Winter Storm Fern Weather and Travel Disruptions Explained ❄️

Meteorologists predict that Winter Storm Fern will begin affecting travel as early as Friday, January 23, and continue through Monday, January 26. During that time, heavy snow, freezing rain, sleet, strong winds, and dangerous ice could spread from the Southern Plains through the Midwest and up into the Northeast and New England. The Weather Channel and the National Weather Service warn that this storm could impact over 230 million people, from Texas and New Mexico, all the way up to Boston and New York.

FAA Advisory

Officials are tracking the storm closely and advising travelers to stay updated on the weather and their flight status. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is actively monitoring the situation with weather and air traffic experts to help keep flights as safe as possible. They are also urging travelers to check flight status before heading to the airport.

Scope of the Storm

Winter Storm Fern is expected to bring a mix of heavy snow in the Midwest and Northeast, and a damaging ice storm in parts of the South and Southeast. Ice buildup could make roads dangerous and even bring down tree limbs and power lines in areas like Georgia, Tennessee, and the Carolinas. Severe cold is expected behind the storm, with some areas dropping below freezing for days.

In some parts of the Plains and Midwest, we could see several inches of snow. Northern states could get over a foot in certain places. Ice will likely be the biggest issue in the South, where many systems are not equipped for it.

States Likely to Be Affected

Winter Storm Fern’s reach is huge. Forecasts show impacts in a long stretch of the U.S., including:

• Southern Plains: Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana

• Midwest: Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska

• Mid‑Atlantic: Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee

• Northeast: Pennsylvania, New York, New England states

• Southern states may see ice buildup and dangerous travel conditions

Experts are calling this one of the biggest winter storms of the season, with snow, sleet, and freezing rain expected across dozens of states.

How This Is Affecting Travel

Travel disruption is already starting, and it’s only going to grow as the storm moves.

Airlines and transportation officials are issuing travel waivers and warnings to keep travelers informed and flexible. Here’s what major carriers are saying:

American Airlines

The airline has issued travel alerts and offered fee‑free rebooking and change options for customers traveling between January 23 and January 25. This applies if you travel through or from dozens of airports in the storm’s predicted path.

Delta Airlines

Delta has already canceled flights in five states, including parts of North Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Tennessee, because of expected weather conditions. Delta is automatically rebooking customers to the next available itinerary and encourages travelers to check flight status via the app or website.

United, Southwest, JetBlue, and Others

United, Southwest, JetBlue, Alaska, Frontier, and Spirit have all issued flexible travel waivers allowing fee‑free changes or rebooking options, and expanded rules for standby travel or refunds on cancellations. These policies are designed to give travelers options without the usual fees during the storm period.

Canadian Airlines

Air Canada and WestJet have also activated flexible ticketing ahead of the storm, especially for flights that touch key U.S. hubs expecting the worst weather.

What Travelers Should Do Now

Here are a few practical tips while Winter Storm Fern unfolds:

• Check flight status before leaving home or before heading to the airport.

• Use airline apps to rebook or adjust flights proactively.

• Consider rebooking for later dates if your travel is flexible.

• Prepare for ground travel disruptions, too, if you are driving.

• Stay updated on weather alerts from the National Weather Service.

Airlines are also pointing out that change options usually require rebooking with the same origin and destination, and some restrictions apply, so check all conditions before confirming.

TL;DR

• Winter Storm Fern will impact most of the U.S. from January 23 through January 26 with snow, ice, sleet, and cold.

• The storm could affect over 230 million people across the South, Midwest, and Northeast.

• Forecasts show heavy snow and dangerous ice in many regions.

• Airlines like American, Delta, United, Southwest, and JetBlue are issuing travel alerts and waiving change fees.

• Travelers should check flight status, rebook if needed, and prepare for potential delays or cancellations.