Winter Storm Fern was a historic, widespread winter event that slammed much of the U.S., stretching from the Gulf Coast through the Midwest and into the Northeast. It brought heavy snow, ice, and extreme cold to more than 30 states, creating dangerous travel conditions and hazardous roads. The storm caused major travel disruption, with thousands of flights canceled and widespread delays as airlines and airports struggled to cope. Severe icing and snow led to widespread power outages, leaving hundreds of thousands — and at times over 1 million — homes and businesses without electricity as ice-coated trees and lines collapsed. Emergency declarations were issued in numerous states, and recovery crews worked around the clock to restore service. The storm also inflicted economic strain, with analysts projecting a noticeable drag on first-quarter GDP and substantial losses in sectors like transportation and retail. Tragically, the extreme conditions contributed to storm-related deaths and accidents across affected regions.
