The first wave of Winter Storm Fern has fallen over the Southeast and lower Midwest. As predicted, the dividing line between ice and snow remains Interstate 40. Major interstates are shut down across the country in various spots.

The electric grid in many parts of the U.S. is already under strain due to rising demand from data centers and the slow construction of new power generation.

Winter Storm Fern threatened more than 140 million people across the US Saturday, caused a record number of canceled flights, and left thousands without power as the “biggest ice storm in a decade” began its monstrous march across the nation.

For example, when the air is cold enough, one location may start as snow, then transition to sleet or freezing rain as warmer air above the ground moves in, then change back to snow as the storm’s center of low pressure moves away and deeper, colder air arrives.

Winter Storm Fern hits 12 major cities with snow, ice, and freezing rain. Power outages and travel chaos expected through the weekend.

Major winter storm expected to impact 235 million Americans this weekend with thousands of flight cancellations anticipated across major airlines nationwide.

This historic storm is already hitting the South, and will spread destructive ice and heavy snow over 34 states through Monday including the Midwest and Northeast. Here is the very latest forecast.

President Donald Trump issued a statement as massive Winter Storm Fern moved across the country, threatening snow, sleet, ice, frigid temperatures and widespread power outages for roughly half the U.S. population.

Gov. Andy Beshear said Pres. Donald Trump has approved an emergency disaster declaration.