Winter storm leaves state in darkness because weather is too dangerous for linemen to restore power - LIVE

Winter Storm Fern is well underway, hitting parts of the South and Midwest as the East Coast braces for hazardous conditions overnight. 

New Mexico was hit with snow late on Friday night, leaving homes without power as electric crews were forced to end efforts due to unsafe conditions for linemen. 

The Otero County Electric Cooperative, which serves thousands of families in New Mexico, announced on Saturday night that it was calling off restoration efforts. 

'Trees are breaking off due to the heavy snow load and still falling on the line creating a very dangerous situation for crews,' the company wrote on social media. 

'They will begin restoration efforts again in the morning, provided it is safe for them to do so.'

Otero apologized to customers waiting for power restoration, but asked for understanding so they can protect their employees.  

The historic weather event will see 230 million people living in a 2,000 mile swathe of the United States endure thick ice, inches of snow and frigid weather.

Snow and rain hit parts of the Ohio Valley and the Great Plains on Saturday. The East Coast is next in Fern's path of destruction, with temperatures already plummeting to sub-freezing degrees. 

More than 14,000 flights have been canceled for Sunday - the biggest day of travel chaos since the COVID pandemic.  

New Mexico electric company calls off restoration efforts 15495327 Texas grinds to halt as historic winter storm brings snow and ice, with major cities closing ALL schools on Monday... as extreme conditions begin to grip Midwest15495327 Texas grinds to halt as historic winter storm brings snow and ice, with major cities closing ALL schools on Monday... as extreme conditions begin to grip Midwest15495327 Texas grinds to halt as historic winter storm brings snow and ice, with major cities closing ALL schools on Monday... as extreme conditions begin to grip MidwestStorm ravages Midwest as Northeast braces for snowfall and ice Storm Coverage as of 7pm 1/24New York City may see mixed precipitation Tri-state area expecting heavy snowfallA major winter storm will bring major disruption to transportation and daily life Sunday into Sunday Night from heavy snowfall/wintry mix, and near whiteout conditions during snowfall. Heavy snow expected Sunday morning into Sunday evening, transitioning to heavy wintry mix for the city/coast Sunday afternoon/evening. Lingering significant travel likely impacts late Sunday Night into Monday. Prolonged period of frigid conditions through late next week. Prepare for societal and infrastructure impacts due to the prolonged, deep cold. Gale conditions are likely on all waters Sunday afternoon through Sunday night. Minor coastal/shoreline flooding impacts likely during Sunday night high tides.Governor Kathy Hochul issues scathing message to DHS SecretaryPublic transit in New Jersey suspendedMeteorologist reveals most dangerous cities in storm's path of chaos South Carolina govenor warns of impending 'disaster' Guardsmen assist stranded motorists'We will not be able to keep up,' says Ohio official ahead of record snowfallThe Music City covered in snowYana Beeker, front, Roddy Peterson, behind, sled down a hill at the state Capitol during a winter storm Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)Pedestrians cross the street along Broadway during a winter storm Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)Hayden Patrick sleds down a hill during a winter storm Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)Viral video shows massive pipe burst in Oklahoma Share or comment on this article: Winter storm leaves state in darkness because weather is too dangerous for linemen to restore power - LIVE
format_indent_decrease
AI Article