Story perspectives

Winter Storm Fern Grounds 3,500 Flights Nationwide

1/28/2026

Summary

Story summary

A winter storm named Fern disrupted air travel across the U.S., with Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport over 100 cancellations and delays on January 23 and 24.
The storm affected travel from the Midwest to the Gulf Coast, prompting temporary closures and deicing operations.
Nationwide, over 3,500 flights were canceled on Saturday, leaving tens of thousands without power.
Conditions are expected to improve as Fern moves east, though significant disruptions remain.

History

Historical Context

The Great Blizzard of 1993, also known as the Storm of the Century, struck from March 12 to 15, causing over 300 fatalities and $5.5 billion in damages across the Eastern United States. This powerful nor'easter affected more than 10 states, leading to widespread travel disruptions and power outages, and highlighted the increasing severity of winter storms, a trend linked to climate change.

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Story summary

A winter storm named Fern disrupted air travel across the U.S., with Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport over 100 cancellations and delays on January 23 and 24.
The storm affected travel from the Midwest to the Gulf Coast, prompting temporary closures and deicing operations.
Nationwide, over 3,500 flights were canceled on Saturday, leaving tens of thousands without power.
Conditions are expected to improve as Fern moves east, though significant disruptions remain.

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