Death Toll Hits Thirty as Winter Storm Fern Intensifies and New Clip‑Series Looms
Updated (2 articles)
Death Toll Reaches Minimum Thirty Across Ten States The storm has caused at least 30 fatalities, confirmed in New York, Tennessee, Louisiana, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, South Carolina, Kentucky, Mississippi, Arkansas and Texas, with causes ranging from outdoor exposure to carbon‑monoxide poisoning and hypothermia [1]. Eight bodies were discovered outdoors in New York City over the weekend, underscoring the danger of extreme cold in urban settings [1]. Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves reported two deaths in Hinds and Tishomingo counties, adding to the nationwide count [1].
Forecasters Project Impact on 190 Million Northeastern Residents Meteorologists expect Fern to shift from the south‑central U.S. toward the Northeast, bringing widespread snow, sleet and freezing rain that could affect roughly 190 million people through early Monday [1]. The system’s intensification raises concerns about power outages and hazardous travel conditions across densely populated corridors [1]. Federal and state emergency managers have activated response plans in anticipation of the expanding threat [1].
Secondary Incidents Highlight Storm‑Related Hazards private‑contract snowplow collided with pedestrians in Norwood, Massachusetts, killing a 51‑year‑old woman and injuring her husband, illustrating the peril of reduced visibility and congested parking areas [1]. Louisiana health officials confirmed three deaths—one from carbon‑monoxide poisoning and two from hypothermia—directly linked to power loss and heating failures [1]. These incidents demonstrate how secondary effects amplify the storm’s human toll beyond the initial weather event [1].
Clipper Storms Set to Blanket 14 States Through Tuesday Night fresh series of low‑pressure clipper systems will follow Fern, delivering additional snowfall to Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia, Virginia, New York, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine [2]. AccuWeather predicts 1‑6 inches of extra snow, especially in western Michigan and central New York, where lake‑effect bands will intensify accumulation [2]. Warnings remain active, and travel advisories have been issued for the affected regions [2].
Lingering Freezing Temperatures Extend Hazard Window Winter storm warnings persist across the Northeast as temperatures stay below freezing, preventing melt and creating icy conditions that may refreeze after brief thaws [2]. The NWS Climate Prediction Center forecasts below‑average temperatures from Florida to Delaware and a moderate chance of cooler weather extending to Texas and Maine through early February [2]. This prolonged cold snap increases the risk of further power outages, road closures, and hypothermia cases [2].
Sources
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1.
Newsweek: Death Toll Climbs as Winter Storm Fern Sweeps U.S.: reports at least 30 deaths across ten states, details specific incidents such as eight NYC outdoor fatalities, a snowplow collision in Massachusetts, carbon‑monoxide and hypothermia deaths in Louisiana, and Governor Reeves’ statements on Mississippi impacts .
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2.
Newsweek: New Clip‑Series of Snowstorms Set to Blanket 14 States: outlines the upcoming clipper systems affecting 14 states, expected snow totals, lingering sub‑freezing temperatures, and a climate outlook predicting continued below‑average warmth into early February .
Timeline
Early Jan 2026 – Winter Storm Fern forms and blankets the Midwest and Northeast with 12‑18 inches of snow, kills at least nine people and leaves hundreds of thousands without power as ice coats power lines, exposing the region’s vulnerability [2].
Jan 26, 2026 – Meteorologists issue warnings for a fresh series of low‑pressure clipper storms that will sweep 14 states through Tuesday night, with western Michigan and central New York slated for 1‑6 inches of lake‑effect snow [2].
Jan 26, 2026 – The NWS Climate Prediction Center forecasts a high chance of below‑average temperatures from Florida to Delaware and a moderate chance extending to Texas and Maine between Jan 31 and Feb 4, signaling a prolonged cold snap [2].
Jan 27, 2026 – Forecasters expect Fern to affect roughly 190 million people in the Northeast with widespread snow, sleet and freezing rain through early Monday, intensifying the storm’s reach [1].
Jan 27, 2026 – At least 30 storm‑related deaths are confirmed nationwide, including eight New York City residents found dead outdoors, a snowplow collision that kills a 51‑year‑old woman in Norwood, Massachusetts, and carbon‑monoxide and hypothermia deaths in Louisiana [1].
Jan 27, 2026 – Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves cites two deaths in Hinds and Tishomingo counties and reports storm‑related damage across 47 counties and the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, underscoring the storm’s broad impact [1].
Jan 27, 2026 – Freezing temperatures linger, preventing snowmelt and creating refreeze hazards as winter storm warnings remain across the Northeast, heightening travel and safety concerns [2].