Winter Storm Fern: US Braces for Frigid Temps and Crippling Ice

Winter Storm Fern Impacts

• ⚠️ Winter Storm Fern is expected to affect over 230 million Americans across 34 states.
• 🚨 At least 14 states and Washington D.C. have declared a state of emergency in anticipation of the storm.

Predicted Weather Conditions

• ❄️ The National Weather Service predicts heavy snow and crippling ice for the South, Plains, Midwest, and Northeast.
• 🥶 More than half of Americans will experience subzero wind chills into next week.

Dangers of Ice and Power Outages

• ⚡ Ice is particularly dangerous due to its weight, which can damage power lines and trees, leading to power grid failures.
• 🛠️ Slippery conditions will hinder crews from reaching broken power lines, potentially causing extended power outages.
• 🏠 Customers may be without heat during dangerously cold temperatures.

Storm Timeline

• 🗓️ The southern plains will be hit first starting Friday.
• 🔄 The wintry mix will spread through the South, Plains, and Midwest on Saturday.
• 📈 The Northeast will be affected by Sunday, with the storm ending by Monday.
• ❄️ Temperatures are expected to remain cold throughout the following week.

About the Report

• 📝 This report is from Kate Martell, who writes The Hill's 12:30 Report newsletter.
• 🌐 More updates on Winter Storm Fern can be found at thehill.com.