Winter storm Fern

I didn't know it had a name.

Yes, ice is the evil.

Anchorage is going to have warmer overnight lows in the coming days than many places in the 'lower 48'.

The number of airports that have already announced closures points to a real mess for air travel even after the storm passes and planes and crews need to be reunited at the correct places.

Stay warm and safe.

Good luck that storm Fern will be milder and shorter than expected. In Germany they already send advance warning about it in public TV news.

This week Europe experienced winter storm Harry at Mediterranean Sea (short video) with heavy impacts on several islands, coasts and countries.

From an article, translated with DeepL:

"According to estimates by the authorities, severe storms have caused billions of euros worth of damage on Italy's Mediterranean islands and coastline.

On Sicily, the largest island, the damage is estimated at around 740 million euros. In Sardinia, which is also a popular summer destination for many tourists, including those from Germany, high waves, gusts of wind, and heavy rain caused considerable destruction. On the mainland coast, the region of Calabria in the south of the country was particularly affected.

The storm swept across the islands and the coast in recent days. In Sicily, beaches in various coastal towns were completely flooded. The water was knee-high in the streets. Enormous waves shattered the windows of several restaurants. On the coastal railway line between Messina and Catania, the ground was washed away, leaving the tracks practically suspended in midair. Waves as high as 16 meters were reported.

The regional president of Sicily, Renato Schifani, announced emergency aid totaling more than 140 million euros. In Sardinia, the authorities also reported damage amounting to several hundred million euros. Smaller islands such as Lipari and Stromboli were also affected.

The storm also caused considerable damage in other Mediterranean countries and on the island of Malta. At least two people were killed in Greece."

Next heavy storms are approaching Europe in the next days. I recommend all travelers to inform themselves on Windy.com.

Gail stay safe. We just enjoyed 3 weeks of subfreezing but relatively dry weather but are looking forward to a few weeks of balmy (above 40F) weather. Winter is so much fun.