Winter Storm Fern has wreaked havoc across the Northeast, leaving millions feeling its effects long after the snow has fallen. As the storm draws to a close, it has resulted in canceled work and school for many as hundreds of thousands remain without power amid frigid temperatures failing to reach freezing.
Tragically, at least twelve lives have been lost due to the storm, with incidents reported across several states. In Louisiana, two men succumbed to hypothermia, while a woman in Kansas and one of two fatalities in Texas faced similar fates. Furthermore, three fatalities were reported in Tennessee and another three in Pennsylvania, including a woman struck by a snowplow in Massachusetts.
The South experienced widespread power outages, primarily due to the severe winter conditions. Crews have been working tirelessly in the dangerous cold to restore electricity to those affected. Some areas, especially in North Georgia, faced dangerous ice accumulations that have hindered recovery efforts.
This recent winter storm has not only brought heavy snow to the United States but also set records for snowfall in various locations. Boston experienced a staggering 16.7 inches of snow on Sunday, marking it as the ninth snowiest day in its history, eclipsing the previous daily record of 9 inches set in 1905. Similarly, Worcester and Hartford experienced significant snowfall, breaking long-held records.
In Canada, Toronto faced an unprecedented 22 inches of snow, prompting the mayor to declare a state of emergency and mobilize over 600 plows to clear the streets. Across parts of Texas and Louisiana, record lows were set, indicating the severity of the cold with some temperatures dropping significantly below freezing.
Flights have been heavily impacted, with over 13,000 cancellations reported on Sunday alone, marking it as the largest cancellation day since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020. Airline operations are expected to normalize by mid-week, allowing passengers to resume their travels.
As the nation deals with the aftermath of Winter Storm Fern, colder temperatures and dangerously icy conditions linger in many states. Despite these challenges, the collaboration of emergency crews and community efforts provide a glimmer of hope for those affected, as they work to restore public services and ensure the safety of residents.