People walk across Sixth Avenue as snow falls in New York City. (January 25, 2026)
One million Americans without power as storm Fern slams US
Note: AI technology was used to generate this article’s audio.
- Winter Storm Fern has left over 1 million people without electricity across 10 states, with Tennessee and Mississippi suffering the most severe impact as "crippling ice" continues to down power lines and uproot trees.
- The storm triggered nearly 10,000 flight cancellations on Sunday—a post-pandemic record—as more than 20 states declared emergencies to combat treacherous road conditions and a looming surge of Arctic air.
A severe winter storm sweeping across the United States has triggered massive power outages, affecting more than 1 million people in at least 10 states, according to recent reports.
The storm, characterized by heavy snow, ice accumulation, and freezing rain, has downed power lines, uprooted trees, and created hazardous conditions that are hampering restoration efforts.
Data from tracker PowerOutage.us indicates that the outages have been escalating throughout the day.
As of the latest updates, key affected states include Tennessee with over 300,000 customers without power, Mississippi around 175,000, Louisiana approximately 145,000, Texas about 93,000, Georgia roughly 80,000, Kentucky near 69,000, and West Virginia about 35,000.
Earlier in the day, totals hovered around 600,000 to 750,000 customers out, but numbers have climbed rapidly as the storm intensifies.
The Storm
The outages are closely aligned with the storm's path, particularly along the snow-rain mix line where freezing rain is causing significant ice buildup.
Southeastern and central regions are bearing the brunt, with treacherous road conditions, highway blockages, and plummeting temperatures complicating utility repairs.
Forecasts warn of even colder air surging in behind the storm, potentially worsening the situation in the hardest-hit areas.
In addition to power disruptions, the storm has led to widespread travel chaos.
Nearly 10,000 flights were canceled on Sunday alone, marking one of the highest single-day totals since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Over 20 states have declared states of emergency, with airlines, utilities, and emergency crews on high alert.
