Winter Storm Fern Strikes: Texans Told to Hunker Down for Days
Winter Storm Fern is wreaking havoc across the US, unleashing a deadly 2,000-mile ice blast that’s set to trap Texans indoors for up to five days. Nearly 230 million Americans brace as temperatures plunge and heavy snow smothers the nation this weekend.
At least 16 states, including Washington DC, have declared emergencies to tackle the brutal freeze and rally federal support.
Texas Battles Unprecedented Freeze
Usually spared from winter’s wrath, Texas is now the eye of the storm. Officials warn residents to prepare for a lockdown until Wednesday.
Kevin Oden, Houston’s emergency chief, said: “We definitely don’t believe that being on the roadways, particularly over these next 48 to 72 hours, is any place for folks to be.”
He added: “We want to ensure power stays on, streets are clear, hospitals open, and water flows.”
Emergency squads are on high alert as ice and snow threaten critical infrastructure and daily life.
Travel Chaos and Panic Buying Grip the State
- Over 7,000 flights cancelled nationwide – American Airlines cut 716 flights on Saturday alone.
- Freezing rain pelts Texas while sleet spreads into Oklahoma.
- Shoppers swarm Walmart, Costco, Trader Joe’s and Target, stocking up on essentials.
- Thousands left stranded amid cancelled flights and icy roads.
Federal Forces Mobilise as Crisis Deepens
The Department of Homeland Security has sprung into action, firing up the National Response Coordination Centre. They’ve dispatched 30 generators, 250,000 meals, and 400,000 litres of water to the worst-hit areas.
Staging points in Texas and Louisiana are ready, with Urban Search and Rescue teams on standby. Officials are urging folks to stay put and avoid dangerous travel.
In a Friday tweet, then-President Donald Trump assured: “FEMA is fully prepped and working closely with state authorities.”
A Brutal Freeze Won’t End Soon
Once the storm moves on, the freeze will linger. Ice-coated power lines strain under heavy winds, sparking outage fears as branches snap.
Fern will then lash the Northeast with up to a foot of snow from Washington to Boston, extending misery for millions.
Stay safe, stay warm, and steer clear of the roads – this winter freeze is deadly serious.
