Winter Storm Fern is unfolding with impacts that could rival those of a hurricane, bringing a dangerous mix of heavy snow, sleet and freezing rain from Texas to Kentucky and beyond.

Forecasters warn that more than 220 million people could be affected as the storm stretches across a large portion of the country. In preparation for potentially widespread and prolonged power outages, more than a dozen states have already declared states of emergency.

One of the most serious concerns remains ice accumulation, particularly across the South, where even modest ice buildup can cripple infrastructure, down trees and power lines, and make travel extremely hazardous.

We will continue providing live updates throughout the weekend, tracking the storm’s progression and its effects on travel, power, safety and daily life. Officials urge residents to ensure emergency supplies are ready, electronic devices are charged, and to stay off the roads whenever possible.

Latest Updates

(4:46 p.m. ET) Ohio Declares State of Emergency
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine declared a statewide emergency as severe winter conditions are expected to persist through early next week. The entire state remains under a winter storm warning, with cities such as Columbus, Cincinnati and Cleveland potentially receiving up to 12 inches of snow. Extreme cold alerts will also continue, with wind chills plunging well below zero.

(4:21 p.m. ET) Ice Accumulation Increasing Across the South
Reports of ice accumulation are mounting, with some of the highest totals including:

• Hall Summit, Louisiana: 0.75 inches

• Idabel, Oklahoma: 0.50 inches

• Timpson, Texas: 0.50 inches

• Mount Enterprise, Texas: 0.40 inches

More than 20 million people remain under ice storm warnings, stretching from eastern Texas through Tennessee and into the Carolinas and northern Georgia, including Atlanta.

(3:53 p.m. ET) Ice Storm Safety Warning
Officials urge residents to stay indoors during ice storms. Ice-laden tree branches can weigh up to three times more than normal and may fall without warning. Even brief outdoor exposure can be extremely dangerous.

(3:26 p.m. ET) Austin Transit Suspended
As conditions worsen, Capitol Metro will suspend all service in Austin, Texas, starting at 4 p.m. CST Saturday. The city remains under an ice storm warning through Sunday, with up to half an inch of ice expected. Extreme cold warnings will continue into Monday.

(3:08 p.m. ET) Severe Storm Threat Along Southern Edge
In a rare twist, the southern edge of Winter Storm Fern could produce severe thunderstorms, including damaging winds and isolated tornadoes, from Louisiana to the Florida Panhandle and into Georgia.

(2:42 p.m. ET) Flight Cancellations Mounting
U.S. flight cancellations remain under 4,000 for Saturday but are climbing rapidly for Sunday, with more than 8,000 flights already canceled, according to FlightAware. Major disruptions are expected at hubs including Dallas–Fort Worth, Charlotte and Atlanta.

(2:15 p.m. ET) Wintry Weather Expands Across the South
Freezing rain, sleet and snow are spreading into northern Mississippi, Alabama and eastern Tennessee, with freezing rain expected to dominate through the afternoon.

(1:48 p.m. ET) Electric Vehicles and Cold Weather
With power outages likely, EV owners are advised to plan carefully. Extreme cold can drain batteries rapidly, even after precipitation ends.

(1:21 p.m. ET) States of Emergency Continue to Grow
West Virginia joined at least 18 other states under emergency declarations, allowing for National Guard activation and federal assistance if needed. Washington, D.C., has also declared an emergency.

(12:55 p.m. ET) Wind Adds to Ice Storm Danger
Strong winds will worsen conditions by increasing strain on ice-covered trees and power lines, raising the risk of extended power outages, even after freezing rain ends.

(12:27 p.m. ET) Tennessee Officials Warn Against Driving
The Tennessee Highway Patrol emphasized that roads remain dangerously icy, even after treatment. Officials stress that “getting moving isn’t the problem — stopping is.”

(12:04 p.m. ET) Power Crews on Standby
Duke Energy has deployed more than 18,000 workers across the Carolinas to respond to outages. Crews from 27 states and Canada are positioned to restore power once conditions allow.

(11:48 a.m. ET) Heavy Snow in New Mexico
Significant snowfall continues across the Sacramento Mountains, with winter storm warnings expanded statewide.

(11:04 a.m. ET) Some Areas Seeing Sleet Instead of Ice
While icing is expanding, some locations are experiencing sleet rather than freezing rain — a slightly better scenario, as sleet does not weigh down trees and power lines as severely.

(10:40 a.m. ET) Rare ‘Snow-nado’ Spotted in Oklahoma
Residents in Norman, Oklahoma, captured a rare “snow-nado,” where swirling winds lifted snow into brief rotating columns.

(10:15 a.m. ET) How Zoos Protect Animals During Extreme Cold
Zoos across affected regions are moving vulnerable animals indoors, increasing bedding and food supplies, and using enrichment activities to keep animals safe and stimulated during the storm.