More than 230 million Americans across 40 states are bracing for a powerful winter storm that forecasters warn could cripple large parts of the country with dangerous snow, ice, and life-threatening cold.
The polar blast — dubbed Winter Storm Fern — is expected to deliver wind chills as low as -50°F, while keeping major US cities below freezing for up to 40 straight hours.
At least 11 states have already declared states of emergency as officials scramble to prepare for widespread power outages, hazardous roads, and mass travel disruption.
Cities Facing Days of Subzero Cold
Houston, home to more than 2.3 million people, could see temperatures remain below freezing for nearly two days.
“Our latest forecast shows parts of the Houston metro area experiencing subfreezing temperatures for about 40 consecutive hours,” said Cameron Batiste of the National Weather Service.
Forecasters warn that temperatures will plunge below 32°F on Saturday, with lows dropping to 23°F on Sunday and 22°F on Monday.
Meteorologists say whether residents see temperatures above freezing this weekend will depend heavily on where they live.
Crippling Ice Storm Threatens the South
The storm is set to barrel from Texas to the Carolinas on Friday, triggering fears of a crippling ice storm across the South.
Cities expected to be hit hardest include Dallas, Little Rock, and Memphis.
Meanwhile, Cloudcroft, New Mexico, could see up to 10 inches of snow.
Ice storm warnings are in effect across Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia, with forecasters warning that up to one inch of ice could coat trees and power lines.
“We’ve got a major ice storm for parts of North Georgia — this is no joke,” Fox meteorologist David Chandley warned.
“If ice loads trees and power lines, outages will become much more likely.”
Officials fear freezing rain could knock out power to millions and turn highways into skating rinks.
Texas Grid Under Scrutiny Again
Anxiety is especially high in Texas, where a grid failure during a 2021 winter storm left more than 200 people dead and millions without power.
State officials are closely monitoring whether the power system can withstand another deep freeze.
East Coast Braces for Heavy Snow
The storm is expected to push eastward, dumping heavy snow on major cities including Philadelphia, New York City, and Washington, DC.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani warned snowfall could range between 3 and 16 inches, while Fox Weather predicts at least 12 inches for NYC and up to 18 inches in upstate New York.
Snowfall in parts of Kentucky, Arkansas, and Missouri could reach a foot deep.
Life-Threatening Cold and Travel Chaos
Forecasters warn wind chills could drop to -50°F, creating life-threatening risks of hypothermia and frostbite.
“Exposure to these wind chills can be deadly in minutes,” meteorologists cautioned.
Feels-like temperatures on Saturday:
- Boston: 2°F
- Chicago: 1°F
- Minneapolis: -9°F
- Memphis, Philadelphia, Washington, DC, and Dallas: under 15°F
Airlines are already canceling flights en masse.
As of Friday morning:
- More than 400 flights had been canceled
- Over 1,300 Saturday flights were already scrubbed
- Nearly 500 flights from Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport were canceled
- American, Delta, and Southwest are issuing travel waivers
Carriers are now preparing to cancel additional flights for Sunday as conditions worsen.
