A brutal winter storm is taking shape and poised to barrel across a vast swath of the United States this weekend, with forecasters warning of potentially dangerous impacts. As many as 180 million people—from Texas through the Midwest and into New England—could find themselves in its crosshairs, bracing for heavy snow, crippling ice, bitter cold, and the risk of widespread power outages. Ahead of its arrival, here’s an expert-backed guide to help you prepare and stay safe.
“Power outages are likely from northern Texas to the Carolinas,” Thomas Kines, Senior Meteorologist at Accuweather told CNET. “The worst-case scenario is that power is lost for several days in some communities.”
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When will the storm begin?
According to The Weather Channel, the impending Winter Storm Fern is set to begin on Friday in the South Central states, then move into the Midwest and eventually the East Coast.
“Talks of snow may be exciting, but dangerously cold temperatures bring even more risk this weekend,” The Weather Channel reported in a social media post. “Negative 50 F wind chills in the Plains, and sub-freezing temperatures all the way down to the Gulf Coast pose a life-threatening risk this weekend, especially where snow/ice cause power outages.”
With the storm still days away, predictions can change, so keep an eye on local weather reports for the latest alerts.
“We are pretty confident on the current forecast,” Kines says. “There is still a question mark on how far north the storm will track in the east. The farther north the storm tracks, the higher the chance of sleet and freezing rain making it into the I-95 corridor from Washington D.C. to Philadelphia to New York City. If that happens, snow amounts will be reduced in these areas.”
How should I prepare?
“Make sure phones are charged, you have days worth of medications, know how to use your generator [and] have flashlights available,” Kines.
Below are some additional items you should stock up on before a storm.
Items to have on hand at home
The National Weather Service has a list of items to have on hand at home when severe weather threatens. If the power goes out, make sure you have:
- Flashlights
- A battery-powered radio
- Backup batteries for your devices.
Also, consider charging your power banks to power your cellphone in case of an outage and have plenty of blankets to stay warm.
A power outage may mean you need to keep your fridge closed to save your food from spoilage, and it may mean you don’t have a way to cook. It’s also a good idea to keep some drinking water on hand. Consider keeping extra food that doesn’t need cooking or refrigeration, like dried fruit, nuts and granola bars.
Don’t forget your medical needs. With the snow coming, you might not be able to safely get to a pharmacy, so keep on hand:
- Extra prescription medication
- First-aid supplies
Keep your tiny family members in mind, too. Make sure you have baby items, like diapers and formula. Also, have a supply of pet food and warm shelters for pets.
If you have the means to heat your home when power goes out, consider stocking up on:
- Supplies for your fireplace or wood stove
- Fuel, as carriers may not be able to reach you until the roads clear up
If your power doesn’t go out, make sure you set up your space heaters safely to avoid fires. Home fires are common in the winter as people try to keep warm. Know where your fire extinguisher is and make sure your smoke detectors are working. If you use a generator, never run it in an enclosed space.
Also, the NWS advises you to check your carbon monoxide detectors. Build-up from snowstorms can block vents, so be sure to check your outside vents are clear of debris when it’s safe to do so during and after a storm.
Car emergency kit items
It’s also smart to create an emergency kit for your vehicle. The National Weather Service recommends including the following items in your car:
- Cellphone charger
- First aid kit
- Jumper cables
- Spare tire
- Flares
- Sand or cat litter
- Tow rope
- Blankets
- Snow shovel and brush
- Flashlight
- A set of warm clothing
- Water and nonperishable snacks
Read more: 6 Simple Ways to Winterize Your Home and Save
How long will the storm last?
Winter Storm Fern is forecast to hit hard through the weekend, with snow and ice potentially lingering into next week. Local forecasts and news should share crucial updates on road conditions.
In some hard-hit places, storm-related problems won’t be resolved by the weekend.
“The snow from the storm will be exiting the Northeast during Monday, but the precipitation in the rest of the country will be over with by Monday morning,” Kines says. “The effects from the storm will linger for several days in the south.”
How should I protect my outdoor tech during winter storms?
Security cameras can withstand winter weather, but they may need some preparation first.
Wondering what to do with outdoor tech in the winter, such as smart cameras, home devices or other electronics? CNET’s home security expert Tyler Lacoma has the answers.
“Always check the IP ratings of your outdoor devices if possible, and bring them inside until after the snow if they are below IP65,” he says. “The good news is that most home devices designed for the outdoors should be fine. If they are in the direct path of high winds or snowfall, try to find shelter for the tech until the storms pass.”
Read more: Protect Your Security Cameras From Winter Weather With My 6 Steps
IP rating refers to a device’s Ingress Protection rating, a standardized way to describe how well a device is protected against the intrusion of solids and liquids, such as ice and snow. You may need to check the manufacturer’s website or instruction manual to determine a rating for a particular device.
If you’re unsure, it’s best to bring your tech inside for the weekend or move devices under an awning or porch to protect them from the elements.
How should I prepare my water pipes?
Because pipes can break or freeze in extremely cold weather, you can take a couple of extra steps to avoid this.
“You can keep your faucet dripping to keep water moving through the pipes,” Kines says. “Open cabinet doors to allow warm air around the pipes, insulate exposed pipes or pipes in unheated areas.”
