Over the last few days, meteorologists have been sounding the alarm about what is being called Winter Storm Fern and how harsh it is predicted to be. Now that the severe conditions’ arrival nears, some of those experts have been becoming more specific, and their forecasts are dire. Those weather conditions are expected to start on Friday, January 23, 2026, hit hard over the weekend, and linger into the following week, according to a January 21, 2026, CNET article
It is important to note that news about this weather system is evolving. A January 21, 2026 National Weather Service Prediction Center X post states that there is “forecast uncertainty” since things could still change in the hours before the effects begin being felt. However, that post also states that “confidence is high that a significant storm will occur,” before outlining that it is the “specific details” that are somewhat in flux.
Winter Storm Fern Is Forecast To Bring Heavy Snow, Dangerously Cold Weather, a Thick Layer of Ice, and Powerful Winds
Heavy Snow:
On January 21, 2026, AccuWeather’s senior meteorologist, Alex Sosnowski, updated an article describing the effects of Winter Storm Fern. The article states that the Western Maryland mountains could receive 30 inches of snow, according to the Local StormMax™ preliminary reading. More than 24 inches may land in parts of Virginia and West Virginia, while other colder states are expected to receive up to 12 inches.
A Thick Layer of Ice:
On January 20, 2026, WSVN 7 News meteorologist Dylan Federico posted on X that Winter Storm Fern could create a layer of more than 2 inches of ice. “Computer models are calling for widespread ice accumulations of 1-2+” — for context — a half an inch is considered catastrophic. Residents from Dallas, Shreveport, Atlanta, and Charlotte need to prepare like a hurricane is coming.”
While Federico’s post is informative to keep in mind, the majority of forecasts don’t go that far. Instead, the more common forecast is represented by a January 21, 2026, post on Fox Weather’s X account that shows meteorologist Melanie Black stating that some areas could face more than half an inch of ice buildup.
🧊 CRIPPLING ICE FORECAST: What can people across the South expect when it comes to the ice threat this weekend? FOX Weather Meteorologist Melanie Black has the latest from Studio W on how ice could cause major power outages. Stay with FOX Weather all week and weekend long. pic.twitter.com/VgK78z7l7s
— FOX Weather (@foxweather) January 21, 2026
For people who don’t avidly follow weather news, more than half an inch of ice may not sound severe. However, an article that was published by the CBS News affiliate WUSA 9 describes how seriously people should take that much ice. “Devastating. A half-inch of ice will absolutely hamper a city or town. This much ice will cause widespread tree damage as well as power outages.”
Extreme Wind Chill:
NPR’s coverage of Winter Storm Fern from January 21, 2026, gives a description of how cold the winds are going to make some areas feel over the next several days. The outlet cited a National Weather Service winter storm warning from the same day that stated that wind chills will make it feel like -50°F, “across the Northern Plains, including in parts of North Dakota and Minnesota.”
A post on the National Weather Service Prediction Center X account from the same day echoes that estimate. However, it also warns that the upcoming weather pattern will bring “life-threatening cold,” due to the risks of frostbite and hypothermia. Furthermore, the post states that the cold temperatures could linger until February 1, 2026, for Ohio, the Tennessee Valleys, and parts of the Mid-Atlantic.
In addition to the major winter storm, bitterly cold temperatures & dangerously cold wind chills will spread across the central & eastern U.S.. This stretch of frigid conditions look to linger through the remainder of January over the eastern U.S. per @NWSCPC. Here’s the latest- pic.twitter.com/KIPCyAZKt8
— NWS Weather Prediction Center (@NWSWPC) January 21, 2026
Powerful Winds:
Much of the Winter Storm Fern coverage calls for gusty winds throughout many of the affected areas. A report filed by NBC News’ Chris Justus cites one model that calls for high-speed wind gusts to potentially hit on Sunday in what he calls a “worst-case scenario.” “The European model shows wind gusts up to 45 mph on Sunday, right when icing would be at its worst.” While it is important to note how bad things could get, that isn’t an actual forecast, just an illustration of what could be possible.
Winter Storm Fern Will Create Widespread Effects
One of the details about Winter Storm Fern that is still being hotly debated is the track it will take. What is very clear, however, is that it will affect the weather in much of America in the coming days.
On January 21, 2026, the Fox Weather X account stated the effects will be felt by “175+ million people across 30 states” spanning “from the South to the Mid-Atlantic coast.” However, many other forecasts call for the number of states that could be affected to be lower. Alex Sosnowski’s AccuWeather article (updated January 21, 2026) forecasts that more than 24 states will be struck with precipitation. “A massive winter storm is set to spread heavy snow and ice across more than two dozen states, threatening travel, power outages and dangerous cold from the South and Plains to the Northeast this weekend.”
The exact states that AccuWeather’s article was referring to as part of the more than two dozen are unknown. What that description does make certain is that residents of the Plains, South, Midwest, Mid-Atlantic, and Northeast states should closely monitor weather updates for their region and remain vigilant. It is better to be overly cautious and safe, given the gravity of this weather system.
Residents of the Affected States Should Be Preparing Today for the Upcoming Storm
With the potential for impactful wintry weather on the rise for the end of the week for many of you, it’s wise to ask: Are you prepared for a winter storm? If the forecast calls for winter weather in YOUR area, begin preparing NOW. Don’t wait until the last minute.… https://t.co/r6GrEX3jJA pic.twitter.com/UH7V3MlCm6
— National Weather Service (@NWS) January 20, 2026
In addition to reporting on the details of the upcoming storm, the National Weather Service is giving guidance on how to prepare for what is coming. According to a January 20, 2026, X post, the NWS suggests people in the affected areas should have already retrieved emergency supplies, checked if their smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working, and gotten fuel for their vehicle(s) and any heating sources. Today, they suggest changing any plans for the weekend, ensuring to have multiple ways to receive warnings, and bringing all pets indoors, where animals will have water. During and after the storm, they advise checking on loved ones and neighbors, making sure heat sources are properly ventilated, keeping generators at least 20 feet from homes, and taking it easy while shoveling.
People in affected areas should also be aware of some potential complications that the storm could bring. For example, AccuWeather’s Alex Sosnowski wrote in his article (updated January 21, 2026) that property damage is a realistic possibility due to extreme cold causing burst pipes. America’s Morning Headquarters’ meteorologist Jordan Steele warned on X about long-lasting power outages, school closures, and highway drivers becoming stuck.
“UGH — this is not good. Plan now! Plan for going day(s) without power this weekend. School cancellations next week. Do not plan a road trip this weekend. This could be a situation where people get stuck on the highway. @weatherchannel will be covering this nonstop this week.”
