Updated as of Friday, Jan. 23, 2026, 10 a.m. EST.
Winter Storm Fern will sweep across the U.S. this weekend, bringing a dangerous combination of snow, ice and extreme cold to a vast portion of the country. Reports now indicate that more than 200 million people are under winter weather alerts.
Current models show impacts stretching from Texas and the Southeast through the Midwest and into the Northeast. Forecasters warn that the sprawling system could significantly disrupt travel and daily life.
Fern: Impacts Across Regions
In parts of Louisiana, Arkansas and Mississippi, ice accumulations of up to three-quarters of an inch are possible, raising concerns about widespread power outages and near-impossible driving conditions. Heavy snow is expected to spread into the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast beginning Saturday night, with current projections calling for 5 to 10 inches in Washington, D.C., and as much as 8 to 18 inches in the Philadelphia area, followed by a transition to sleet and freezing rain that could complicate cleanup efforts.
Meanwhile, a corridor from Oklahoma through Maine could see 10 to 20 inches of snow, while an Arctic blast behind the storm is expected to drive wind chills as low as –40°F to –55°F in the Upper Midwest, creating life-threatening conditions.
The Weather Channel reports that Fern will produce heavy snow and significant ice accumulation from the southern Plains through the Ohio Valley. Meteorologists warn that outages are likely where ice builds on trees and power lines, while parts of the Midwest and interior Northeast could see more than a foot of snow. Hazardous driving conditions and flight delays are expected through early next week.
On Thursday, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp issued a state of emergency for all 159 counties, pre‑positioning state crews and resources as freezing rain and sleet threaten hazardous roads, FOX 5 Atlanta reported. The Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency activated emergency operations and warned travelers to complete preparations before Saturday. Officials said the storm could last through at least Tuesday.
On Thursday, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp declared a state of emergency for all 159 counties, pre‑positioning state crews and resources as freezing rain and sleet threaten hazardous road conditions, FOX 5 Atlanta reported. The Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency activated emergency operations and warned travelers to complete preparations before Saturday.
Officials said the storm could last through at least Tuesday.
The Weather Channel reports that Fern will bring heavy snow and significant ice accumulation from the southern Plains through the Ohio Valley. Meteorologists warn that outages are likely where ice builds on trees and power lines, while parts of the Midwest and interior Northeast could see more than a foot of snow. Hazardous driving conditions and flight delays are expected through early next week.
Airlines Issue Official Travel Waivers
U.S. airlines have posted weather‑related travel waivers directly on their official sites:
American Airlines confirms fee‑free rebooking for customers scheduled to travel Jan. 23 –25 through affected cities. Passengers must complete new travel within the eligible date and route list.
Delta Air Lines’ Travel Advisory allows customers booked between Jan. 23 and 25 to rebook without change fees, using the online “My Trips” tool. Impacted cities include airports throughout the Southeast, Midwest, and Northeast.
United Airlines posted flight options on its Travel Alerts page, waiving fees for flights to, from, or through affected airports through Jan. 28.
Southwest Airlines’ Travel Disruption page states that customers whose flights are canceled or significantly delayed may rebook without penalty or request refunds for unused portions of tickets.
JetBlue Airways’ Travel Alerts outline waiver eligibility through Jan. 31, permitting changes or cancellations for impacted U.S. routes and weather‑related delays.
Alaska Airlines added a Flexible Travel Policy specific to Winter Storm Fern, covering flights to and from Atlanta (ATL), Dallas (DFW), Houston (IAH), Nashville (BNA), Indianapolis (IND) and other listed airports. Travelers booked Jan. 23 – 25 may change or cancel travel through Jan. 29 without fees or fare differences, per the official Alaska Airlines Advisory.
Officials continue to advise travelers to stay off icy roadways whenever possible and allow extra time for disrupted connections as Winter Storm Fern makes its way northeastward.
