Summary
A severe winter storm named Winter Storm Fern caused massive power outages in Mississippi and Tennessee. Over 400,000 people lost electricity due to ice, downed trees, and power lines, with continued cold weather slowing repair efforts. Emergency crews are working to restore power as hazardous conditions persist.
Key Facts
- Winter Storm Fern affected Mississippi and Tennessee, leading to more than 400,000 power outages.
- Over 175,000 people in Tennessee, including about 120,000 in Nashville, are without power.
- Mississippi might take until the weekend to restore power due to significant damage, including broken poles and downed power lines.
- Crews face delays from icy roads, cold temperatures, and strong winds.
- Tennessee reported 189 broken power poles, with workers on long shifts to fix outages.
- Warming shelters opened, but people are advised to stay off dangerous roads.
- The storm impacted more than a dozen states and caused at least 29 deaths.
- Utility companies are attempting repairs, but full power restoration could take days.
