Winter storm Fern is intensifying across the United States this weekend, bringing severe winter conditions that are affecting millions of residents. Americans nationwide are preparing for frigid temperatures and significant snowfall as the storm unfolds.
Widespread Impact and Emergency Declarations
Forecasters predict that Fern will impact nearly 230 million Americans, with expectations of 'catastrophic' ice accumulations that could disrupt travel for several days. In response, at least 16 states, including Washington DC, have declared states of emergency. These declarations are crucial for mobilising federal resources to support response efforts and ensure public safety during the severe weather event.
Texas Braces for Unusual Winter Onslaught
Typically spared from harsh winter weather, Texas is set to bear the brunt of storm Fern this weekend. Officials have warned residents that they may need to remain indoors until Wednesday due to the dangerous conditions. Kevin Oden, the director of emergency management and crisis response for the city, emphasised the seriousness of the situation in an interview with CNN.
Oden advised that individuals in the area should secure enough food, medicine, and supplies to last four or five days. He noted that his team has been in 'response mode' since Friday afternoon, proactively addressing the storm's challenges. 'We definitely don’t believe that being on the roadways, particularly over these next 48 to 72 hours, is any place for folks to be,' he stated, highlighting the risks of travel during the storm.
Monitoring Critical Infrastructure
Emergency teams are closely watching critical infrastructure as Fern approaches. 'The biggest thing we’re watching is all of our critical infrastructure,' Oden explained. 'We want to make sure that the power is working, people can move freely on the streets, hospitals are operating, water is flowing, all of that.' Contingency plans are in place to restore any systems that may be impacted, ensuring continuous service to residents.
Weather Warnings and Storm Path
The National Weather Service in Fort Worth issued warnings on Friday night, noting that freezing rain had already begun in the area and would persist overnight. Additional alerts were issued for central Texas and the Hill Country, cautioning residents about heavy rainfall and potential flash flooding.
Fern's storm path spans an impressive 2,000 miles, affecting regions from the South and Plains to the Midwest and Northeast. States along this path are expected to experience severe ice, strong winds, dangerously cold temperatures, and snowfall of up to a foot in some areas.
Federal Response and Preparedness
In anticipation of the winter storm, the Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced the activation of the National Response Coordination Center. Preparedness measures include having 30 generators, 250,000 meals, 400,000 liters of water, and other essential supplies ready to support affected communities.
Staging areas have been established in Texas and Louisiana to facilitate response efforts. Additionally, three Incident Management Assistance Teams have been deployed, with 15 more on standby. DHS has also ordered 28 Urban Search and Rescue teams to be prepared for potential emergencies.
Travel Disruptions and Public Response
Federal and state officials are urging Americans to stay home this weekend and avoid unnecessary travel due to unsafe conditions. The storm has already caused significant travel headaches, with over 7,000 flights scheduled for Saturday and Sunday being cancelled on Friday alone. American Airlines was particularly impacted, cancelling 716 flights on Saturday.
As warnings circulated, chaos erupted in stores across the nation as Americans rushed to stock up on essentials. Photos and videos shared online depicted massive lines and empty shelves at major retailers such as Walmart, Trader Joe's, and Target, illustrating the public's urgency to prepare for the prolonged storm.
