Winter Storm Fern Grounds 11,000 Flights and Traps Millions Across 40 States
Winter Storm Fern has effectively shut down travel across the eastern United States, the massive system is currently impacting 230 million people across a 2,000-mile path. Airlines have canceled over 11,000 flights as of Saturday, officials warn that dangerous ice and heavy snow make this a life-threatening event for travelers.
Comparison to 1993 Storm of the Century Raises Alarm
Meteorologists describe this system as a generational weather event, the atmospheric pressure and wide reach rival the historic 1993 "Storm of the Century." The storm presents a triple threat of heavy snow, damaging ice, and deep freeze temperatures, this combination creates hazards from the Southern Rockies to New England. Comparisons are also being drawn to Winter Storm Uri from 2021, that event devastated the Texas power grid and left millions without heat. The danger zone for ice stretches from East Texas to North Carolina, experts warn that half an inch of accumulation can cause hurricane-level damage to infrastructure.
Major Airports Close as Ice and Snow Accumulate
The aviation sector has ground to a halt, major hubs including Dallas-Fort Worth and Chicago O'Hare are paralyzed by the severe conditions. New York City is bracing for up to 14 inches of snow, Boston expects nearly 20 inches before the system moves offshore. The southern states face a different danger, ice accumulation between half an inch and one inch threatens to snap power lines and topple trees. Travelers are urged to use airline apps for updates rather than relying on airport boards, Delta and American Airlines have issued waivers for passengers.
Energy Sector Scrambles to Maintain Power
Grid operators are under immense pressure to prevent blackouts, Energy Secretary Chris Wright has authorized the use of 35 gigawatts of backup generation to meet demand. Texas grid operator ERCOT is under a formal Weather Watch, officials claim the infrastructure is more resilient than previous years despite the extreme cold. More than 50 pipelines have issued alerts for potential supply disruptions, these freeze-offs could impact heating fuel prices into February.
Essential Services Face Shortages and Delays
18 states have declared emergencies to access federal aid, local resources are already dwindling in hard-hit areas. Cities like Cleveland report road salt supplies are critically low, some storage domes hold less than 15 percent of their capacity. Electric vehicle owners face a 41 percent drop in battery range due to the cold, drivers must take precautions to avoid becoming stranded. Recovery efforts will likely extend well into next week, crews face dangerous conditions while trying to restore power to rural communities.
A flash freeze is expected to turn wet roads into sheets of black ice on Sunday night, this will make travel impossible. Officials urge all residents in the affected areas to remain indoors until temperatures rise on Tuesday.
