Record-Breaking Snowfall and Extreme Cold
Storm Fern set new precipitation records in numerous areas, with some cities receiving snowfall amounts not seen in over a century. In New York City, the brutal cold claimed the lives of three people—two men and one woman.
Temperatures in certain states dropped below -30°C, severely hampering utility crews, emergency responders, and transportation networks.
Widespread Transportation and Power Disruptions
The extreme weather forced the cancellation of more than 11,000 flights nationwide. Nearly 135,000 households lost electricity, particularly in Texas and Louisiana, where freezing rain caused power lines to collapse.
Public transportation ground to a halt in many cities, highways were closed, and schools, government offices, and businesses remained shuttered. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the National Guard have been mobilized to address the aftermath of winter storm Fern.
How Residents Are Responding to the Extreme Conditions
Americans are actively preparing for prolonged freezing weather: supermarkets are crowded as people stock up on food, drinking water, generators, fuel, warm clothing, and other essentials.
Shelves with basic goods are emptying quickly, and many families are building several days’ worth of supplies, concerned about extended power outages and travel restrictions.
Safety Tips During a Major Winter Storm
To reduce risks during a winter storm in the USA, follow these expert recommendations:
- Stay indoors whenever possible and avoid traveling on roads.
- Prepare an emergency kit: flashlights, batteries, a battery-powered radio, warm clothing, and enough food and water for 3–5 days.
- Regularly check updates from the National Weather Service and local authorities.
- Never use gas stoves, grills, or generators indoors—this can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Check on neighbors, especially the elderly and those living alone.
Winter storm Fern serves as another reminder of how vulnerable modern infrastructure can be to extreme weather events. The situation remains critical, but emergency services are working around the clock to restore normalcy as quickly as possible.