeast overnight Saturday, potentially dropping a foot of snow from Washington through New York and Boston, according to the National Weather Service. States of emergency have been issued in at least 21 states, including Delaware, New York, and Washington, DC.
Frequently Asked Questions
What areas are currently experiencing power outages?
As of Saturday morning, more than 119,000 outages were reported across the country, with significant impacts in Texas (approximately 51,000 outages), Louisiana (around 20,000), and New Mexico (nearly 11,000).
What is the potential impact of ice accumulation?
According to Keith Avery, CEO of the Newberry Electric Cooperative in South Carolina, a half-inch to an inch of ice accumulation “could be catastrophic,” potentially weighing down trees and power lines and causing widespread outages.
What is the current federal response to the storm?
President Trump has directed FEMA to stand ready, with nearly 30 search and rescue teams on standby and over 7 million meals, 600,000 blankets, and 300 generators pre-positioned in the affected areas.
As Winter Storm Fern continues its path across the country, what steps are communities likely to take to ensure the safety and well-being of their residents?