Winter Storm Fern drives widespread disruptions as millions brace for ice, snow and bitter cold

A fast-moving, high-impact storm

Winter Storm Fern is spreading heavy snow, damaging ice and intense cold across a wide swath of the United States, with impacts building through the January 23–26, 2026 period. Forecasters warned that the storm’s combination of snow, freezing rain and plunging temperatures could create hazardous travel conditions, strain power systems and elevate risks such as exposure, carbon monoxide poisoning from improper heating, and burst pipes.

While exact totals and the hardest-hit corridors depend on the storm track, the main concern is the overlap of ice and snow in heavily traveled regions, where even modest ice accretion can cause widespread vehicle crashes, flight disruptions and powerline damage. Officials urged residents to monitor local alerts, avoid non-essential travel, and prepare for possible outages with heat-safe plans and emergency supplies.

Travel interruptions pile up

Air travel has been especially vulnerable as carriers preemptively cancel flights to reposition aircraft and crews, while major hubs contend with de-icing delays, runway treatment, and rapidly changing conditions. Many travelers are also facing cascading disruptions as inbound aircraft and crews arrive late or not at all, causing airline schedules to unravel across regions far from the worst weather.

Road travel is also deteriorating in places where temperatures drop quickly after precipitation begins. Snow-packed interstates, freezing rain, and visibility reductions from blowing snow have pushed local authorities to issue advisories and, in some areas, implement restrictions designed to keep roadways clear for plows and emergency responders.

Cold, ice and outage risk

As arctic air deepens behind the storm, wind chills are expected to be dangerously low in multiple states, increasing hypothermia risk for anyone stranded or exposed for extended periods. The heavier ice zones are of particular concern for utilities because ice-laden trees and lines can snap, producing scattered but sometimes prolonged outages.

Emergency managers emphasized practical steps: charge devices, keep flashlights ready, maintain a safe indoor heating plan, and avoid running generators or grills in enclosed areas. Communities also reminded residents to check on older neighbors and anyone with limited mobility who may struggle during extended cold or power loss.

With conditions evolving by the hour, residents are being asked to treat warnings and watches seriously, allow extra time for commutes, and consider postponing trips until roads and airports stabilize.