Winter Storm Fern: Tri-State Braces for Historic Snow Totals and Arctic Blast (January 2026)
A massive weather system, officially named Winter Storm Fern, is currently paralyzing the U.S. East Coast. As of Sunday, January 25, 2026, over 140 million residents are under severe weather alerts, with the Tri-State area facing some of the most significant snowfall projections in recent years.
Latest Forecast: Snow Totals for NYC, NJ, and CT
According to the latest First Alert Weather models, the storm's track has shifted slightly, placing the heaviest snow bands directly over the metropolitan region.
New York City: Forecasted to receive 10 to 18 inches of snow.
Northern Suburbs & NW New Jersey: Potential "jackpot" zones with totals reaching up to 20 inches.
Long Island & Coastal Connecticut: Expected 6 to 12 inches, with concerns about a "wintry mix" of sleet and freezing rain late Sunday evening.
Timing: When Will the Storm Hit?
Meteorologists expect the storm to intensify in three distinct phases:
Phase 1 (Early Sunday): Light to moderate snow begins across the region, making roads slippery by the morning commute.
Phase 2 (Sunday Afternoon): The "peak" intensity. Snowfall rates could hit 2 inches per hour, leading to near-zero visibility and whiteout conditions.
Phase 3 (Monday Morning): Lingering flurries and a "flash freeze" as temperatures plummet to record lows.
Travel Disruptions and Safety Warnings
As of this morning, over 9,700 flights have been cancelled across the U.S. aviation network. Governors in New York and New Jersey have declared a State of Emergency, urging residents to stay off the roads to allow salt spreaders and plows to work.
Beyond the snow, the real danger is the Arctic air following the storm. Wind chills are expected to drop to a staggering -20°C (-4°F) by Monday night, posing a high risk for frostbite and power outages.