Extreme Winter Storm Fern Exposes Vulnerabilities in US Power Grid

Experts warn of potential catastrophic blackouts from future storms, solar flares, or cyberattacks if renewable energy mandates aren't adjusted

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Winter Storm Fern in January 2026 dumped heavy snow and ice across 40 states, causing widespread power outages that left millions without electricity or heat for weeks. While the U.S. avoided a potentially disastrous scenario this time, experts warn that the country's growing reliance on unreliable renewable energy sources and aging grid infrastructure could lead to catastrophic blackouts in the face of future extreme weather events, solar flares, or cyberattacks.

Why it matters

The vulnerabilities exposed by Winter Storm Fern highlight the urgent need to address the U.S. power grid's over-reliance on intermittent renewable energy sources and lack of resilience to withstand major disruptions. Failure to do so could have devastating consequences, including loss of life, economic damage, and national security risks.

The details

During Winter Storm Fern, wind turbine output plunged from over 60% to just 7% in one day, well below expected winter capacity. Emergency orders were required to keep some coal-fired generators running to prevent widespread blackouts in the Midwest. In New England, the loss of power imports from Quebec due to extreme cold forced the region to rely heavily on oil-fired generation, underscoring its over-dependence on unreliable renewable sources. Experts warn that if many more states pursue aggressive 'Net Zero' mandates, the grid could be crippled during future extreme weather events.

  • Winter Storm Fern struck from January 23-27, 2026.
  • The School Children's Blizzard of January 1888 killed 500 people, mostly children in Nebraska.
  • The Great White Hurricane of March 1888 buried New York City and the East Coast in snow, killing over 400 people.

The players

Mamdani

The mayor of New York City who refused to close homeless camps or compel 'unhoused residents' to move indoors during Winter Storm Fern.

Isaac Orr

An expert who provided lessons and helpful charts, links, and readers' comments on the vulnerabilities of the U.S. power grid.

Mitch Rolling

An expert who provided lessons and helpful charts, links, and readers' comments on the vulnerabilities of the U.S. power grid.

North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC)

The organization that warned more than half of the entire U.S. electric grid will soon reach high or elevated risk of blackouts due to growing demand, accelerating retirements of reliable generators, and increasing reliance on unreliable renewable energy.

China

The primary source for rare earth elements, critical minerals, wind turbines, solar panels, transformers, and grid-scale batteries, which could be used as strategic weapons to shut down the U.S. power grid.

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What they’re saying

“Where do you turn when you run out of other people's energy?”

— Isaac Orr, Energy policy expert (CFACT)

“If our politicians, judges and regulators cannot end their obsession with climate change nightmares, renewable energy fantasies and other nitpicking topics – and our nation is plunged into widespread, prolonged and deadly blackouts – 'accountability' must come in much stronger forms than merely voting them out of office. Prosecution for gross malfeasance and dereliction in office will also be in order.”

— Paul Driessen, Author (CFACT)

What’s next

Experts warn that if large numbers of states pursue aggressive 'Net Zero' mandates and over-rely on unreliable renewable energy, the U.S. power grid could be crippled during future extreme weather events like Winter Storm Fern. Policymakers must address these vulnerabilities before the next big storm or solar flare strikes.

The takeaway

The vulnerabilities exposed by Winter Storm Fern demonstrate the urgent need for the U.S. to rethink its over-reliance on renewable energy sources and strengthen the resilience of its aging power grid infrastructure. Failure to do so could have catastrophic consequences, including widespread, prolonged blackouts that threaten lives, the economy, and national security.