© freepik/wirestock The term “ice” is prohibited in inclement weather alerts.
Authorities at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security have reportedly advised personnel at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to refrain from utilizing “ice” in public communications concerning an intense winter storm impacting a large part of the nation, according to two individuals briefed on the order, who spoke to CNN.
The rationale is the worry that the expression might trigger misunderstanding or a deluge of humorous images on social platforms, owing to the continuing controversy regarding the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), also recognized by its initials.
These unofficial suggestions were relayed to a gathering of FEMA employees on Thursday by representatives from the Department of Homeland Security, which has oversight over both FEMA and ICE, as Southern states brace for possibly catastrophic icing, with predictions indicating some areas may encounter more than 0.6mm of frozen precipitation.
Representatives stated that particular phrasing — such as “be careful of the ice” — could be misinterpreted or swiftly transformed into web-based jokes, notably as ICE’s operations remain a contentious subject in locations such as Minneapolis and beyond. This, they indicated, would detract from the core goal of the alerts, which is to safeguard individuals potentially at risk in the approaching days.
“Should FEMA state, 'Avoid driving if there is ice,' it could quickly morph into a meme,” an informant familiar with the counsel shared with CNN. “I believe it establishes a concerning standard. If we are unable to employ direct language to ready citizens, individuals might remain unaware and sustain injuries.”
Alternatively, FEMA personnel were encouraged to employ terms like “glaze ice” in public-facing announcements, the sources noted.
In a declaration to CNN on Friday, a FEMA representative asserted: “Reports like these seem to be an opportunistic attempt at attracting readers, rather than legitimate journalism supplying Americans with disaster readiness details that could potentially save lives. FEMA will employ precise and well-timed weather descriptions to clearly notify the American populace.”
The White House and Donald Trump himself frequently utilize memes in their public interactions. Earlier in the week, the sanctioned White House social media page posted a fabricated picture of someone apprehended in Minnesota after a church gathering was disrupted in demonstration against a pastor whom activists allege is a senior ICE official. Responding to inquiries from journalists, a White House representative stated: “Law enforcement will persist. The memes will persist. We appreciate you focusing on this matter.”
The weather event, which is poised to bring snowfall from the Rockies to the Northeast, may lead to severed power lines, toppled trees, and roads becoming hazardous traps. FEMA is tasked with coordinating the nationwide disaster response, which includes providing public advisories.
FEMA seems to be adhering to the updated guidelines. In a post on X Thursday evening, the organization bypassed the term “ice,” opting to warn, “Significant snow, freezing precipitation, and frigid temperatures are projected across numerous states this weekend, potentially resulting in destruction and extensive power disruptions.”
Similar expression was present in a communication on X on Friday: “A substantial winter storm is anticipated to deliver significant snowfall, freezing precipitation, and critically low temperatures to much of the U.S., which will pose risks to transportation, power sources, and general well-being.”
The weather system is predicted to encompass over 2,000 miles from Texas to New England, impacting almost three dozen states. The most intense icing is expected in the South. Hundreds of thousands of people could experience powerlessness for numerous days, mostly due to grid damage from hefty ice accumulation.