More than 230 million Americans are facing severe winter storm threats as a major weather system sweeps across the nation. Winter Storm Fern is set to barrel through an astonishing 35 states, bringing with it potentially record-breaking cold and heavy snowfall that has prompted widespread warnings and emergency declarations.
Major Cities Brace for Significant Snow Accumulation
Three major metropolitan areas are expected to bear the brunt of this powerful winter system. Forecasters predict that Boston, New York City, and Oklahoma City will each accumulate between 12 and 18 inches of snow from Friday through Monday, with some areas potentially seeing even higher totals.
Oklahoma City Already Experiencing Heavy Snowfall
Oklahoma has already experienced major snowfall beginning on Friday night, with heavier precipitation expected to continue into Saturday. According to local reports from KOCO, a winter storm warning covering the entire state will remain in effect until Sunday at noon as conditions deteriorate.
Massachusetts Prepares for Biggest Storm in Four Years
Massachusetts authorities are bracing for what NBC Boston reports could be the state's most significant winter storm in four years. Snow is expected to begin falling on Sunday and continue into Monday, with accumulation predictions ranging from 12 to 20 inches across affected regions.
New York Declares State of Emergency
New York has joined 21 other states in declaring a state of emergency ahead of the severe weather. Official warnings are in place from 3am on Sunday to 6pm on Monday, with CBS reporting that Mayor Zohran Mamdani has warned residents to expect 'whiteout or near whiteout' conditions. The city is preparing for between eight and 12 inches of snow, with sanitation workers already treating roads in anticipation of hazardous conditions.
Widespread Impact Across Multiple States
The storm's progression from the Midwest to the Northeast has already brought snowfall to Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Missouri, and Minnesota as of Saturday morning. Meteorologists predict that Fern could become the coldest winter storm on record, adding to the dangerous conditions.
Major transportation routes across the country have already become slick with ice, prompting authorities to urge the public to take every possible precaution while traveling. The combination of heavy snowfall, potential whiteout conditions, and record-low temperatures creates a particularly hazardous scenario for millions of Americans.
As Winter Storm Fern continues its path across the United States, emergency services remain on high alert, with residents in affected areas advised to stay informed about local conditions and follow all official safety guidance during this severe weather event.
