President Trump has issued a statement about the severe winter storm that is currently affecting much of the US. The storm, dubbed Winter Storm Fern, brings with it snow, sleet, ice, and freezing temperatures, leaving roughly half of the country's population without power.
The situation remains dire as forecasters warn that the damage from ice accumulation could be catastrophic, rivaling the effects of a hurricane in some areas. Thousands of flights have been canceled or delayed nationwide, with airlines citing treacherous weather conditions.
Schools across Chicago and other Midwestern cities have been forced to cancel classes due to the inclement weather. Meanwhile, churches are moving Sunday services online as the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville announced that its Saturday night radio show would proceed without a live audience. Carnival parades in Louisiana have also been canceled or rescheduled.
The storm's first punch came in the form of Arctic air plunging south from Canada, driving wind chills to life-threatening levels across the Plains and Midwest. In parts of the region, wind chills dropped to minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit, making frostbite possible in as little as 10 minutes.
Utility companies are bracing for widespread power outages, particularly in ice-prone areas where frozen rain can coat trees and power lines with hundreds of pounds of added weight. Thousands of people without stable housing are especially vulnerable to the storm's impacts, with many shelters remaining closed while insulation and heaters are installed.
As the storm shifts east, forecasters expect heavy snowfall across the Northeast, with about a foot possible from Washington, D.C., through New York City and Boston. The situation remains fluid, with communities hunkering down amidst uncertainty.
For those struggling to cope with the extreme weather, there is support available. Newsweek's members have access to exclusive content, editor conversations, and ad-free browsing. Joining today will help keep the center courageous and vibrant.
The storm is expected to last for days, leaving residents across its path to prepare for extended cold, power outages, and limited travel.
The situation remains dire as forecasters warn that the damage from ice accumulation could be catastrophic, rivaling the effects of a hurricane in some areas. Thousands of flights have been canceled or delayed nationwide, with airlines citing treacherous weather conditions.
Schools across Chicago and other Midwestern cities have been forced to cancel classes due to the inclement weather. Meanwhile, churches are moving Sunday services online as the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville announced that its Saturday night radio show would proceed without a live audience. Carnival parades in Louisiana have also been canceled or rescheduled.
The storm's first punch came in the form of Arctic air plunging south from Canada, driving wind chills to life-threatening levels across the Plains and Midwest. In parts of the region, wind chills dropped to minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit, making frostbite possible in as little as 10 minutes.
Utility companies are bracing for widespread power outages, particularly in ice-prone areas where frozen rain can coat trees and power lines with hundreds of pounds of added weight. Thousands of people without stable housing are especially vulnerable to the storm's impacts, with many shelters remaining closed while insulation and heaters are installed.
As the storm shifts east, forecasters expect heavy snowfall across the Northeast, with about a foot possible from Washington, D.C., through New York City and Boston. The situation remains fluid, with communities hunkering down amidst uncertainty.
For those struggling to cope with the extreme weather, there is support available. Newsweek's members have access to exclusive content, editor conversations, and ad-free browsing. Joining today will help keep the center courageous and vibrant.
The storm is expected to last for days, leaving residents across its path to prepare for extended cold, power outages, and limited travel.
I mean, half of the country's population without power? that's just crazy talk 
! I'm so worried about those people who don't have stable housing, they must be struggling so much 
. And 10 minutes from frostbite at -40 degrees F? no thanks 
.
. But seriously, this storm is like a big ol' mess, with thousands of flights canceled and Carnival parades cancelled too... what even is the point of having a carnival during this kind of weather? 
.
. And I'm sure those people without stable housing are really feeling it right now 
. We should all be sending love and warmth their way 
.
can u believe arctic air came from canada?! my heart goes out 2 those ppl without stable housing, they need our help ASAP 
i'm making a care package with some warm socks & hot cocoa for them 
! I'm so worried about those people stuck without power for days 
. And can you imagine having to deal with -40°F wind chills? That's like, literally freezing your face off 
. But on the bright side, I love that some churches are going online for services 
. Let's keep those who are struggling safe and warm 
. Like, I get it, snow is cool and all, but not when you're stuck inside with no heat or power 
It's just one big mess.
. Everyone's pitching in and helping out those who need it most 
. And I'm not even mad that my favorite radio show is still going strong despite the lack of a live audience 
. The Grand Ole Opry's got some serious grit.
Thousands of people without stable housing are gonna be hunkering down in shelters, no insulation or heaters to speak of... that's just not right 
. Remember when they'd just dump snow on you and you're all like "winter wonderland" 
? Nowadays it feels like a whole lot more complicated 
.
️. What's really concerning me is those people who don't have a place to call home. Those shelters being closed... no good 
. And can we talk about the homeless folks who are especially vulnerable to all this? Shelters are closed and they're stuck without heat or power... that's just heartbreaking 
they need 2 get some help fast! 
and why do utility companies always take so long 2 fix the power?!?! it's like they're just leaving ppl 2 fend 4 themselves in this frozen nightmare 
the grand ole opry tho... I feel like they're gonna have a live audience in their basement or something. and btw why do people think ice accumulation is gonna be as bad as a hurricane? like, I know it's serious but come on
. And on top of that, people who are already struggling, don't have stable housing... it's just not fair 
. I mean, I know weather forecasters try to prepare us, but sometimes it feels like they're just throwing spaghetti at the wall and seeing what sticks 
... guess we'll just have to wait it out (literally) 
, like, how can ppl not be prepared for this kinda thing? I'm actually stuck inside with no power right now, it's so dark lol 
. I think utility companies should be doing more to prep for the power outages, it's just not fair 
. I'm trying to stay safe and warm indoors while keeping an eye on my friends and family who are in the affected areas