Winter Storm Fern: A Nation Braces for Impact
A powerful winter storm, dubbed fern, is sweeping across the United States, impacting over 160 million people from the Southern Rockies to New England. The storm is causing widespread travel disruptions, power outages, and risky conditions as heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain move eastward. This represents the first major challenge for new York CityS recently appointed mayor, Zohran Mamdani, as the city prepares for meaningful snowfall.
Panic Buying and Supply Shortages
As residents rushed to prepare for the storm, many grocery stores experienced significant supply shortages. Reports from Mississippi, Texas, and Washington D.C. indicate that shelves were quickly emptied of essential items like water,milk,eggs,sausage,and hot dogs. Fox Business reported on the widespread panic buying, with videos circulating online showing stressed shoppers struggling to find needed supplies in cities like New York.
Travel Chaos and Flight Cancellations
The storm has already caused considerable disruptions to travel plans. All flights scheduled for Saturday were canceled at Will Rogers International Airport in Oklahoma City, and Sunday morning flights were also called off. Officials hope to resume limited service on Sunday afternoon. Reuters reported that the airport was nearly deserted Saturday morning, with minimal staff and travelers remaining.
Nationwide, nearly 10,000 flights scheduled for the weekend have been canceled, impacting hundreds of thousands of passengers. The Associated Press reports that approximately 140 million people are under winter storm warnings, stretching from New Mexico to New England.
Storm Duration and Forecast
The US National Weather Service (NWS) forecasts that heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain will continue to expand eastward through Sunday. The storm is expected to last through Monday, affecting a vast area from the Southern Rockies to New England. Heavy snowfall is anticipated from Oklahoma to the Northeast, with some locations potentially receiving over a foot of snow.
Key Takeaways
- Over 160 million Americans are under winter storm warnings.
- Nearly 10,000 flights have been canceled across the US.
- Grocery stores in several states are experiencing supply shortages due to panic buying.
- The storm is expected to last through Monday, impacting a large portion of the country.
- New York City is preparing for significant snowfall, marking a key test for Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
Residents in affected areas are urged to heed warnings from local authorities,avoid unnecessary travel,and prepare for potential power outages. Continued monitoring of weather updates from the NWS is crucial as the storm progresses.
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