Deadly winter storm Fern coats dozens of states in ice and snow

The massive winter storm Fern has gripped the East, resulting in at least 29 deaths across New York, Texas, Arkansas, and more.

Fatalities highlight the risks associated with sledding, driving on icy roads, and the physical strain of snow removal.

Tragic accidents involving sleds being pulled by vehicles resulted in the deaths of two teenagers. Several elderly people passed away while shoveling snow, prompting coroners to issue urgent warnings about the heart risks associated with the task.

The winter storm is also straining the power grid. In Northern Virginia, home to the world’s densest concentration of data centers, prices surged from $200 to over $1,800 per megawatt-hour.

The event spotlights how data centers continue to draw massive amounts of power even as the storm has already left nearly 900,000 customers without electricity across the South and Mid-Atlantic.

Analysts note the challenge in balancing the energy demand of the tech sector with the residential heating needs of millions during severe weather events.