Winter Storm Fern was no joke. The system pushed its way across America leaving snow, sleet, and freezing rain for much of the country. The storm system made travel difficult and left many without power. More than 1 million people lost power across the country due to the devastating storm.
Additionally, there were near-record flight cancelations with more than 11,000 flights cancele don Sunday alone.
"It is a unique storm in the sense that it is so widespread," National Weather Service meteorologist Allison Santorelli said. Winter Storm Fern impacted people across 2,000 miles with snow and ice reaching 34 states. Thats millions of people affected by the winter blast. The effects have continued into Monday with more than 3,000 flights already canceled.
Winter Storm Fern
Ice toppled power lines and tree limbs in the South, leading to more than 1 million without power on Monday. But things could have been even worse. Thanks to forecasts, many states prepared for the worst of Fern. On January 20, Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced the state was activating its emergency resources. "Based on current forecasts, the State of Texas is acting to ensure Texans have the resources they need before severe winter weather impacts communities across Texas," Abbott said.
Texas was far from the only one. North Carolina also declared a statewide emergency on January 21. "A winter storm is approaching, and now is the time to prepare," Gov. Josh Stein said. "Please get ready... and have a plan in case your power goes out." Its neighboring state also declared a state of emergency as well. Governor Henry McMaster urged residents to "remain aware of local forecasts and take appropriate precautions."
In Maryland, they declared "state of preparedness." Gov. Wes Moore warned residents of the dangers of Fern.
