Millions of residents across the United States are being urged to take immediate precautions as a historic winter storm system, named Winter Storm Fern, prepares to unleash extreme conditions from Texas to the Northeast. Forecasters are predicting temperatures as low as -50°F and snowfall accumulations of up to 24 inches in more than a dozen states from Friday through Monday, with the potential to impact nearly half of the US population.
Widespread Preparations and Emergency Declarations
As the storm approaches, many Americans have begun panic-buying essential supplies, including frozen and tinned goods, in anticipation of hunkering down for several days of severe weather. Experts are advising households to prepare for the worst-case scenarios, such as prolonged power outages, by stocking up on alternative heat sources, blankets, warm clothing, and ice.
The Red Cross has issued specific guidance to help communities weather the storm safely. Recommendations include assembling an emergency preparedness kit containing one gallon of water per person, non-perishable food items, flashlights, battery-powered radios, first aid supplies, a seven-day supply of medications, and portable phone chargers. Additionally, the charity suggests keeping a list of emergency contact information readily available.
State-Specific Warnings and Readiness
In Georgia, Governor Brian P. Kemp has directed residents to ensure they have electric space heaters on hand in case central heating systems fail. His office has also published a comprehensive list of winter survival tools, including ice scrapers, extra blankets, and jumper cables for vehicles, to aid those who may need to evacuate or travel.
"As forecasts continue to evolve, Georgians should be prepared for freezing precipitation that causes dangerous conditions and the potential for damage and power loss beginning Saturday," Kemp stated. "I have been working closely with state and local officials to ensure we are prepared for all scenarios. I'm urging all Georgians to take necessary precautions now to ensure their families and pets can stay safe, warm, and fed over the coming days."
Forecast Details and Expected Impacts
Winter Storm Fern is expected to develop and move northeastward through the weekend, affecting states from New Mexico and Texas in the Southeast to major metropolitan areas like Philadelphia, Washington D.C., and New York City on the East Coast. The National Weather Service has warned that hazardous conditions, including heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain, will make travel extremely dangerous, urging people to stay off the roads whenever possible.
Key forecast highlights include:
- Up to two feet of snow in southern regions such as Arkansas and Tennessee, with wind chill making it feel as cold as -3°F in areas like Dallas.
- Ice accumulation potentially reaching one-tenth of an inch in hardest-hit zones, with the Weather Channel issuing 'crippling' ice warnings for parts of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee.
- Severe weather stretching across the Central Plains, lower Mississippi Valley, and into the Ohio Valley, affecting cities including Kansas City, St. Louis, Chicago, Indianapolis, and Cleveland.
Timeline and Regional Effects
The storm is set to begin on Friday afternoon, initially impacting Kansas, Oklahoma, and western Texas with a mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain. By Friday night, a 'wintry mess' is forecast to spread through the Central Plains and parts of Tennessee.
The peak intensity is expected on Saturday and Sunday, with heavy snow blanketing major urban centres such as Charlotte, Greenville-Spartanburg, Richmond, Baltimore, Pittsburgh, and Cincinnati. Southern states, including Texas and Oklahoma, may see conditions ease by Sunday, while areas in the Ohio Valley, Virginia, and the Carolinas continue to experience adverse weather, with the storm pushing northeast toward New York.
Broader Implications and Safety Measures
With up to 180 million people potentially affected across 33 states, several governors have already declared states of emergency to mobilise resources, including the National Guard. The storm's widespread nature poses significant risks, including travel disruptions, long-lasting power outages, and potential damage from ice sheets.
Residents in southern states, unaccustomed to such extreme winter weather, are particularly vulnerable, as even minor snow or ice can lead to widespread chaos. Authorities emphasise the importance of heeding all warnings, preparing emergency kits, and avoiding unnecessary travel to ensure safety during this unprecedented weather event.
