Winter Storm Fern snarls travel and strains power grids across much of the U.S.

A multi-day storm hits dozens of states

On Sunday, January 25, 2026, Winter Storm Fern continued sweeping across the eastern two-thirds of the United States, dumping heavy snow in some regions and coating others in freezing rain and sleet. Forecasters warned that the combination of ice and plunging temperatures could keep roads dangerous and complicate recovery even after precipitation eases. Large sections of the South, Midwest and Northeast faced the most disruptive mix: snow bands to the north and west of the system, and a broader corridor of ice farther south.

The National Weather Service and NOAA’s Weather Prediction Center emphasized that ice accretion—not just snowfall—was a central threat, with the potential for downed trees, damaged power lines, and prolonged outages. The storm’s size and duration made it especially challenging for local agencies because impacts were spread over many states at once, limiting the ability to shift resources from unaffected regions.

Power outages climb and utilities brace for prolonged repairs

The storm knocked out electricity for hundreds of thousands of customers across multiple states, particularly in parts of the South and lower Midwest where freezing rain can be most damaging to infrastructure. Utilities warned that restoration could take time if ice and wind continued to snap limbs and weigh down lines, and some operators said they were preparing for multi-day repairs in the hardest-hit pockets. Grid operators monitored demand closely as bitter cold boosted heating needs.

Officials urged residents to prepare for the possibility of extended outages, including keeping phones charged, checking on neighbors, and using generators safely. Emergency management offices in several states issued reminders about carbon monoxide risks from indoor generator use and emphasized the importance of warming shelters for communities where homes lost heat.

Flights canceled, ground transport disrupted

Air travel disruptions mounted as the storm spread: thousands of flights were canceled nationwide, and delays rippled through major hubs. Airlines warned that cancellations could continue as crews and aircraft were repositioned and as de-icing and runway operations faced backlogs. The cascading effect of cancellations also meant travelers in regions not directly under the worst weather still faced missed connections and rebooking challenges.

On the ground, travel advisories were common across affected states. Ice on bridges and elevated roadways was a particular concern, and local transportation agencies urged drivers to avoid nonessential trips. In some locations, public transit services were reduced or temporarily suspended to keep riders and staff safe and to avoid vehicles getting stuck or sliding.

Emergency declarations and federal response

A number of states issued emergency declarations to speed deployment of resources and to help utilities and agencies coordinate. Federal support also ramped up, with FEMA positioning personnel and assets to assist state and local response efforts as conditions warranted. Officials repeated the same message: treat ice as life-threatening, avoid travel if possible, and check official local updates for shelter and road-closure information.