Winter Storm Fern Brings Snow, Ice, and Disruptions Across the U.S.
Winter Storm Fern is shaping up to be a wide-reaching winter system that could disrupt travel, daily routines, and essential services across large portions of the United States. Forecasts indicate Fern may stretch across multiple regions, bringing a mix of snow, sleet, freezing rain, and sharp temperature drops as it progresses late this week into the weekend.
With dangerous road conditions and possible power disruptions in the mix, many households might need to plan for several days of winter weather impacts. Read on to find out how the storm may impact you, and how to be prepared.
Winter Storm Fern Could Affect the South, Midwest, and Northeast
Current outlooks suggest Winter Storm Fern could track across a broad swath of the country, with impacts extending from the central U.S. toward the East Coast. This type of storm setup often creates a wide band of winter weather—but the exact “worst hit” locations can change as the forecast becomes more precise.
Here are the areas most likely to see major disruptions:
Southern Plains into the Mid-South: Some communities may experience a messy mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain depending on how warm air moves in above the surface. Ice risk is especially concerning in places that don’t routinely handle it.
Midwest corridor: Cities and highways across parts of the central U.S. may see accumulating snow and strong winds, which can combine into reduced visibility and difficult driving.
Ohio Valley into the Mid-Atlantic: Areas farther east could see significant snowfall totals, though parts of the region may remain on the edge of a rain/ice transition.
Northeast: As the storm progresses, colder air may support more widespread snow and lingering disruptions—especially if the storm intensifies near the coast.
Even within a single state, impacts can vary widely. One county may see heavy snow while another ends up with sleet or freezing rain. That’s why it helps to follow local alerts and avoid planning around a single snowfall number.
No matter where you’re based, it’s wise to make sure your essentials are covered in advance, whether that means charging devices, restocking supplies, or having a backup power option. The EcoFlow DELTA 3 Ultra Plus can put your mind at ease, starting with 3.6kWh capacity (and expandable to much higher) to keep your essential appliances up and running.
Potential Impact on Roads and Power Grids
One of the biggest challenges with a storm like Fern is that it can create multiple hazards at once. In some places, heavy snow can quickly reduce visibility, slow traffic, and make roads impassable. In others, a thin layer of ice can be even more dangerous than snow because it’s harder to see—and harder to safely drive on.
Ice accumulation can also increase the risk of tree damage and downed power lines, which is why winter storms often lead to scattered outages even outside of the heaviest snowfall zone. If Fern produces a corridor of freezing rain in populated areas, the storm could affect commutes, school schedules, and local infrastructure for days rather than hours.
Beyond precipitation, the cold behind the system can make recovery slower. When temperatures stay below freezing, snow doesn’t melt quickly, and ice doesn’t clear on its own, which can keep sidewalks and roads hazardous well after the storm’s peak.
For those preparing for an ice storm, a backup power option like the EcoFlow DELTA 3 Ultra Plus can be useful for keeping small essentials running during short outages—especially in cold-weather conditions when staying warm and connected matters.
The EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra X is an even more robust generator for home backup. It can easily support power-hungry appliances and is expandable up to 90kWh.
Get Ready With a Winter Storm Prep List
The best time to prepare for a winter storm is before precipitation begins. Once roads start icing over, even quick errands can become difficult, and stores may run low on everyday basics. Start by checking out our tips below to stay one step ahead of the storm:
Plan for Limited Travel
If you have flexibility, try to wrap up important driving before the storm arrives. Keep a full tank of fuel, and consider alternative routes that avoid steep hills or bridges that ice over quickly.
Protect Pipes and Indoor Temperatures
Cold snaps can increase the risk of frozen pipes, especially in older homes. Letting faucets drip slightly, opening cabinet doors under sinks, and sealing drafts can help reduce exposure to freezing air.
Stock Essential Supplies for 2–3 Days
You don’t need to overbuy, but it’s smart to have:
Shelf-stable food you can eat without cooking
Bottled water (or a way to melt snow safely, if needed)
Medications and baby/pet supplies
Batteries, flashlights, and blankets
Prepare Devices and Communications
Charge phones, keep a car charger accessible, and download important documents or phone numbers you may need offline. After a winter storm warning, the most stressful moments are often when you can’t get updates, contact family, or check local alerts.
Identify What You Truly Need to Power
While many power outages are short, even a few hours can feel like a long time in freezing temperatures. Think in terms of priorities: communication devices, lights, medical gear, and anything needed to maintain safe indoor conditions.
Cold Weather Makes Outages and Recovery Harder
In many winter events, the storm itself isn’t the only problem; it’s what happens after. Cold air lingering behind the system can create a prolonged disruption window, especially when ice and snow remain on roads.
Several factors can extend recovery time:
Slower travel and deliveries: Even after precipitation ends, icy roads can delay supply trucks, medical visits, and work travel.
School and business closures: If snow removal takes time or temperatures stay dangerously low, closures may continue for longer than expected.
Higher household energy needs: Heating systems run longer and more frequently, which can strain local utilities during peak demand.
This is also why it’s helpful to prepare for “inconvenient scenarios,” not just extreme ones. Even a moderate storm can create major disruptions if it hits at the wrong time, coincides with rapid temperature drops, or produces widespread icing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What States Will Be Affected by Winter Storm Fern?
Winter Storm Fern could affect a wide stretch of the U.S., including parts of the Southern Plains, Mid-South, Midwest, Ohio Valley, Mid-Atlantic, and Northeast. Exact states may shift as the storm track updates, but areas from Texas and Arkansas up toward New York and New England could see impacts.
What To Have To Prepare for a Winter Storm?
To prepare for a winter storm, have warm layers, blankets, flashlights, extra batteries, a first-aid kit, necessary medications, and a way to stay informed, like a hand-crank radio or a charged phone. It also helps to keep backup chargers, bottled water, and a safe heating plan if power goes out.
What to Stock up on for Winter Storms?
Stock up on shelf-stable food, bottled water, prescription medications, toiletries, and pet supplies before a winter storm arrives. Include items that don’t require cooking, like granola bars or canned goods, plus matches, a manual can opener, and extra batteries. Don’t forget ice melt, windshield fluid, and blankets.
Backup Power Supports Whole-Home Readiness During Emergencies
Every storm is different, but our priorities are usually the same: stay safe, stay warm, and avoid last-minute stress. For many households, backup power planning is part of overall preparedness—especially when storms increase the risk of outages and longer recovery periods.
Protect your home with a system like the EcoFlow DELTA Pro ULTRA X, which can support broader whole-home backup readiness by powering critical circuits and helping bridge the gap when grid power is interrupted.
Storm Fern may shift in exact timing and intensity as forecast confidence improves. However, taking a few practical steps now can make the next few days feel much more manageable, whether you’re caught in the middle or on the edge of the storm’s path.
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