Winter Storm Fern Tracking To Bring Heavy Snow and Ice to Homeowners in the South and East

The forecast for this upcoming weekend is looking treacherous from millions living in the Carolinas, mid-Atlantic states, and even Texas.

The Weather Channel has predicted that the next major system, dubbed Winter Storm Fern, is brewing to hit Southern and Eastern states as early as Friday, Jan. 23. 

While still in the early stages of development, meteorologists predict that by late morning on Friday, homeowners in places likes Oklahoma and parts of Arkansas will begin to see snow, sleet, and freezing rain move in. 

By the evening, the wintry mess of snow, sleet, and ice will continue to sag southward in the Southern Plains and lower Mississippi Valley, and impacted cities will include Dallas; Austin, TX; Little Rock, AR; Shreveport, LA; and Memphis, TN.

Once Saturday morning comes, however, the storm will have made its way much farther East, with snow starting to blanket cities like Washington, DC; Baltimore; Pittsburgh; Philadelphia; and even New York City. How much snow will come this weekend is yet to be determined, though.

The National Weather Service concedes there is some uncertainty with the forecast being so early in the week. However, they are calling Winter Storm Fern an “expansive storm” with dangerous ice and heavy snow creating treacherous travel conditions. 

“We are monitoring increasing potential for an impactful winter storm across portions of the area this weekend,” the weather service said early Tuesday. “While it is too early for specifics - potential exists for substantial snow accumulations, primarily Saturday night through Sunday.”

How homeowners can prepare for a winter storm 

Thankfully, there is plenty of time to prepare your home for a winter storm given the amount of warning. 

For starters, it’s a good idea to make sure all of your heating sources are in working order. Change your furnace filter before the storm and check on your fireplace flue, to make sure it works properly. If you’re busting out the space heaters, make sure that they are always plugged in at leat 3 feet away from anything flammable and never leave them unattended. 

By now, you should have already turned off and drained your outdoor water sources, as that can lead to frozen pipes. Additionally, if you haven’t already, bring in or tie down patio furniture, planters, trash cans, and lingering holiday decor you still haven't put away.

While outside, inspect your roof and surrounding trees. Trim dead or weak branches near your home if possible, to avoid any damage—and if you see any ice dam warning signs (excessive icicles, water stains on ceilings or walls after snow melts), be sure to be prepared to call a roofing company to address. 

Then it’s just time to stock up on supplies. Make sure your shovel and ice melts are handy, stock up on at least three days worth of food and water essentials, and make sure you have batteries for flashlights, in case the power goes out. 

If a winter storm damages your home

It’s a good idea to take some quick photos and videos of your home’s interior and exterior before the storm hits. Having this documentation should help you with your insurance company if something should happen during the storm. 

With that in mind, know how to contact your homeowners insurance and where your policy details are saved, because if a tree does hit your roof or if a pipe does burst, you’ll need immediate assistance.

If something does go wrong, document damage immediately, get in touch with a professional to help, and let the insurance company know right away.