Traffic Alert: Major Interstates Paralyzed as Winter Storm Fern Transitions to "Big Freeze"
NATIONWIDE – Monday, January 26, 2026 – Millions of commuters are facing a gridlocked work week as the tail end of Winter Storm Fern leaves the Northeast buried in snow and the South encased in ice.
The "Red Corridor": I-95 and I-80 Restrictions
Transportation departments in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania have maintained Tier 4 restrictions on major freight routes. Governor Mikie Sherrill (NJ) has warned that the risk of "flash freezing" as temperatures drop into the single digits this morning makes any roadway travel life-threatening.
- NYC: All major bridge and tunnel crossings are experiencing delays of 90+ minutes.
- PA: Speed limits have been reduced to 45 MPH on the entire length of the Pennsylvania Turnpike.
Nashville & The South: Abandoned Vehicles
In Tennessee, authorities are calling the situation "unprecedented." Over 200,000 homes remain without power in Nashville alone, and hundreds of vehicles remain abandoned on I-40 after an overnight series of multi-car pileups caused by black ice. National Guard units are currently moving through stalled traffic to check on drivers trapped in sub-zero wind chills.
Aviation & Mass Transit
- Airports: Total cancellations have now exceeded 32,000 for the 72-hour period. LaGuardia (LGA) has resumed limited operations, but Newark (EWR) remains at a standstill due to ice-heavy runways.
- Rail: Amtrak service between D.C. and Boston is operating on a "Holiday Schedule" with significant delays due to frozen switches.
This article reflects the latest information on the impact of Winter Storm Fern, including the devastating effect on traffic and infrastructure.
Here's the graphic for the article, with the web in the background:
