Winter Storm Fern has claimed at least seven lives and left more than one million homes and businesses without power as it sweeps across the eastern United States. The storm has brought record low temperatures and heavy snowfall to regions unaccustomed to such extreme weather, with at least 20 states declaring a state of emergency.
In New York City, the bodies of five people were found on the streets on Saturday as temperatures plunged to freezing. Louisiana health officials confirmed two additional deaths in Caddo Parish. The storm has caused widespread disruption, with over 10,000 flights cancelled and up to 15,000 cancellations expected by Monday, making it one of the worst weather-related aviation disruptions in US history.
Power outages are most severe in Tennessee, where more than 330,000 homes and businesses are affected. New York City public schools will be closed on Monday, with remote instruction in place. The city's subway system continues to operate, but New Jersey has suspended bus, light rail, and Access Link services, with rail service ending at 2pm Sunday.
Snowfall totals have been significant in the Northeast, with 15 inches recorded in Midland, Pennsylvania; 13 inches in Bridgeport, Connecticut; 12 inches in Ridgefield, New Jersey; and 11 inches in the Bronx, New York. The NBA postponed Sunday's game between the Dallas Mavericks and Milwaukee Bucks, as the Mavericks were unable to leave Dallas due to the storm. Federal offices in Washington, DC, and state offices in Kentucky, Maryland, and New Jersey will be closed on Monday.
