Who is Affected?
More than 175 million people in the United States are bracing for potential power outages and travel disruptions as a severe winter storm sweeps across two-thirds of the continental US.
Geographical Impact
The storm, named “Winter Storm Fern,” will affect regions from Texas and the Great Plains in the center of the country to the mid-Atlantic states and Northeast, according to weather forecasts.
Why is it Significant?
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued warnings about “glacial temperatures” brought by an Arctic front.
Temperature and Snowfall Predictions
The storm’s peak is expected on Thursday and Friday, with Texas already declaring a state of emergency.
“This Arctic blast will bring strong winds, causing dangerously cold temperatures,” the NWS warned. “The coldest temperatures could drop below -46°C in the Northern Plains.”
Extremely low temperatures will move from the northern part of the country on Thursday towards the Mississippi Valley, Ohio Valley, and Northeast by Sunday.
Meteorologists also predict more than 30 centimeters of snow could fall across the mid-Atlantic region.
Preparations and Impact
US weather channels are broadcasting apocalyptic predictions of “paralyzing ice,” record snowfalls, and freezing rain that could damage electrical infrastructure and trees.
New York City, the financial capital of the US and the most populous urban area in the country, could receive up to 30 centimeters of snow, according to The Weather Channel.
In Texas, Governor Greg Abbott declared a state of emergency on Tuesday and activated the state’s National Guard and transportation resources to help alleviate pressure on roads.
Local media have warned that a combination of snow, freezing rain, and sleet could make travel nearly impossible.
The Road Commission for Monroe County, which covers a large area outside Detroit, Michigan, has warned of a “shortage of salt.”
“This year, we’ve used more than we did in the last four December’s combined,” David Leach, the commission’s manager, told CBS News.
In previous years, some rural areas in the Northeast have been completely cut off while snowplows attempted to clear roads.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the storm’s name? Winter Storm Fern
- How many people are affected? More than 175 million in the United States
- When will the storm peak? Thursday and Friday
- Which states will be affected? Texas, Great Plains, mid-Atlantic states, and Northeast
- What are the temperature predictions? As low as -46°C in the Northern Plains
- How much snow is expected? More than 30 centimeters in the mid-Atlantic region
- What precautions have been taken? Texas has declared a state of emergency and activated resources to help with road conditions
- What challenges does the storm pose? Potential power outages, travel disruptions, and dangerously cold temperatures
