Massive Winter Storm with Damaging Ice in South, Heavy Snow from Texas to Northeast to affect over 230 million.

This historic storm will spread destructive ice and heavy snow over 34 states through Monday in the South, Midwest and Northeast, including a potential nor’easter. 

A historic, widespread, long-lasting winter storm is getting underway that will blast parts of the South with destructive ice and heavy snow for millions from the Plains to the Midwest and Northeast. This storm will lead to widespread dangerous travel for days and "catastrophic" ice accumulations in the South could lead to widespread power outages and tree damage, according to NOAA's Weather Prediction Center.

The storm has been named Winter Storm Fern by The Weather Channel. According to The Weather Company forecasters, Fern could affect over 230 million in the U.S. with significant snow and/or ice, two-thirds of the nation's estimated population. Either heavy snow or ice is forecast for 34 states from the storm, from Arizona to the Midwest, South and New England. Its impacts will linger for some time after the storm ends.

A broad swath from the southern Rockies, the Texas Panhandle and Oklahoma to the Ohio Valley and Northeast will likely pick up at least 6 inches of snow through Monday. Many of these areas have a good chance of measuring a foot or more of snow, as shown by the darkest purple and pink contours in the map below.

This could lead to dangerous travel conditions in these areas, with some roads possibly becoming impassable by this weekend, especially in the southern portion of heaviest snow swath.

This is also likely to trigger significant flight delays and cancellations, especially Sunday into Monday at the major East Coast hubs.

We recognize the severe impact that current conditions are having on our customers, and we are committed to restoring service levels as quickly as possible. As a result of these weather issues, the ALG Client Service Team will send daily updates as we monitor the progress and track job level.

January 22, 2026

Winter Storm Fern - Operations Weather Advisory

Due to the winter weather sweeping across most of the nation this weekend into next week, the Postal Service anticipates transportation and delivery impacts in many regions. These conditions include heavy snow and blizzard conditions, damaging ice, record low temperatures, high winds, and long duration power outages.

We are continually monitoring the situations and adjusting operations where it is possible to minimize impact.

Customers may experience impacts though out the nation. We will continue to provide any critical information and updates as needed

We apologize for any inconvenience you may experience. The USPS appreciates your patience as we work through these weather impacts.

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