Winter Storm Fern: A Major Weather Event Impacting the Southern and Eastern U.S.

Winter Storm Fern is poised to affect a vast area of the United States from Friday, January 23, through Monday, January 26, 2026. The storm is expected to bring a mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain, impacting over 200 million people across more than 30 states, from Texas to the Northeast. The National Weather Service has issued winter storm watches and warnings across a broad swath of the country, particularly in the Southern Plains and the Mid-Atlantic.

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• Friday, January 23: The storm will begin in Texas, with rain transitioning to freezing rain and sleet as temperatures drop. Major cities like Dallas and Oklahoma City are expected to see significant impacts.

FIRST ALERT WEATHER WEEKEND: An ice storm is expected to impact Central Texas Saturday

• Saturday, January 24: The storm will intensify, with heavy snow and ice accumulating across the South, including states like Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama. The storm will then move eastward, affecting the Carolinas and the Mid-Atlantic.

Potentially catastrophic winter storm threatens over 30 states, prompts Winter Storm Watches for millions

• Sunday, January 25: The storm will continue to impact the Northeast, with snow expected in major cities such as Washington D.C., Baltimore, Philadelphia, and New York City.

Winter Storm Targets 180 Million With Ice, Snow From Texas To Northeast

Forecasts indicate that parts of Texas could receive up to 12 inches of snow, while areas in the Southeast may experience dangerous ice accumulations of up to half an inch. The storm is anticipated to bring dangerously cold temperatures, with lows plunging into the single digits and wind chills reaching as low as -30°F in some areas.

Winter Storm Watch issued for Texas Panhandle with snow, extreme cold expected

Meteorologists have expressed concern over the potential for widespread power outages due to ice accumulation on trees and power lines. Keith Avery, CEO of the Newberry Electric Cooperative in South Carolina, stated, “If you get a half of an inch of ice — or heaven forbid an inch of ice — that could be catastrophic.” This sentiment is echoed by many local officials who are urging residents to prepare for the worst.

‘Catastrophic’ winter storm is coming with devastating ice, freezing rain & heavy snow forecast from Texas to Carolinas

Governor Greg Abbott of Texas has activated state emergency resources in anticipation of the storm. He emphasized the importance of being weather-aware and checking road conditions before traveling. The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) has assured residents that they are prepared to meet electricity demand, having made improvements to the power grid since the 2021 winter storm that caused widespread outages.

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Residents in affected areas are stocking up on supplies, with hardware stores reporting increased sales of ice-melting products and generators. In Little Rock, Arkansas, local businesses are preparing for potential infrastructure impacts, while meteorologists warn that travel could become extremely hazardous.

Forecasters warn of a ‘potentially catastrophic’ storm from Texas to the Carolinas

As the storm progresses, forecasters will continue to monitor its path and intensity. Residents are advised to stay updated on local forecasts and prepare for possible extended power outages and travel disruptions. The storm's impact is expected to linger into early next week, with icy conditions persisting even after precipitation ends.

Winter storm expected to bring more ice than snow to Carolinas

Winter Storm Fern represents a significant weather event that could disrupt daily life across a large portion of the United States. With the potential for heavy snow, ice, and dangerously cold temperatures, residents are urged to take precautions and stay informed as the storm approaches.

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