Winter Storm Fern batters the U.S., knocking out power and snarling travel across multiple regions
A sprawling winter storm dubbed Fern swept across large parts of the United States this weekend, bringing heavy snow, damaging ice and extreme cold. The storm triggered widespread travel disruption and power outages as utilities and grid operators worked to keep systems stable while demand jumped.
A powerful winter system known as Winter Storm Fern pushed across the southern and eastern United States over the weekend of January 25, 2026, spreading a mix of snow, sleet and freezing rain that left large areas dealing with hazardous roads, flight cancellations and growing power outages.
Utilities across multiple states warned that ice accumulation and intense cold could translate into multi-day restoration work. Grid operators in regions including Texas and the Midwest-Northeast corridor monitored demand closely as temperatures plunged and space-heating needs surged, raising concern about localized failures even as winterization measures have improved since earlier extreme events.
Travel impacts stacked up quickly. Airlines scrapped thousands of flights over the weekend as snow and ice spread along major corridors, while rail service in some areas was interrupted as the storm advanced. Public officials in several states issued emergency declarations and urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel as road conditions deteriorated.
The storm’s reach was unusually broad, with winter-weather alerts spanning a long swath of the country. In addition to snowfall, freezing rain and sleet posed a major threat to power lines and tree limbs, especially in areas that rarely see prolonged icing. Officials warned that even a modest glaze can create dangerous driving and widespread utility damage.
Businesses also adjusted operations to reduce risk to workers and customers, with some retailers and delivery services altering schedules and staffing. Emergency managers emphasized the basics: charge devices, have backup heat plans where possible, stock essentials, and keep an eye on local advisories as conditions shift.
Forecasters expected the storm to continue impacting large portions of the country into early week, with the cold lingering behind the system. Officials warned that the combination of outages and frigid temperatures can rapidly become dangerous, particularly for vulnerable residents and those who rely on electric heating.