LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders today announced she has deployed the Arkansas National Guard to staff 28 winter weather response teams to assist Arkansas State Police with transporting stranded motorists during this weekend's winter weather. Additionally, Arkansas Guardsmen are being 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," 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."

Guardsmen will begin their orders today, January 23, 2026, and provide around-the-clock support until they are no longer needed. Each winter weather response team consists of five Guardsmen, two Humvees, plus communications equipment.

The Arkansas National Guard assumes support roles to augment civil authorities, where needed and directed by the Governor, to help in a crisis.

Yesterday, Governor Sanders declared a State of Emergency and directed $250,000 to support response and recovery efforts. The Governor has also set up HelpArkansas.com to help Arkansans impacted by the storm find food assistance information, locate warming centers and shelters, check traffic and road conditions, report and track power outages, and prepare for the inclement weather.

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