A US winter storm has caused cellular network outages across parts of the south and east of the country.

Storm Fern has delivered widespread snow, heavy winds, and freezing temperatures across multiple states, leaving hundreds of thousands of energy customers without power, while thousands of flights have been cancelled and schools have shut.

At least 30 lives have been lost because of the storm.

As of writing at 10:40 am ET, Power Outage US reports that more than 550,000 customers have lost power nationwide.

The storm has also impacted cellular networks across a number of states, with Mississippi the hardest hit.

According to the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) network status report yesterday, via its Disaster Information Reporting System (DIRS), 10 percent of all cell sites in the state have been knocked offline.

In total, 212 of the 2,807 cell sites are currently without coverage, while 313 are using back-up power.

A number of other states have also reported cellular outages, but on a much smaller scale. This includes Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.

Across these states, the FCC's DIRS report confirmed that 169,873 subscribers have also been out of service. This includes the loss of telephone, television, and/or Internet services.

On top of this, three TV stations, eight FM radio stations, and one AM radio station have also gone offline.

The country's major mobile network carriers have supported efforts to connect those without power and connectivity, along with first responders. AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile each have generators, equipment, and assets located across the impacted regions, to support restoration efforts.

"With severe weather from winter storm Fern – including snow, freezing rain, and ice – forecasted across many parts of the country this weekend, Verizon’s network and response teams are mobilized to meet the unique challenges of the incoming systems. Verizon is committed to keeping our customers, first responders, and communities connected when it matters most," said Verizon ahead of the storm.

Verizon noted that the company's efforts to previously equip its macro cell sites with backup battery power and topped off fuel for permanent generators, has supported its network against commercial power outages.

Meanwhile, T-Mobile has activated T-Satellite with Starlink for all T-Mobile customers in potentially impacted areas with compatible phones. The carrier paired with Starlink to launch its direct-to-device (D2D) satellite service across the US in July.