NEW YORK — A monster winter storm, officially named Winter Storm Fern, has left a trail of destruction across a 2,100-kilometer swath of the United States, claiming at least 30 lives and leaving hundreds of thousands in the dark. From the frozen plains of Texas to the buried streets of New England, the “tail end” of this colossal system continues to dump snow while ushering in life-threatening Arctic temperatures.
The National Weather Service (NWS) described the event as “potentially historic,” with nearly 230 million people—roughly two-thirds of the U.S. population—placed under winter weather alerts.
Quick Facts: Winter Storm Fern
- Death Toll: 30 confirmed fatalities across 10 states (as of Jan 27).
- Snowfall Peak: Up to 20 inches in areas north of Pittsburgh; 11 inches in New York City’s Central Park.
- Power Outages: Peaked at over 1 million; currently 750,000+ customers remain without power, primarily in the South.
- Travel Chaos: Over 12,500 flights cancelled on Sunday alone—the highest daily total since the 2020 pandemic.
- Record Cold: Wind chills plunged to minus 31°C (minus 25°F) in parts of Pennsylvania and the Midwest.
A Trail of Tragedy
The human cost of the storm has been staggering. In New York City, Mayor Zohran Mamdani confirmed that at least eight people were found dead outdoors as temperatures plummeted over the weekend. Meanwhile, in Mississippi, the state is reeling from its worst ice storm since 1994, with Governor Tate Reeves declaring a state of emergency in 47 counties.
The fatalities reflect the storm’s diverse dangers:
- Accidents: Two individuals were tragically killed by snowplows in Massachusetts and Ohio.
- Exposure: A 28-year-old teacher in Kansas was found deceased in the snow after leaving a local establishment without her coat.
- Recreation: Fatal sledding accidents claimed the lives of teenagers in Arkansas and Texas.
The South Shivers: A Infrastructure Crisis
While the Northeast is accustomed to heavy snow, the South has been crippled by a layer of “treacherous ice.” In Oxford, Mississippi, Mayor Robyn Tannehill remarked that the devastation from fallen trees and power lines made the city “look like a tornado went down every street.”
The University of Mississippi has cancelled classes for the entire week as the campus remains coated in ice. In Nashville, Tennessee, hotels are at 100% capacity as thousands of residents flee powerless, freezing homes.
Aviation and Transport Paralysis
The storm caused a total collapse of air travel over the weekend. According to aviation analytics firm Cirium, Sunday, Jan. 25, saw 45% of all U.S. flights cancelled. Major hubs like Boston Logan reported cancellation rates as high as 71% on Monday as crews struggled with de-icing and visibility.
What’s Next? The Arctic Hangover
Meteorologists warn that while the snow may be tapering off in the Northeast, the danger is far from over. A “stretched polar vortex” is sending a fresh influx of Arctic air across the Lower 48. Forecasters predict that the average low temperature across the continental U.S. will hit its coldest point since 2014, hovering around minus 12.3°C.
Note to Readers: Officials are urging citizens to avoid non-essential travel and check on vulnerable neighbors. With temperatures remaining sub-zero, the risk of burst pipes and further hypothermia cases remains high.
Disclaimer: This report is based on aggregated news data as of January 27, 2026. Figures regarding death tolls and power outages are subject to change as recovery efforts continue and official investigations into weather-related fatalities are concluded.
