The 12 cities that will see ‘catastrophic’ damage by crippling US winter storm: Live updates

The storm, expected to begin Friday and last through Monday, is forecast to drop a foot or more of snow and catastrophic amounts of ice along its 1,500-mile path.

Texas and Oklahoma are among the first states expected to be hit by the storm, which could create dangerous road conditions, according to the National Weather Service.

The massive storm system is expected to bring a crippling ice storm and potentially around a foot of snow from Oklahoma through Washington, DC, New York and Boston over the weekend.

Here are the top 12 US cities set to be hit hardest by the impending winter storm, according to the Washington Post.

• Oklahoma City
• Dallas/Fort Worth
• Little Rock
• Tupelo, Mississippi
• Nashville
• Cincinnati
• Pittsburgh
• Charlotte
• Richmond
• Washington, DC
• New York
• Boston

The high temperature at Chicago O’Hare International Airport is forecast to remain below zero.

The last time that happened was December 23, 2002, according to Weather.com senior meteorologist Jonathan Erdman.

If your flight is cancelled as a result of winter storm Fern, airlines will rebook you on another flight. Although they aim to book you on the same airline, some may rebook you on a partner airline as an alternative.

If your flight is cancelled or you choose to forgo a trip you had planned, you may be entitled to a refund even if the flight is non-refundable, according to the US Department of Transportation.

You can also claim money back on bag fees or extra costs such as seat assignments.

Former New York City Mayor Eric Adams joked on X that residents shouldn’t yell at him about snow removal anymore.

‘Big storm on the way. Reminder: I don’t run City Hall anymore. Yelling at me on Twitter will not speed up snow removal,’ he wrote.

‘Prepare, check on seniors, send me your snowmen, and show some love to DSNY, NYPD, and FDNY doing the heavy lifting.’

Winter storm Fern has forced at least 1,500 flight cancellations across the country.

Two major airports in Texas have been hit the hardest by flight delays, according to Fox4, with at least 1,000 cancellations in Dallas.

American Airlines, which uses Dallas Fort Worth as its primary hub, has seen the worst impact.

Nashville Department of Transportation trucks applied salt brine to the roadways ahead of the weekend winter storm on Thursday.

In North Carolina, the Greensboro Police Department warned residents to be thoughtful about where they choose to bunker down for the storm.

‘Please remember that whoever you hang out with on Saturday, you’re stuck with until at least Tuesday when the ice melts,’ the department wrote on X.

‘You’re either going to be besties or not. Choice is yours.’

Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker announced that a snow emergency will go into effect at 9pm ET on Saturday.

‘It will remain in effect until roadway conditions improve,’ Parker said. ‘Please take this storm seriously, now is the time to prepare.’

Over 1,000 workers have been mobilized to start pre-treating roads.

‘[We have] over 600 pieces of equipment and over 30,000 tons of salt at the ready to make sure our roads are safe and passable for pedestrians, motorists, and of course our emergency responders,’ said Office of Clean and Green Initiatives Director Carlton Williams.

Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders activated 168 members of the National Guard to support police during the winter storm.

‘The Governor has ordered 168 Guardsmen to state active duty beginning today until weather conditions improve,’ the state National Guard wrote on X.

‘Guardsmen will support the Arkansas State Police around the clock at all Troop location areas around the state.’

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued guidance on how to prepare your home, vehicles and pets for the winter storm.

‘Your primary concerns at home or work during a winter storm are loss of heat, power, and telephone service, and a shortage of supplies if storm conditions continue for more than a day,’ NWS said.

The agency advised having flashlights, extra batteries, food and water supplies that do not require cooking or refrigeration, first-aid kits and emergency heat sources available.

For vehicles, the agency recommends ensuring all fluid levels are full, checking that your lights, heater, and windshield wipers are working, keeping your gas tank full, and having a winter storm survival kit in your car.

NWS advises moving all animals to sheltered areas or bringing pets inside, and ensuring they have plenty of food and water and a warm shelter.

Washington, DC Mayor Muriel Bowser issued a state of emergency ahead of the winter storm.

The nation’s capital is one of the top cities expected to be hit hardest by the severe weather.

‘We’ve officially declared a Snow Emergency and a State of Emergency in Washington, DC,’ Bowser wrote on X.

‘A Snow Emergency, which goes into effect Saturday at noon, means residents must move vehicles off of Snow Emergency Routes.’

The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation posted a helpful yet hilarious warning about the winter storm.

‘In preparation for the winter storm, let’s review,’ the department advised. ‘Drip your faucets. Get your windshield scraper ready.’

The department then cheekily warned that it is not necessary to let animals into your homes.

‘THEY HAVE FUR. DON’T BRING THEM INSIDE,’ the department wrote, along with a picture of a snow-covered bison.