Winter Storm Fern has delivered historic snowfall and dangerously low temperatures across a wide swath of the Midwest and Northeast, disrupting travel, knocking out power to millions, and creating life-threatening conditions for vulnerable populations.
Storm Impact
The storm system dropped over two feet of snow across parts of Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and Pennsylvania, with blizzard conditions making roads impassable. Wind chill temperatures plunged to 30 below zero in some areas, creating extreme danger for anyone exposed to the elements.
Emergency Response
The American Red Cross has opened warming shelters in partnership with local governments across affected states, providing safe refuge for people without heat or power.
The Salvation Army is operating mobile canteens to distribute hot meals, blankets, and warm clothing to people in need, including the unhoused population particularly at risk during extreme cold events.
Feeding America food banks in the affected region are distributing emergency food supplies and working to maintain operations despite the challenging conditions.
Power Restoration
Utility companies report that millions of customers lost power during the storm, with restoration efforts hampered by ongoing dangerous conditions. Full power restoration could take days in the hardest-hit areas.
Visit our Winter Storm Fern disaster page for responding organizations and ways to help.