America Faces 40-Year Worst Winter Storm: Polar Vortex Disruption Unleashes Chaos

• Winter Storm Fern, the most severe in 40 years, has impacted over 2,000 miles across the US, affecting 22 states and 200 million people.
• The storm brings heavy snowfall, freezing rain, sleet, and temperatures below -40°F, causing catastrophic ice accumulation and widespread power outages.
• The primary cause is a disrupted polar vortex due to a stratospheric warming event, pushing cold Arctic air southward, combined with subtropical moisture.
• Impacts include over 10,000 flight cancellations, impossible road travel, 135,000+ power outages, and at least 4 weather-related deaths.
• Forecasting is challenging due to slight temperature and wind changes, making the storm's effects chaotic and long-lasting.

Why It Matters: A rare convergence of cold Arctic air, moisture, and atmospheric disturbances has unleashed America's worst winter storm in 40 years.