Snow storm hits the United States: several dead and millions of homes without power

A powerful winter storm, informally named "Fern" or "Fern," has hit most of the United States, causing extreme frosts, freezing rains and heavy snowfall. Bad weather has paralyzed transport links and left numerous homes without electricity. More than 200 million people are under threat, and there are deaths. For more information about which regions have been hardest hit and why the effects of bad weather may last for several days, see the Izvestia article.

Ice and snow from Texas to New England

The storm began to spread rapidly on Sunday, January 25, covering an area of about 3,200 km — from the southwestern states, including New Mexico and Texas, to the northeast of the country and New England. The National Weather Service warned residents of a combination of sleet, freezing rain and a sharp drop in temperature.

Meteorologist Allison Santorelli told the Associated Press that the uniqueness of this storm lies precisely in its geographical scope and subsequent abnormal cooling, which will prevent snow and ice from melting quickly and complicate recovery efforts.

Tree branches and power poles began to break under the weight of the ice, with Tennessee and Mississippi particularly badly affected. In the Mid-Atlantic region and in the South, electricity went out to more than a million consumers, and in some areas, authorities warned that recovery could take several days.

In Mississippi, Governor Tate Reeves said the region was facing its worst ice storm since 1994. A record amount of reagents was used to treat roads — about 750 thousand liters, as well as salt and sand. In Tennessee, emergency services urged drivers not to interfere with snow removal equipment after accidents involving utility vehicles became more frequent.

How many people were affected by the snowfall in the USA

According to the American media, at least seven people became victims of the cold. In Caddo Parish in Louisiana, the state Department of Health confirmed the deaths of two men from hypothermia. The authorities continue to refine the data.

In New York, the city administration urged residents to stay at home if possible and not leave unless absolutely necessary.

Transportation collapse and thousands of cancelled flights

The disaster almost paralyzed air traffic. January 25 was the worst day in terms of flight cancellations since the COVID-19 pandemic: more than 10,000 flights were canceled across the country. Airports in New York, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington, and North Carolina were particularly affected.

Delta Air Lines said it was resuming flights "where it is safe," but warned of possible new disruptions due to low temperatures in Atlanta and continued snowfall in the northeast. Heavy rainfall also covered the busy Interstate 95 freeway corridor. Schools and government offices have announced closures in many states.

President Donald Trump has approved the introduction of a state of emergency in at least 10 states. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has sent rescue teams, food, blankets and heaters to the affected regions, Homeland Security Secretary Kristy Noem said.

In New York State, record frosts were recorded near the Canadian border: in Watertown, the temperature dropped to -37 degrees, and in Copenhagen - to -45 degrees. Governor Kathy Hokul called on employers to switch employees to remote work.

The worst is yet to come: when will Storm Fern end?

Forecasters warn that the peak of the disaster may occur at the beginning of the week. The National Weather Forecasting Center expects up to 60 cm of snow to fall in the northeast by Monday morning, followed by deep frosts. The Daily Mail reports on the risk of "catastrophic freezing rain", which can again disable power systems and turn roads into a continuous skating rink.

Authorities continue to urge people to refrain from traveling unless absolutely necessary, to stock up on water and warm clothes, and to closely monitor official warnings. The restoration of infrastructure in some regions may take a long time.