State of emergency issued across 17 states as millions brace for Winter Storm Fern

At least 17 states have declared a state of emergency as a potentially life-threatening winter storm is due to hit the US in a matter of hours.

Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, DC and Virginia have all issued warnings to residents, as dangerously cold temperatures along with snow and ice look set to batter the country.

So far, almost half of the entire US has been hit by blisteringly cold temperatures, including many areas outside of the Winter Storm Fern itself.

Over 50 million people are on alert for extreme cold, from Minneapolis to Chicago to Dallas to Houston with temperatures plummeting into deadly lows on Friday before the storm had even hit.

The wind chill -- what temperature it feels like – neared minus 40 degrees in Minneapolis and minus 30 degrees in Chicago on Friday morning, cold enough to trigger life and limb threatening frostbite in as little as ten minutes.

The wind chill was reported as low as 40degrees on Friday (John Normile/Getty Images)

Dense snow is also expected in many areas, with over a foot of snow expected to fall across states in the storm's path.

The risk of ice also poses a dangerous threat, with up to one inch expected in some parts of Mississippi and western Tennessee, which could grind roads to a halt for days.

Widespread power outages are also likely, with residents urged to try and prepare in advance as much as possible by having torches, candles, and blankets ready should they need to hunker down and wait out the storm.

Ahead of the storm’s arrival FEMA, the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has issued a crucial advisory.

“Heavy snow, freezing rain & cold temps are expected across many states this weekend, which could cause damage and widespread power outages. While forecasts may continue to shift, now is the time to prepare. Know what to do if you get a winter storm watch or warning in your area,” they said in a post on X.

President Trump also issued a message to citizens urging them to take precautions, as he wrote: “I have been briefed on the Record Cold Wave and Historic Winter Storm that will be hitting much of the United States this weekend. The Trump Administration is coordinating with State and Local Officials. FEMA is fully prepared to respond. Stay Safe and Stay Warm!”

He also shared a post from the National Weather Advisory which urged people to ‘take the storm seriously’.