A far‑reaching winter storm system moved across a broad stretch of the US, affecting regions from Texas and the South through the Mid‑Atlantic, Midwest, and into the Northeast. Winter Storm Fern alerts stretched 2,000 miles across 34 states, with projected impacts across multiple U.S. power markets, including ERCOT, SPP, MISO, PJM, NYISO, and ISO‑NE.

Texas geared up for a significant winter weather event, with forecasts calling for freezing temperatures, icy precipitation, and elevated energy demand across major population centers. Houston, in particular, prepared for a weekend cold snap that had the potential for icy roads, dangerous wind chills, and disruptions to commercial operations.

In anticipation of these conditions, ERCOT issued a Weather Watch for January 24–27, highlighting the likelihood of below‑freezing temperatures, possible frozen precipitation, and higher statewide demand.

Winter weather events like this, whether they ultimately materialize fully or shift away, underscore how rapidly conditions can influence grid reliability and price exposure. Staying proactive helps ensure preparedness, even when the final impacts remain unknown.

Read more: Weather.com