Winter Storm Fern was named by The Weather Channel on January 20, 2026. This historic, widespread, and long-lasting winter storm is getting underway, set to blast large portions of the South with destructive ice and heavy snow while impacting millions from the Plains to the Midwest and Northeast. The storm is expected to create dangerous travel conditions for several days, with “catastrophic” ice accumulations in the South likely to cause widespread power outages and significant tree damage, according to NOAA’s Weather Prediction Center. Winter Storm Fern could affect more than 230 million people across the United States with significant snow and/or ice. Heavy snow or ice is forecast for 34 states, stretching from Arizona through the Midwest and South and into New England, with impacts lingering well after the storm moves out.
If you’re already travelling
If your flight is canceled, you should first contact your airline to arrange alternate tickets. If you hold a plan with us and require emergency assistance due to this event, please contact our Emergency Assistance team as soon as it’s practical and safe to do so.
For the latest advice, visit US Department of State
How does this event affect your coverage
Certain benefits may apply if your trip is impacted by a common carrier delay, including Trip Delay and Missed Connection if you’ve already departed on your trip. Optional Cancel for any Reason may apply, if purchased within the time sensitive period and you cancel your trip at least 2 days prior to your trip departure. Other benefits, such as Trip Cancellation and Travel Inconvenience, may apply, depending on the plan purchased. Please check your plan document for a full list of maximums, terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions that may apply to your state specific plan.
Plans purchased after January 20th, 2026 will not provide cover for any losses which arise in relation to this storm event.
If your travel plans are affected
If you need to change your travel arrangements, contact your airline, cruise company or travel agent for assistance in the first instance.
All claims are subject to review, require documentation and are considered individually. Please retain all supporting documentation showing expenses incurred and proof of your common carrier delay. Please remember as a term of your plan, you must do everything you can to minimize losses. If you need to submit a claim, please complete the claim form and if you need help doing this, contact us.
If you have any other queries, please get in touch.
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Before your trip, check the latest government advice for any travel alerts for your destination.