Deadly Winter Storm Fern Strikes Louisiana, Leaving Thousands Without Power
Winter Storm Fern has devastated the southern and northeastern regions of the United States, leaving thousands without power. The storm primarily affected Louisiana, where it claimed the lives of two men due to hypothermia. Austin, Texas, also reported a storm-related death attributed to the same cause.
Impact Across the Regions
As Winter Storm Fern moved from New Mexico to the Northeast, heavy snow and icy conditions ensued. Emergency declarations occurred in at least 24 states. Roads became impassable, and power outages rose dramatically.
Power Outages and Emergency Declarations
- Nationwide power outages surpassed one million customers.
- Tennessee reported over 330,000 outages.
- Davidson County in Tennessee had more than 200,000 customers without power.
- Louisiana reported over 145,000 outages.
School Closures and Travel Disruptions
Numerous school districts canceled classes for the following Monday, with the number of closures increasing rapidly. Travel chaos ensued, with more than 13,000 flights canceled since Saturday.
Areas Affected by Snow and Ice
Several regions experienced significant snowfall and ice. Notable snowfall reports include:
- Davis, West Virginia: 16.0 inches
- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: 8.5 inches
- Little Rock, Arkansas: 7.8 inches
- New York City (Central Park): 7.2 inches
In Georgia, cities faced ice storm warnings, causing power outages affecting hundreds of customers. Nashville recorded significant ice accumulation, leading to tree damage and power outages for the majority of Davidson County.
Reasons Behind Weather Conditions
The unique weather phenomena observed during Winter Storm Fern resulted from the clash of cold air with warm moisture, creating severe conditions across southern states. This led to freezing rain and snow, particularly affecting areas in Texas, Mississippi, and Louisiana.
Rescue and Recovery Efforts
Emergency services are working diligently to restore power and clear roads. Residents are urged to stay indoors due to dangerous conditions, particularly in areas with reported falls of trees and power lines.
As the storm begins to taper off in New England, recovery efforts will be crucial in restoring normalcy in the affected regions. For ongoing updates on the storm’s aftermath, visit Filmogaz.com.