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Screenshot from Baron Weather’s proprietary forecast model showing predicted snow (blue) and freezing rain (pink) accumulation from Friday 12AM EST to Saturday 7 AM EST. Red markers indicate ZDR3 Network facilities. This is intended as a supplemental situational awareness tool, not a standalone planning source.
Winter Storm Fern is forecast to bring significant winter weather this weekend across a large portion of the United States, including snow, sleet, freezing rain, and ice accumulations projected from .5” to 2”. Regions expected to be impacted:
- Southern Plains: Northern & Western Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas
- Lower Mississippi Valley to Tennessee Valley
- Mid-Atlantic & Northeast
- Carolinas & Southeast
We are using WhatsApp chats to communicate with relevant Crew Leads and Managers to put crews on standby and to coordinate potential response and recovery efforts. If you are a Crew Lead or Manager and have not received a message on WhatsApp, or have not previously joined our chats, please contact our Operations Manager, Cari Wittenborn at Cari@zdr3.org.
If You Need Assistance
Call/Text 304-933-9373 (ZDR3). This is not a replacement for 911/emergency services. Requests for assistance must come from a Director, owner, or their designee.
If you call for assistance, please also text or email details to RequestSupport@zdr3.org to help us more accurately assess your situation and needs. Be sure to also contact appropriate emergency response and/or oversight agencies.
Facility Preparedness
Early preparation protects both staff and animals. As Winter Storm Fern approaches, please:
- Confirm generator readiness and fuel levels
- Protect exposed plumbing and life-support systems
- Review staffing plans and access routes
- Ensure emergency diets and water supplies are accessible
- Check heating for sensitive species
Key facility impacts to consider:
- Ice buildup on roads and walkways can impede staff movement and emergency response times, especially for outdoor animal care and transport.
- Power infrastructure stress from ice on lines and tree limbs could cause outages affecting heating systems, life-support equipment, and critical husbandry environments.
- Prolonged sub-freezing temperatures following the storm may extend risks of ice refreeze and complicate backup power/fuel logistics.
Travel & safety reminders:
- Roads may become dangerous or impassable in many areas.
- Ice on trees and power lines can lead to power outages.
- If you are in the forecast area, please monitor local National Weather Service advisories and prepare emergency supplies.
We know winter storms place a heavy burden on facilities and response teams alike. Your dedication to showing up for animals, often in difficult and unsafe conditions, does not go unnoticed. Please remember to prioritize your own safety while continuing the incredible work you do
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