Winter Storm Fern Dumps 20 Inches of Snow Across U.S.

Winter Storm Fern has slammed into the Northeastern United States, burying communities under a staggering 20 inches of snow and bringing daily life to a standstill. Meteorologists report that this system is one of the most intense of the season, with snowfall rates reaching two to three inches per hour in the hardest-hit areas.

Hazardous travel conditions have paralyzed major interstate highways, leaving Department of Transportation crews struggling to keep pace with the relentless accumulation. State officials have urged residents to stay off the roads to allow plows to operate safely, warning that visibility remains near zero in many regions.

As the storm intensified, school districts were forced to make difficult decisions between declaring traditional snow days or attempting to pivot to virtual instruction. While some students enjoyed a day off, others faced frustration as districts tried to maintain academic continuity through digital platforms.

In New York City, the transition to remote learning was marred by widespread technical failures that prevented thousands of students and teachers from logging into the system. Parents and educators expressed outrage after the district's portal crashed repeatedly, rendering the day’s lesson plans largely inaccessible.

Political tensions flared as the Nassau County Executive publicly blasted the governor for rejecting federal storm aid amidst the crisis. The controversy stems from a heated dispute regarding cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement, which has complicated the allocation of emergency funds.

Critics argue that withholding these critical resources due to policy disagreements places an undue burden on local municipalities struggling to clear the roads. The governor’s office has yet to issue a formal response to the allegations, leaving local officials to manage the cleanup with limited financial support.

Emergency services remain on high alert as temperatures are expected to drop further tonight, turning slush into dangerous black ice across the region. Residents are advised to prepare for potential power outages and to check on vulnerable neighbors until the storm system finally moves offshore.