Americans told not to travel amid major storm that could spark power blackouts ‘lasting days’

21.01.2026 19:12

«Metro UK»

US weather experts have warned Americans to avoid travelling over the coming weekend due to a powerful winter storm. Predicted to spread across multiple states — from eastern Arizona all the way to New Hampshire — storm ‘Fern’ is set to unleash around 20 inches of snow, sleet, and ice. The severe weather warning, caused by Arctic air from Canada travelling south, is predicted to be the heaviest in recent memory. Meteorologists have even told communities to be prepared for power outages that may last days. (Picture: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Jen Carfagno, meteorologist for The Weather Channel, shared on X: ‘Widespread and very impactful winter storm end of this week/weekend! A swath of a foot of snow (+) possible plus crippling freezing rain/ice. Combined with cold locked in after — could keep travel difficult for a few days. Please stay updated for fcst changes!'(Picture: AP)

Additionally, The Weather Channel’s meteorologist Jordan Steele wrote on the social media platform: ‘This is not good. Plan now! Plan for going day(s) without power this weekend. School cancellations next week. Do not plan a road trip this weekend. This could be a situation where people get stuck on the highway.’ (Picture: National Weather Service)

The National Weather Service has also been updating the nation via X, sharing satellite images of areas that are likely to be affected the most between Friday (January 23) and Sunday (January 25). One map predicts mostly freezing rain in the south, alongside snow in the north, which will spread from California to Maine. Meanwhile, Keith Avery, CEO of the Newberry Electric Cooperative in South Carolina, told the Associated Press: ‘If you get a half of an inch of ice — or heaven forbid an inch of ice — that could be catastrophic.’ (Picture: National Weather Service)

Areas that experience ice accumulation will make roads hazardous, and in worst-case scenarios, impassable. It will likely also accumulate on trees and power lines, potentially causing tree damage and numerous power outages. (Picture: National Weather Service)

Storm Fern timeline

As per The Weather Channel, Storm Fern will affect areas of the Southern Plains, from Texas, Oklahoma, to Arkansas on Friday, January 23. Then, from Friday night into Saturday morning, the severe weather will head east into the Tennessee Valley, Appalachians and Carolinas. Finally, on Saturday night and into Sunday morning, Georgia, South Carolina, the Mid-Atlantic and the Northeast will face the wrath of Storm Fern. Predictions say it will then linger in the south. (Picture: AP)

What is causing Storm Fern and when will it pass?

The Arctic air mass from Canada is the main catalyst of the storm. When warm, moist air from the Gulf passes over the cold air, it creates perfect conditions for freezing rain and snow. Once the storm passes, daytime highs may not climb above freezing until next week (Monday or Tuesday), especially in areas covered with ice or snow. (Picture: AP)

Americans told not to travel amid major storm that could spark power blackouts ‘lasting days’

Storm Fern timeline

What is causing Storm Fern and when will it pass?

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