Little Rock, Arkansas – In anticipation of a major winter storm sweeping across Arkansas this weekend, Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has ordered the deployment of nearly 170 members of the Arkansas National Guard. The Guardsmen are being assigned to 28 specialized winter weather response teams, each designed to assist the Arkansas State Police in helping motorists stranded by treacherous road conditions.
“Our National Guardsmen are always on call to assist our state when disaster strikes and, as this weekend’s winter storm approaches, we will need all the assistance we can get to keep Arkansans safe,” said Governor Sanders. “These men and women prepare every single day for events like this, and I know our state is in good hands with their support. I am deeply grateful for the soldiers who will be carrying out this mission.”
The mission will officially begin today, January 23, 2026, and will continue around the clock until conditions stabilize and assistance is no longer required. Each response team will include five Guardsmen, two Humvees, and the necessary communications equipment to ensure rapid coordination and efficient operations across affected areas.
In addition to field operations, some Guardsmen have been placed on state active duty to provide command and control support, as well as to manage public affairs efforts during the emergency. This dual role is intended to strengthen the state’s readiness and ensure that vital information reaches residents promptly.
Yesterday, in preparation for the storm, Governor Sanders declared a State of Emergency and allocated $250,000 to support response and recovery operations. The move signals the state’s commitment to swift action and reflects the growing severity of the winter weather expected over the coming days.
To help Arkansans navigate the challenges posed by the storm, the state has launched a centralized resource website, HelpArkansas.com. The platform provides information on food assistance, warming centers and emergency shelters, traffic and road conditions, power outage reporting, and general storm preparedness tips. Officials are urging residents to monitor local updates and take necessary precautions before the winter weather arrives.
The Arkansas National Guard traditionally serves as a crucial support arm during natural disasters, stepping in to augment civil authorities wherever needed. This latest deployment demonstrates the state’s proactive approach to mitigating risks posed by extreme weather events and highlights the readiness of the Guard to respond quickly to protect lives and property.
With temperatures expected to plummet and snow accumulation predicted across much of the state, authorities are stressing the importance of public safety. Residents are encouraged to limit travel, check on vulnerable neighbors, and follow guidance from local emergency management officials.
Governor Sanders’ announcement underscores the growing coordination between state agencies, law enforcement, and the National Guard in facing severe weather. As Arkansas braces for the storm, the mobilization of nearly 170 Guardsmen reflects a concerted effort to ensure that help is ready to reach those who may be most affected.
