Weather Watch - Wind & Wireless | Winter Storm Fern Alert

Winter Storm Fern: Regional Impacts

Historic storm threatens over 160 million Americans - January 22-25, 2026

Winter Storm Fern is a massive, complex system affecting nearly half the U.S. population. Here's the breakdown by region as the storm progresses through the weekend.

SOUTH: DANGEROOUS ICE & POWER OUTAGE THREAT

Affected Area: Texas to the Carolinas | Timeline: Friday afternoon through Sunday

Forecast: Extremely dangerous ice accumulation up to half an inch. Heavy snow for northern parts of the region. Temperatures plummeting to 27°F in Dallas, 14°F in Little Rock, and 19°F in Nashville by Saturday morning.

Major Threat: Widespread power outages from ice accumulation on trees and power lines. Dangerous travel conditions with roads becoming impassable. States of emergency declared in AL, AR, GA, LA, MS, MO, NC, SC, TN, VA, and 134 TX counties.

MIDWEST: LIFE-THREATENING ARCTIC BLAST

Affected Area: Upper Midwest & Great Lakes | Timeline: Thursday night through Saturday

Forecast: Historic cold with wind chills to -39°F in Minneapolis and -32°F in Chicago Friday morning. Frostbite possible in 10 minutes on exposed skin. Schools closed in Chicago and parts of Minnesota.

Major Threat: Life-threatening cold without proper shelter. Danger for vulnerable populations and outdoor workers. Hypothermia and frostbite risk at extreme levels.

NORTHEAST: WEEKEND SNOW & ICE

Affected Area: Washington D.C. to Boston | Timeline: Sunday into Monday

Forecast: Brutal cold arrives Friday night, then snow and ice Sunday. Model disagreement: American model shows heavy snow for I-95 corridor (Philadelphia to Boston). European model shows more ice for NJ, Philly, DC. Snow could last until Monday morning.

Major Threat: Weekend travel disruptions along entire East Coast. Potential for significant snow accumulations or dangerous ice depending on storm track. Airlines issuing travel waivers.

STATES OF EMERGENCY DECLARED

Governors in 12 states have declared states of emergency ahead of the storm: Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia.

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein: "Prepare to stay home for multiple days... stay off the roads unless completely necessary."

Storm Timeline & Evolution

How Winter Storm Fern will unfold across the nation

THURSDAY NIGHT (Jan 22)

Midwest Impact Begins: Historic arctic blast arrives with life-threatening wind chills to -39°F. Schools announce closures for Friday.

FRIDAY AFTERNOON (Jan 23)

South Impact Begins: Storm moves into the South. Snow and ice begin impacting Dallas, Little Rock, Wichita, Oklahoma City by evening.

FRIDAY NIGHT (Jan 23)

Cold Reaches Northeast: Below-freezing temperatures arrive in NYC and Philadelphia as arctic air expands eastward.

SATURDAY (Jan 24)

Peak Southern Impact: Extremely dangerous ice (up to 0.5") and heavy snow push from Texas to the Carolinas. Temperatures in teens and 20s across South.

SUNDAY (Jan 25)

Northeast Impact: Snow and ice reach the Northeast, affecting Washington D.C., New York City, and Boston. Significant travel disruptions expected.

MONDAY (Jan 26)

Storm Departs: Snow may continue in Northeast through Monday morning. Danger shifts to extreme cold following the precipitation.

