Trump says FEMA is ‘fully prepared’ as Winter Storm Fern cancels more than 9,000 flights

WASHINGTON, DC: Donald Trump on Saturday, January 24, said that the federal government is fully prepared to respond to Winter Storm Fern as a massive winter system sweeps across the United States, grounding thousands of flights and placing millions under winter storm warnings. The storm, expected to bring heavy snow, freezing rain and dangerously cold temperatures, is forecast to impact parts of more than 40 states.

Airlines have already canceled over 9,000 flights nationwide, while states have issued emergency declarations and activated response measures. Officials have urged residents in affected areas to remain indoors and avoid travel where possible.

Federal response and widespread weather warnings

Trump said he had been briefed on what forecasters have described as a potentially historic winter storm and record cold wave, emphasizing coordination between federal, state and local authorities. “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! President DJT,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, nearly 30 urban search and rescue teams have been placed on standby. Officials have also staged more than 7 million meals, 600,000 blankets and roughly 300 generators across regions expected to be impacted by the storm. 

More than 200 million people are under winter storm threats, with warnings stretching from Texas to New England. The National Weather Service has cautioned that hazardous-to-impossible travel conditions are likely in many areas. “Hazardous to impossible driving conditions are expected. Avoid traffic if at all possible,” the agency said.

Snow, sleet and freezing rain have already affected parts of Texas, leaving tens of thousands of customers without power as of early Saturday. Forecasters warn that ice accumulation could trigger prolonged outages, particularly in Southern states where many homes rely on electric heating. Wind chills in parts of the Midwest could drop as low as minus 40 degrees, heightening the risk of frostbite and hypothermia. 

At least 17 states and Washington, DC, have declared states of emergency, activating emergency response measures and, in some cases, deploying National Guard units. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem urged Americans to stay off the roads, while some federal offices announced closures for Monday, January 26.

Air travel disruptions and power outage concerns

The storm has caused widespread air travel disruptions, with more than 9,000 US flights canceled for Saturday and Sunday, according to FlightAware. Major airports across the storm’s projected path have been heavily affected, including nearly 1,500 canceled flights to or from New York-area airports. Air India canceled all scheduled flights to and from the region on Sunday and Monday. 

Airlines said they were adjusting schedules to prioritize safety. Southwest Airlines dispatcher Emily Estapa told “CBS Saturday Morning” that carriers were working to prevent unnecessary travel to airports. “We have to take into consideration not only our passengers, but our crews, our folks that are out at the station,” she said. 

Delta Air Lines said it had canceled flights across Texas, the Southeast and into the Northeast, encouraging customers to rebook without penalty. “With Winter Storm Fern approaching, our teams are monitoring conditions and adjusting flight schedules where necessary,” the airline said in a statement.