Winter Storm Fern forecast to bring widespread snow and ice from south to northeast

An expansive winter storm — named Winter Storm Fern by forecasters — is expected to bring heavy snow, sleet, freezing rain and potentially dangerous ice from the Southern Plains through the Midwest and up the East Coast later this week into the weekend, according to the latest National Weather Service and Weather.com forecasts.

Winter storm watches are already in effect from New Mexico and Texas into Arkansas, Tennessee and Kentucky for Jan. 23–24, with some lasting into Jan. 25 as the system moves northeastward. Heavy snow, particularly north of the main freezing line, is possible across Oklahoma, parts of Arkansas and into the central Appalachians, while freezing rain and ice — especially across the Deep South into the Carolinas — could create hazardous conditions for travel and infrastructure.

Forecast models show that snow, sleet and ice will begin in the Southern Plains Friday before spreading eastward. Cities from Dallas and Little Rock to Nashville, Atlanta and Washington, D.C., may experience winter precipitation at various points through Sunday night, with hazardous travel possible on many interstate corridors.

Emergency managers and public works departments across affected regions are monitoring the forecast closely, with warnings that even modest ice accumulations can lead to downed tree limbs, power outages and prolonged travel disruptions.

Residents and agencies in the storm’s potential path should stay updated with local National Weather Service forecasts and advisories as Winter Storm Fern develops through the end of the week.