Little Rock, Arkansas – In response to the severe winter weather approaching Arkansas this weekend, Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has deployed the Arkansas National Guard to support emergency response efforts across the state. A total of 28 winter weather response teams will be assisting Arkansas State Police with transporting stranded motorists, as snowfall and icy roads are expected to create hazardous conditions.
Beginning today, January 23, 2026, the Guardsmen will provide continuous support until no longer needed. Each response team is composed of five soldiers equipped with two Humvees and specialized communications gear. In addition to assisting stranded drivers, National Guard personnel have been ordered to state active duty to offer command, control, and public affairs support as needed.
“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.”
State of Emergency and Help Resources Deployed
This deployment comes just one day after Governor Sanders declared a State of Emergency and allocated $250,000 to boost response and recovery operations. The declaration allows for more rapid mobilization of state resources and emergency personnel.
To further support residents during the storm, the Governor’s office has launched HelpArkansas.com, a centralized hub for accessing food assistance, warming shelters, traffic updates, road closures, and power outage information. The platform also offers storm preparation resources to help Arkansans stay safe during this potentially dangerous weather event.
As the storm looms, state agencies and military personnel remain committed to protecting residents, ensuring road safety, and maintaining emergency services throughout the duration of the storm.
