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Key Takeaways
- A Winter Storm Watch has been issued across large swaths of the United States due to Winter Storm Fern bringing heavy snow, ice, and extreme cold from Friday through Monday.
- Over 180 million people are under winter storm watches and warnings, affecting more than half the nation’s population.
- Areas like Washington, D.C., and the Northeast can expect 6–12 inches of snow, with localized amounts possibly exceeding a foot.
- Southern states face an ice storm threat that could cause power outages and tree damage due to half-inch ice accumulations.
- Travel disruptions are likely, and residents should prepare emergency kits and monitor local forecasts as conditions evolve.
A Winter Storm Watch has been issued across large swaths of the United States as meteorologists warn that a major winter storm — dubbed Winter Storm Fern — is poised to bring heavy snow, ice, and dangerously cold conditions from Friday through Monday, posing serious travel and safety hazards for millions of Americans. Here are Cold Weather Safety Tips for Your Home.
Forecasters say this system will sweep from the Southern Plains and Southwest all the way to the Northeast, with impacts spanning over 180 million people — more than half the nation’s population — under winter storm watches and warnings.
Where Heavy Snow Is Expected & How Much
Mid-Atlantic & Northeast
- Areas including Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, the New York City metropolitan region, and southern New England are expected to see 6–12 inches of snow, with some localized totals exceeding a foot.
- Early model forecasts for the D.C. area suggest 15+ inches possible, with even higher totals northwest of the city.
Ohio Valley & Great Lakes Region
- Northeast Ohio (including Cleveland, Akron, and Canton) has a winter storm watch as the storm’s snow spreads inland.
St. Louis & Central Plains
- St. Louis area could pick up 4–6 inches of snow over the weekend, with bitter cold temperatures following the storm.
Southern Plains & Rockies
- Snow ranges widely from 1–12 inches across parts of New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, and Utah, with mountain areas possibly exceeding a foot.
- Cities like Oklahoma City and parts of Texas are also in the snow threat zone, though ice may dominate in some lower-elevation areas farther south.
Southern States
- An ice storm threat — including half-inch ice accumulations — accompanies the snow threat in states from Arkansas to the Carolinas, raising concerns over power outages and tree damage.
When It Hits
- Friday: Snow, sleet, and freezing rain begin spreading from the Plains and Southwest eastward.
- Saturday into Sunday: The brunt of the storm moves into the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast, with snow intensifying across major metro areas.
- Sunday into Monday: Snow continues in the Northeast and parts of the Midwest before tapering off, though dangerous travel conditions and low temperatures could linger.
What This Means for the Public
- The storm’s wide reach and intensity make it one of the most significant winter weather events of the season so far.
- Travel disruptions — including flight delays and hazardous road conditions — are likely across many regions.
- Residents are urged to prepare emergency kits, limit travel during peak snow bands, and monitor local forecasts as conditions evolve.
This story is developing — stay tuned for updated snowfall totals and official warnings from the National Weather Service.