Satellite & Model Data

Latest Observations & Forecast Models - January 22, 2026

Current Storm System Overview

Satellite imagery showing Winter Storm Fern organizing over the Southern Plains, with arctic air covering the Midwest and spreading eastward

Winter Storm Fern: Ice threat from Texas to Carolinas

Arctic air mass with life-threatening wind chills in Midwest

Weekend snow/ice threat for Northeast Sunday into Monday

Heavy Snow

Dangerous Ice

Extreme Cold

Arctic Air Mass

Power Outage Threat

Extreme Risk: Southern ice belt (TX to Carolinas)
High Risk: Mid-Atlantic ice zones
Duration: Potential multi-day outages
Concern: Outages combined with extreme cold create life-threatening situation

Travel Impact

Airlines: American, Delta, United waiving fees
Roads: Ice will make travel impossible in South
Timing: Worst conditions Friday PM - Sunday AM in South, Sunday in Northeast
Advice: Avoid all non-essential travel

Record Cold Potential

Midwest: -30°F to -40°F wind chills
South: Teens and 20s for highs Saturday
Northeast: Below freezing through weekend
Duration: Cold continues well after precipitation ends

Critical Impact Areas & Preparation

What to expect and how to prepare in your region

Southern Ice Preparation

Power: Charge all devices. Have backup batteries.
Heat: Prepare alternative heat sources SAFELY.
Food/Water: 3+ day supply for all household members.
Emergency Kit: Medications, blankets, flashlights, radio.
Warning: Never use generators indoors.

Midwest Cold Safety

Limit Exposure: Frostbite in 10 minutes at -35°F wind chill.
Layers: Wear multiple loose-fitting layers.
Check Vehicles: Ensure winter survival kit in car.
Check on Others: Elderly, disabled, and vulnerable neighbors.
Pet Safety: Bring pets indoors.

Northeast Travel Planning

Air Travel: Check airline waivers before heading to airport.
Road Travel: Postpone Sunday travel if possible.
Supplies: Winter car kit with blanket, food, shovel.
Home: Prepare for potential power outages.
Stay Informed: Monitor for snow/ice forecast updates.

CRITICAL SAFETY INFORMATION

Power Outages: Report to your local utility immediately. Use generators OUTDOORS only (20+ ft from home).
Travel: AVOID ALL TRAVEL in ice-affected areas. Roads may become impassable.
Cold: Frostbite can occur in minutes at these temperatures. Cover all exposed skin.
Emergency: Life-threatening situations call 911. For non-emergency assistance, call 211.

Forecast Uncertainty & Model Differences

The exact track of Winter Storm Fern will determine whether the Northeast sees primarily snow or ice. The American model suggests a colder solution with heavy snow for the I-95 corridor, while the European model brings warmer air aloft, creating more ice potential from New Jersey southward. This is a common forecasting challenge with East Coast winter storms. Residents from Washington D.C. to Boston should prepare for both possibilities and monitor forecast updates through Saturday.

Historical Context & Climate Notes

Comparing Winter Storm Fern to past events

Notable Southern Ice Storms

January 2021: Ice storm caused 400k+ outages in Oklahoma.
February 2021: Texas ice storm led to grid collapse.
December 2022: Widespread Southeast ice caused travel chaos.
This Storm: Ice accumulation potentially comparable to 2021 events with similar cold air in place.

Climate Context

Warmer Atmosphere: Holds 7% more moisture per 1°C warming, increasing precipitation potential.
Jet Stream Changes: Increased volatility can lead to more extreme cold outbreaks.
Southern Vulnerability: Infrastructure less prepared for extreme winter weather.
Trend: Increase in high-impact winter storms despite overall warming.

Response Preparedness

Improved Since 2021: Texas grid hardening, better coordination.
Remaining Challenges: Tree vulnerability to ice, communication during outages.
Key Lesson: Prepare for multi-day outages with extreme cold following.
Public Messaging: Earlier, more urgent warnings being issued.

Next Weather Watch Update: Saturday morning, January 24. Tracking ice accumulation reports from the South and updated Northeast snow forecasts.

Stay Informed Through the Storm

During power outages, stay informed via: NOAA Weather Radio, battery-powered AM/FM radio, text alerts from local emergency services, and mobile devices using cellular data (conserve battery). Do not rely solely on home internet or cable TV during severe winter storms. Check on neighbors, especially elderly or vulnerable individuals, once conditions are safe to do so.

WINTER STORM FERN ALERT

MAJOR WINTER STORM IMPACTING THE NATION