A winter storm is hitting our country with the threat of power outages and ‘catastrophic’ ice levels

As a historic winter storm makes its way through the southern and eastern parts of the United States, millions of people are preparing for power outages and ice jams.

Weather experts have warned about the potential impact of Winter Storm Fern as it hit the US this weekend. While millions of people expect to be affected by the storm, people in numerous states have already experienced travel disruptions and dangerously low temperatures.

The storm’s major impact began to hit cities on the morning of January 25. As a wintry mix of snow, sleet and freezing rain lashed the streets, forecasters warned people to stay home and off the roads. According to NPRStates such as Texas, Louisiana and Tennessee are among the hardest hit.

For many in particular, the biggest concern is the ice accumulations, which make travel through the south virtually impossible. The ice remains particularly dangerous as it can impact travel for days with slick roads and downed power lines.

“Any time we see these big ice events, we’re going to see different hazards; obviously bridges and overpasses that are frozen, and with trees and different things that could fall on the roadways or possibly fall on houses,” said Nicholas Price, an NWS meteorologist in Texas.

Other states along the northeast coast could also see nearly 10 to 20 feet of snow, with winds possibly reaching 50 below zero in some New York State counties.

Even airports have seen massive cancellations, with Ronald Reagan Airport in Washington, DC canceling all scheduled flights on January 25. However, experts told the news outlet about several ways to deal with the winter storm’s impact, even if some elements remain unavoidable.

People remain encouraged to stock up on supplies to get through the toughest days of the storm, taking care to only purchase essential items as emergency services work to reopen operations. Several schools, such as the University of Georgia in Athens, have encouraged students to stay home through the weekend in light of the storm.

With power outages expected, officials also warned that people should keep their devices charged before the power goes out. Many states have also provided information about shelters and warming centers for people at risk in unhoused situations.

Most importantly, officials from New Mexico to Mississippi are emphasizing the importance of residents heeding these concerns. Staying off the roads and being very careful could make a vital difference as the storm takes shape across America.

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