Over half of the continental U.S. is covered in snow, and more than 800,000 customers nationwide remained without power due to Winter Storm Fern.
Freezing temperatures closed schools across the country, and several state departments of transportation were still asking drivers to stay off the roads if possible.
“Please avoid all non-essential travel due to the rapidly deteriorating road conditions,” Tennessee DOT said in a news release. “TDOT crews will continue working to keep primary routes, mainly interstates, clear. “If travel is unavoidable, motorists should reduce speed, increase following distance, and prepare for sudden patches of ice, as well as the possibility of downed trees and power lines.”
Ahead of Winter Storm Fern, several states enacted emergency declarations to ensure safety, transportation, utility restoration and supply chain continuity.
On Jan. 23, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration issued a regional emergency covering 40 states affected by Winter Storm Fern.
Motor carriers and drivers providing direct assistance in the affected states are provided relief from maximum driving time requirements through Feb. 6.
Relief applies to eligible drivers and carriers regardless of trip origin as long as the operation supports emergency efforts in the affected states, FMCSA said.
Direct assistance includes transportation or services supporting the immediate restoration of essential supplies and services.
Routine commercial deliveries, mixed loads with minimal emergency supplies and long-term recovery or infrastructure repair after the emergency phase are not covered by the FMCSA regional declaration.
While the snow and freezing rain from Winter Storm Fern are ending, the impacts across much of the country are not. Here’s the latest. https://t.co/xRXwwymmZI
— The Weather Channel (@weatherchannel) January 26, 2026
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) activated the national response coordination center as well as several regional centers.
FEMA has deployed specialized teams in Texas, Louisiana and Virginia, delivering generators, medical equipment, meals, water and more to the affected states.
The agency estimated it has deployed approximately 900 staff and personnel to support Winter Storm Fern emergency relief efforts. LL
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