Winter Storm Fern has unleashed a historic deep freeze across America, bringing the nation to a standstill with Nashville grinding to a complete halt under six inches of accumulating snow. This monumental weather event is set to impact approximately 230 million people living within a vast 2,000-mile swathe of the United States, who must now endure thick layers of ice, significant snowfall, and record-breakingly cold temperatures.
Widespread Disruption Across Southern and Central States
As of Saturday afternoon, a dangerous mix of snow, sleet, and freezing ice had already begun spreading aggressively across the Great Plains and Southern States. The city of Little Rock in Arkansas has been blanketed with a substantial eight inches of snow, leading to treacherous road conditions where multiple cars have been witnessed sliding off highways.
Critical Ice Accumulation and Power Threats
In Louisiana, forecasters have recorded almost an inch of ice accumulation so far, issuing stern warnings that this particular phenomenon poses the gravest risk. The heavy ice is most likely to cause widespread downed power lines and a surge in traffic accidents as it weighs on infrastructure and creates perilously slick surfaces.
Storm Fern Advances to Midwest and Northeast
The storm system is poised to intensify as it begins hitting the Midwest and Northeast in the early hours of Sunday. Parts of Minnesota are bracing for extreme conditions, with forecasts predicting temperatures could plummet to a bone-chilling -50°F, highlighting the severe nature of this Arctic blast.
Unprecedented Travel Chaos Unfolds
The disruption to travel has reached critical levels, with more than 12,000 flights already canceled for Sunday alone. This scale of aviation shutdown marks the most significant day of travel chaos witnessed since the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, stranding countless passengers and crippling national mobility.
Key Indicators of Extreme Severity
The severity of Winter Storm Fern is underscored by several extraordinary indicators. In a rare move, the Waffle House chain – famously known for staying open in all but the most extreme circumstances – announced the closure of all its stores in South Carolina shortly after 5pm on Saturday. This decision serves as a stark barometer of the dangerous conditions expected.
Furthermore, the historic winter storm has already left a staggering 100,000 residents without power, as reported by The Weather Channel. Heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain continue to fall across a broad corridor from Texas through to Kentucky.
State-Specific Impacts and Warnings
Arkansas has been plunged into particular chaos by Storm Fern. Beyond the capital Little Rock's deep snow cover, the state's transportation authorities have issued a grave warning that every road is now suffering from 'winter weather impacts'. Incidents include trucks sliding off freeways near Ozark and major lanes being blocked by big rigs trapped in the chaos, with 33 weather-related crashes reported across the state so far.
Texans, meanwhile, have been warned that the prolonged freezing weather may make it too dangerous to venture outside for up to five days. Forecasters remain most fearful of continued ice accumulation, which represents the primary threat to the stability of the power grid and public safety.
