Historic Winter Storm Sparks Widespread Panic Buying Across America
As Storm Fern barrels toward the United States, bringing forecasts of potentially the coldest temperatures in American history, panic buying has erupted across grocery stores nationwide. The approaching weather system is predicted to affect approximately 200 million people with temperatures plunging to -50°F and up to 24 inches of snow from Friday onward.
Shelves Stripped Bare in Southern States
The phenomenon appears particularly concentrated in southern regions where residents are unaccustomed to severe winter conditions. Megan Monroe-Eaves shared footage from her local Walmart in Cullman, Alabama, showing completely raided dairy sections with empty refrigerators stretching down aisles. She captioned her video: 'My local Walmart because someone mentioned snow and ice. Time for milk sandwiches. I'll never understand panic buying.'
Similar scenes unfolded in North Texas, where Jen George documented shoppers packing carts to capacity on Monday. 'People are out there packing their carts already,' she observed, 'and I'm thinking let's keep some for us and other people. They're going crazy.'
Essential Supplies Disappearing Rapidly
Kym Adams from Oklahoma posted TikTok footage showing Walmart aisles being cleared of bottled water, diapers, and bread. 'If you're from Oklahoma you know there's probably not any bread or milk left,' she remarked while predicting shelves would be completely empty by Wednesday.
The panic buying comes despite southern states not facing the most extreme predictions, with the Midwest and Northeast expected to bear the brunt of the storm's fury. However, even modest snowfall or freezing temperatures could cause week-long power cuts and significant disruption across regions accustomed to mild winters.
Meteorologists Issue Dire Warnings
Forecasters are describing Storm Fern as potentially one of the most devastating winter blasts in recent memory. Gerard Jebaily from Fox45 Baltimore stated: 'I don't ever say words like this: "This looks more and more like 'The Big One' for some parts of the US."'
The Weather Channel has forecast 'significant ice' and 'freezing rain' for much of Texas, Mississippi, Georgia, Tennessee and the Carolinas. Meanwhile, meteorologist Max Velocity warned Minnesota residents about the possibility of 'exploding trees' due to intense cold causing sap to freeze and expand within trunks.
Federal Emergency Response Activated
On Wednesday, Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security Kristi Noem confirmed federal emergency management was on standby. 'We are anticipating a major winter weather event expected to impact much of the U.S. population this weekend,' she stated, urging citizens to prepare for power outages, pipe-bursts, road closures, and freezing temperatures.
The National Weather Service warned about an 'expansive storm' producing snow, sleet and freezing rain across multiple regions, with confidence high about significant impacts despite uncertainty about specific details. 'Start preparations now for an impactful and prolonged winter storm,' officials advised.
Widespread Impacts Expected Nationwide
Forecasts predict two feet of snow in parts of Appalachia and up to a foot in New York City on Saturday. Temperatures are expected to plunge 15-30 degrees below zero in the Dakotas and Michigan, with wind chills dropping to 35-50 degrees below zero in some areas.
By Sunday morning, Dallas, Austin and Oklahoma City could experience wind chills below zero, while Monday morning may bring record lows from Texas to Mississippi. The NWS office in Dallas specifically warned about potential widespread pipe damage from the extreme cold.
After affecting southern regions, the cold is predicted to move eastward into New England, where temperatures could fall 20 degrees below average for this time of year. The prolonged nature of the storm system has emergency services urging immediate preparation across all affected states.
