Winter Storm Fern Causes Major Flight Cancellations and Widespread Warnings

President Trump has informed the public that preparations are underway for a severe Winter Storm Fern, which has already led to the cancellation of over 9,000 flights nationwide.

Currently, winter storm warnings are in effect, urging more than 235 million people to stay indoors as the storm approaches. It is predicted to bring a mix of snow, ice, and freezing temperatures across 40 states, stretching from Texas to the Carolinas and up along the East Coast.

On Friday evening, Trump advised residents in the storm’s path to “stay safe and stay warm,” noting that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is ready to respond to what could be a historic storm.

In his message, Trump stated, “We’ve been briefed on the record-breaking cold and historic winter storm that will impact much of the U.S. this weekend. The administration is collaborating with state and local officials. FEMA is prepared. Stay safe and stay warm!” This comes alongside alerts from the National Weather Service.

As a precaution, the federal government has stationed about 30 search and rescue teams. FEMA reports that they have distributed more than 7 million meals, along with 600,000 blankets and 300 generators, to areas expected to be affected by the storm.

By early Saturday morning, approximately 17,000 customers in Texas were without power due to the onset of freezing rain and snow.

New York City and neighboring areas are facing wind chills as low as -10 degrees Celsius, with snowfall expected between 10 to 14 inches, though some locations could see even more accumulation.

Snowfall in New York is expected to begin between 3 a.m. and 9 a.m. on Sunday, potentially reaching up to 16 inches.

Major airlines are already feeling the impact, with thousands of flights being delayed or canceled due to the storm’s trajectory.

In total, more than 9,000 flights were canceled over the weekend, with over 5,000 cancellations reported for Sunday alone. Nearly 1,500 flights to or from New York-area airports were affected, according to available data, with Air India announcing cancellations for all flights to and from the region on Sunday and Monday.

Authorities from the Port Authority are coordinating with LaGuardia, JFK, and Newark airports to ensure they can operate safely for passengers who might be stranded.

In light of the worsening weather conditions, the MTA has opted to cancel most service changes from Sunday through Monday, anticipating disruptions to regular train, bus, and subway operations over the weekend.

As states brace for the storm, at least 18 have declared states of emergency, including Arkansas, Virginia, Georgia, and New York, among others.

The impact of the storm is projected to stretch over 3,000 miles, bringing a mix of severe winter weather along with significant travel complications. Motorists are cautioned to expect poor visibility and hazardous driving conditions, and officials recommend that people remain indoors as much as possible.

The National Weather Service has alerted that “dangerous or impossible driving conditions” are anticipated, urging drivers to avoid congested traffic areas if possible.