Deadly Winter Storm Fern January 2026: Record Snow, Power Outages

Published: January 28, 2026 | By ClickUSANews.com Staff | Last Updated: January 28, 2026

Winter Storm Fern, a massive and historic arctic blast unofficially named by The Weather Channel, has hammered much of the United States in late January 2026. This powerful system brought blizzard conditions, heavy snowfall, crippling ice accumulations, freezing rain, and even severe thunderstorms with tornado threats. Impacting over 30 states and more than 220-230 million people, Fern ranks as one of the most widespread and destructive winter storms in recent memory.

According to reports from The Weather Channel, ABC News, NOAA’s National Weather Service, and other reliable sources, the storm has caused dozens of fatalities, widespread power outages affecting hundreds of thousands to over a million customers, and severe travel disruptions. As of late January 26-27, 2026, confirmed deaths linked to the storm reached at least 22-50 across multiple states (with figures varying by source and ongoing investigations), primarily from hypothermia, carbon monoxide poisoning, traffic accidents, and storm-related incidents. PowerOutage.us and utility reports show peak outages exceeding 1 million, with lingering impacts in the South (Tennessee, Mississippi, Louisiana) seeing the highest numbers—hundreds of thousands still without power into the week.

The storm’s expansive reach—from the Southern Plains and Midwest to the Northeast and even parts of Canada—produced record-breaking snowfall in areas like Toronto (22 inches, breaking a 1944 record), Philadelphia (heaviest since 2016), Baltimore, Pittsburgh, and New York City regions. Southern states unaccustomed to such extremes faced “catastrophic” ice accumulations (up to 1+ inch in places like Mississippi and Alabama), leading to snapped trees, downed power lines, and dangerous travel conditions.

Key Impacts of Winter Storm Fern (January 23-27, 2026)

• Fatalities: At least 22-50 confirmed deaths (sources: The Weather Channel, Wikipedia summary of reports, ABC News, The Guardian). Many in the South due to hypothermia during outages; others from accidents and pre-storm cold snaps.
• Power Outages: Over 1 million customers affected at peak; 500,000-830,000 still out in late January (heaviest in TN, MS, LA). Caused by ice-laden trees and lines.
• Travel Chaos: More than 10,000-13,000 flights canceled at peak (worst since 2020). Major airports like LaGuardia (New York), Ronald Reagan Washington National, Dallas-Fort Worth, and others faced mass delays/cancellations. Roads iced over, with blizzard warnings and travel bans in numerous states.
• Record Snow & Ice: Over 6 inches of snow in 26+ states; highs of 20-23 inches in parts of PA/MA. Ice up to 1 inch in South/Mid-South. Historic nor’easter phase in Northeast.
• Emergency Declarations: Over 15 states (including KY, NY, VA, MD, AR, GA, WV) issued states of emergency. FEMA providing disaster assistance in several areas.
• Additional Threats: Tornado warnings in AL/GA/FL Panhandle; extreme cold persisting post-storm, with another arctic blast incoming.

Experts from NOAA and The Weather Channel describe Fern as “potentially historic” due to its massive scale (nearly 2,000 miles of impacts), duration, and combination of snow, ice, and cold. The storm underscores shifting winter weather patterns bringing extreme events to unprepared regions.

Safety Tips During & After Winter Storm Fern

• Stay indoors during extreme cold and avoid unnecessary travel.
• If using generators or heaters, prevent carbon monoxide poisoning—use them outside only.
• Stock essentials: food, water, blankets, medications, and flashlights.
• Check on vulnerable neighbors and relatives.
• Monitor local NWS alerts via weather.gov for your area.
• For power outage updates: Visit PowerOutage.us or your utility provider.

ClickUSANews.com is closely monitoring developments. For live updates, radar, and forecasts, visit official sources like The Weather Channel, ABC News, or NOAA. Stay safe, prepare, and avoid risks in the ongoing cold snap.

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