Major Winter Storm Fern Dumps Record Snow Across the U.S.

Winter Storm Fern, which swept across the United States from January 25 to January 26, 2026, brought significant snowfall, ice, and frigid temperatures to a vast region, impacting nearly 180 million people. The storm resulted in record-breaking snow totals in multiple states, with Bonito Lake, New Mexico, receiving the highest accumulation of 31 inches. The storm's effects were felt from the Southern Plains to the Northeast, leading to hazardous travel conditions, power outages, and at least 13 reported weather-related fatalities.

How much snow did the winter storm bring? See lists of snowfall totals.Here’s how much snow Winter Storm Fern dumped on NYC – with more on the wayNortheast sees more snow from the tail end of a colossal winter storm, at least 18 deaths reportedColossal winter storm dumps deep snow across the nation, with at least 13 deaths reportedSee early snowfall totals from Winter Storm Fern in Columbus neighborhoodsNYC sees biggest snow storm in years, NJ Transit service halted

The storm produced substantial snowfall across various states. In the Northeast, New York City recorded over 11 inches, marking its heaviest snowfall in nearly five years, while parts of Massachusetts saw totals exceeding 20 inches. Notable snowfall totals included:

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• New York: New City (17.6 inches), Central Park (11.4 inches), and areas in the Catskills (up to 22 inches).

How much snow has fallen in New York? See early totals as storm continues

• Pennsylvania: New Bethlehem reported 23 inches, with many areas receiving over 20 inches.

How much snow fell in your neighborhood? Look at the totals across Philly region

• Massachusetts: Boston recorded 18.6 inches, with some towns reporting up to 22 inches.

How much snow has Boston gotten so far? What we know Monday

• New Jersey: Tenafly and Englewood Cliffs saw totals of 16.3 inches.

See final snow totals by North Jersey town after major weekend storm

• Ohio: Columbus experienced 11.9 inches, while Dayton recorded 12.4 inches.

How much snow did we get? Yes, we broke records. See Ohio totals

• Illinois: Chicago reported 10.5 inches, with surrounding suburbs receiving similar amounts.

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The storm caused widespread disruptions, including over 800,000 power outages and more than 4,400 flight cancellations nationwide. In addition to the snow, the storm brought dangerously low temperatures, with wind chills dropping to as low as -40 degrees Fahrenheit in some areas. The National Weather Service issued multiple winter weather warnings, advising residents to avoid travel due to hazardous conditions.

NYC sees biggest snow storm in years, NJ Transit service halted

Tragically, the storm resulted in at least 13 fatalities across various states, including deaths from hypothermia and accidents related to snow removal. In Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, three individuals died while shoveling snow.

Northeast sees more snow from the tail end of a colossal winter storm, at least 18 deaths reported

Officials across affected states urged residents to exercise caution and stay indoors if possible. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani emphasized the importance of safety, stating, “We want every single New Yorker to make it through this storm.” The National Weather Service warned that the cold temperatures would prolong cleanup efforts and maintain hazardous travel conditions for several days.

NYC sees biggest snow storm in years, NJ Transit service halted

Some residents expressed frustration over the handling of the storm's aftermath, particularly regarding the speed of snow removal and the preparedness of local services. In New Jersey, residents criticized the slow response of snow plows, which struggled to keep up with the heavy snowfall.

Here’s how much snow Winter Storm Fern dumped on NYC – with more on the way

As the storm subsides, additional light snow is forecast for parts of the Northeast, with temperatures expected to remain below freezing for the week. The National Weather Service has indicated a low chance of another winter storm impacting the region next weekend, but confidence in this prediction remains low.

Northeast sees more snow from the tail end of a colossal winter storm, at least 18 deaths reported

• “It’s just one of those things that you try to prepare for,” — Allison Santorelli, National Weather Service Meteorologist

Northeast sees more snow from the tail end of a colossal winter storm, at least 18 deaths reported

• “I feel that the universe just put a big, huge pause on us with all the snow.” — Nell Fields, Falmouth Resident

Colossal winter storm dumps deep snow across the nation, with at least 13 deaths reported

• “We want every single New Yorker to make it through this storm.” — Mayor Zohran Mamdani, New York City

NYC sees biggest snow storm in years, NJ Transit service halted

This winter storm serves as a reminder of the potential severity of winter weather and the importance of preparedness in the face of such events.

Northeast sees more snow from the tail end of a colossal winter storm, at least 18 deaths reported