Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced Thursday the deployment of nearly 170 Arkansas National Guard members in preparation for this weekend’s winter storm.
The guardsmen will staff 28 winter weather response teams to assist Arkansas State Police with transporting stranded motorists. Additional personnel have been ordered to state active duty to provide command and control and public affairs support.
“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,” Sanders said. “These men and women prepare every single day for events like this, and I know our state is in good hands with their support.”
Guardsmen began their orders on January 23, 2026, and will provide around-the-clock support until no longer needed. Each winter weather response team consists of five guardsmen, two Humvees, and communications equipment.
The deployment follows Sanders’ declaration of a State of Emergency on Wednesday, which directed $250,000 toward response and recovery efforts. The governor has also established HelpArkansas.com to help residents find food assistance, locate warming centers and shelters, check road conditions, report power outages, and prepare for severe weather.
