Winter Storm Fern is impacting a vast portion of the United States, threatening over 140 million people with significant disruptions. The storm caused a record number of flight cancellations and left thousands without power as it moved across the nation Saturday.
Flight Disruptions Reach Record Levels
More than 8,600 flights scheduled for Sunday were grounded, marking the highest number of cancellations in the US in the past year, according to FlightAware data. Saturday also saw over 4,000 flights canceled. The previous record for flight cancellations was set on November 9, 2025, when a government shutdown led to nearly 2,000 grounded flights.
Texas is currently experiencing the most significant travel disruptions, with 1,000 flights canceled out of the Fort-Dallas airport alone.
Widespread Impacts and Emergency Response
As of midday Saturday, a quarter of an inch of ice had accumulated in parts of Oklahoma, Texas, and Louisiana. Forecasters predict that approximately 40% of the country, stretching from the Southern Plains to New England, will be affected by “catastrophic” snow and ice. Officials in northern Georgia are advising drivers to stay off the roads for at least two days, with one meteorologist calling Fern “perhaps the biggest ice storm we have expected in more than a decade.”
More than 119,000 power outages were reported across the country Saturday morning, including 51,000 in Texas, 20,000 in Louisiana, and nearly 11,000 in New Mexico, according to poweroutage.us. Conditions in some areas are forecast to be severe enough that damage could rival that of a hurricane.
President Trump has directed the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to prepare for the storm. Nearly 30 search and rescue teams are on standby, along with over 7 million meals, 600,000 blankets, and 300 generators.
Nine states have requested emergency declarations to access FEMA resources. Declarations have been approved for South Carolina and Virginia, while requests from Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, North Carolina, Tennessee, and West Virginia are still pending.
Regional Conditions and Forecasts
Oklahoma City is bracing for up to 13 inches of snow, nearing the record of 13.5 inches set on Christmas Eve 2009. In the Midwest, wind chills have dropped as low as 40 degrees below zero, posing a risk of frostbite within 10 minutes. Approximately 3 inches of sleet fell in Memphis, Tennessee on Saturday, reducing visibility to a mile or less. Light snow began falling overnight Friday, with six inches measured in portions of Kansas and Arkansas, and three inches in some areas of Kentucky.
The storm is expected to move into the Northeast overnight Saturday, potentially dropping a foot of snow from Washington through New York and Boston. States of emergency have been issued in at least 21 states, including Delaware, New York, and Washington, DC.
Frequently Asked Questions
What areas are currently most affected by Winter Storm Fern?
Oklahoma, Texas, and Louisiana have already experienced significant impacts, including ice accumulation and power outages. The storm is expected to move eastward, impacting the Southern Plains and New England.
How many flights have been canceled due to the storm?
More than 8,600 flights were canceled on Sunday, making it the worst day for US flight cancellations in the past year. Over 4,000 flights were canceled on Saturday as well.
What is FEMA doing to prepare for the storm?
President Trump has directed FEMA to stand ready, with nearly 30 search and rescue teams on standby, along with over 7 million meals, 600,000 blankets, and 300 generators.
As Winter Storm Fern continues its path across the country, how will communities balance safety precautions with the need to maintain essential services?
