President Trump has reassured the public that preparations are underway for a “catastrophic” Winter Storm Fern, which has already led to over 9,000 flight cancellations across the U.S.
With more than 235 million people now staying indoors under winter storm warnings, the storm is set to unleash a mix of snow, ice, and plummeting temperatures across 40 states, from Texas to the Carolinas and up the East Coast.
On Friday night, Trump encouraged those in the storm’s path to “stay safe and stay warm,” emphasizing that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is poised to handle the unprecedented storm. “We’ve been briefed on this record-breaking cold and historic winter storm hitting much of the U.S. this weekend,” he mentioned. “The Trump Administration is coordinating with state and local officials, and FEMA is ready to respond. Stay safe and stay warm!”
As a heads-up, the National Weather Service has issued relevant warnings.
The federal government has positioned around 30 search and rescue teams on standby. FEMA has also distributed more than 7 million meals, 600,000 blankets, and 300 generators across the affected regions.
By early Saturday morning, about 17,000 households in Texas were reported to be without power due to freezing rain and snowfall.
New York City and nearby regions are bracing for severe wind chill temperatures dropping to -10 degrees Celsius, with forecasts suggesting 10 to 14 inches of snow, and possibly more in some areas.
Snow is anticipated to begin in New York City between 3 a.m. and 9 a.m. on Sunday, with up to 16 inches possible.
This enormous storm is already affecting major airlines, resulting in widespread flight cancellations. Over the weekend, more than 9,000 flights were called off, including 5,000 on Sunday alone.
Nearly 1,500 flights scheduled for New York-area airports on Sunday have been canceled as well.
Air India has canceled all flights to and from the New York area on both Sunday and Monday.
At least 18 states have declared states of emergency ahead of the storm, with areas including Arkansas, Virginia, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Alabama, Missouri, and others feeling the impact.
Port Authority officials are collaborating with LaGuardia, JFK, and Newark airports to maintain operations and accommodate stranded travelers safely.
Against the backdrop of this weather disruption, the MTA has announced the cancellation of most planned service changes for Sunday through Monday, anticipating that regular train, bus, and subway services will face challenges over the weekend.
The storm’s reach might span over 3,000 miles, beginning from the southern border of Texas, moving through the Midwest, and stretching up to New England, delivering severe winter conditions and complicating travel plans.
Drivers are being cautioned about poor visibility and hazardous road conditions, with authorities recommending that people stay home if they can. “Dangerous or impossible driving conditions are expected,” said NWS officials. “Avoid traffic congestion if possible.”
