Winter Storm Fern spreads ice, snow, outages and flight cancellations across wide swaths of the U.S.
A sprawling winter storm—dubbed Winter Storm Fern—pushed from the South into the East, knocking out power for hundreds of thousands and snarling travel with mass flight cancellations. Utilities and grid operators warned of multi-day disruptions as freezing rain and heavy snow stretched across multiple regions.
Winter Storm Fern barreled across the southern and eastern United States on Sunday, January 25, 2026, bringing a dangerous combination of snow, sleet, and freezing rain that disrupted travel and threatened infrastructure from the Gulf states into parts of the Mid-Atlantic and beyond.
As the system intensified, large numbers of customers lost electricity and utilities warned that restoring power could take time in areas where ice accumulated on trees and lines. Energy companies and grid operators urged residents to prepare for prolonged outages, especially where freezing rain was the dominant hazard rather than snow.
Air travel became one of the storm’s most visible pressure points. Airlines canceled thousands of flights as airports contended with de-icing operations, reduced staffing, runway treatment, and cascading delays. Travelers were advised to check carrier waivers, watch for rolling cancellations, and consider ground alternatives only where roads remained passable.
Emergency declarations and public advisories expanded as the storm’s footprint widened. Local and state agencies emphasized staying off roads during peak icing periods, avoiding downed power lines, and using generators safely to reduce carbon monoxide risk.
Power-grid managers highlighted efforts to keep the system stable during extreme cold and high demand. Operators stressed that while winterization has improved in many places since major past failures, rapid temperature drops and ice-heavy precipitation remain a severe stress test—particularly in regions not accustomed to extended freezing conditions.
Retail and delivery operations also adjusted. Some businesses curtailed hours or paused service in the hardest-hit areas, while employers reiterated cold-weather safety guidance for workers traveling or working outdoors.
Forecasters cautioned that impacts could linger even after the main storm band moves east: refreezing on roads overnight, continued hazardous wind chills, and pockets of infrastructure damage that may slow recovery. Officials urged residents to monitor local alerts, conserve heat where possible, and check on vulnerable neighbors through the cold snap.