As New York battles a major snowstorm, Emily Ratajkowski caught attention by stepping outside during the blizzard wearing just a cropped sweatshirt, sweatpants, slippers, and a fuzzy hat. Despite the freezing temperatures caused by Winter Storm Fern, Ratajkowski lifted a wine glass amid the fresh snow, proudly showing her bare midriff in the midst of the harsh weather. This bold display reflects her disregard for the frigid conditions gripping the city.
Celebrity Responses to the Intense Snowstorm Vary
While Ratajkowski embraced the cold, many other celebrities opted to stay indoors. Kelly Ripa remained inside her New York residence, sharing photos of her rooftop terrace covered in a thick blanket of snow. Andy Cohen also settled in at home, wearing comfortable hoodies and sweatpants as he waited out the storm. On the other hand, Olympic snowboarder Shaun White took full advantage of the conditions, performing daring snowboarding tricks in Central Park, thrilling dozens of onlookers, including comedian Shane Gillis and actor Chris O’Connor.
Meanwhile, Hilaria Baldwin ventured outdoors to bring her children for haircuts, despite the snowstorm’s challenges. She shared moments of enjoyment in the snow by making snow angels with her kids, showing a glimpse of joy amidst the difficult weather.
Severe Weather Forces Statewide Emergency and Disruptions
New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency across the state on Friday as Winter Storm Fern unleashed heavy snowfall and freezing conditions. Authorities warned residents to avoid unnecessary travel, citing risks of power outages, downed trees, and extremely hazardous roads. This storm is the largest to hit New York City in five years.
Public schools were closed on Monday, with remote learning replacing in-person classes. The snowstorm also affected lives nationwide, leading many to enjoy winter activities at iconic locations like Central Park in New York City and the National Mall in Washington, DC, despite the risk.
Tragic Consequences Emerge Amid the Blizzard
The storm’s impact went beyond inconvenience and fun; it caused widespread devastation and claimed lives across several states. Authorities reported at least 25 deaths linked to the weather across 11 states during the weekend, with eight fatalities found outdoors in New York City alone. Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s office noted the deaths occurred as temperatures plummeted, though investigations into the exact causes remain ongoing.
The National Weather Service issued warnings about dangerously low temperatures persisting through the week across the eastern United States. Widespread below-zero temperatures and wind chills reaching as low as -50°F are expected to continue, with forecasts suggesting the possibility of another severe snowstorm.
“Dangerous wind chills as low as -50°F will persist, and much below-normal temperatures may continue into early February,” National Weather Service
Transportation and Infrastructure Challenges Throughout the Region
Air travel experienced severe disruption during the snowstorm, with over 4,800 flights canceled and more than 5,100 delayed as of Monday afternoon. The Federal Aviation Administration highlighted ground delays caused by snow and ice at major airports in cities including Philadelphia, New York, Dallas, Washington, DC, and Boston. These delays contributed to growing frustrations for travelers across the country.
The Storm’s Lasting Effects and Outlook
Winter Storm Fern has created widespread challenges for residents, emergency officials, and infrastructure across New York and beyond. The declaration of a state of emergency and school closures underline the severity of this weather event. The ongoing cold snap and risk of further snowfall suggest that recovery efforts and safety precautions will remain critical in the coming days. Cities and residents must remain vigilant as the region faces continued harsh winter conditions.
