New York City is grappling with the harsh realities of Winter Storm Fern as the frigid weather has already claimed three lives. The bitter cold, with temperatures plummeting to freezing levels, has led to tragic circumstances for vulnerable individuals on the streets.
Authorities reported the first two fatalities Saturday morning: a 67-year-old man was discovered on a Manhattan sidewalk shortly after 7:45 a.m., while two others—a man in his 30s and a woman in her 60s—were found in separate incidents in Brooklyn. All three individuals succumbed to what officials described as weather-related conditions. The city is bracing for even more severe weather as the storm transforms urban landscapes and strains emergency services.
Winter Storm Fern has wreaked havoc across much of the United States, affecting more than 220 million people. The storm, noted for its record-setting snowfall and dangerously low temperatures, prompted states of emergency in at least 18 states, including Texas, Louisiana, and Virginia. Weather agencies are warning residents to stay home unless absolutely necessary, as conditions are likely to worsen over the weekend.
Air travel has been notably disrupted, with over 10,000 flights canceled nationwide as airlines prepared for the impending storm. Travelers have been urged to rethink their plans and reschedule flights, as operational disruptions are expected to continue.
In addition to travel chaos, power outages have surged to nearly 135,000 across the nation, primarily affecting southern states such as Texas and Louisiana, where over 50,000 households are currently without electricity. Local utilities are working exhaustively to restore service as conditions deteriorate.
Public transportation systems have suspended operations in various areas. In New Jersey, public transit services will cease early Sunday morning, while the Capital Metro in Austin is halting its operations due to an ice storm warning. Transit authorities are coordinating efforts to ensure roads remain clear for emergency responders.
National Guard troops from 12 states have been activated to assist in the storm response. They are collaborating with various agencies to clear roadways and provide support for those stranded or in need of aid. Officials have stressed the importance of taking precautionary measures in light of the hazardous conditions.
As New York City prepares for an anticipated snowfall of 8 to 9 inches, Mayor Zohran Mamdani reassured residents that the emergency management team has activated its winter weather plan. The city’s sanitation department has begun preemptive actions, such as brining roads, to combat the severe conditions ahead.
In Louisville, Kentucky, the mayor expressed readiness for “high extremes” as snowfall begins, urging residents to avoid unnecessary travel while public works crews work around the clock to salt and clear roadways. Other cities across the Midwest and South are also gearing up for significant accumulations and treacherous conditions.
With the storm’s impact set to last into next week, officials are urging communities to remain vigilant and prepared as they face the challenges brought on by Winter Storm Fern.