A powerful and fast-moving winter storm system has swept across large portions of the United States, bringing heavy snow, freezing rain, ice accumulation, and dangerously cold temperatures to millions of Americans. The storm developed as a strong Arctic air mass pushed southward and collided with moisture-rich systems moving east, creating a broad swath of hazardous winter weather stretching from the Southern Plains through the Mid-Atlantic and into parts of the Southeast. Meteorologists warned early that the combination of snow, sleet, and ice would create treacherous travel conditions and place strain on local infrastructure.
States across the storm’s path have reported widespread road closures, vehicle accidents, downed power lines, and delays or cancellations of air travel as conditions rapidly deteriorated. Ice accumulation has proven especially dangerous in southern and transitional regions where infrastructure is less accustomed to prolonged freezing events. Emergency managers urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel, prepare for potential power outages, and remain vigilant as conditions continue to evolve. In several areas, interstates and secondary roadways were closed entirely due to accidents, stranded vehicles, and impassable ice-covered surfaces.
As impacts intensified, governors and state emergency agencies moved quickly to activate military support assets to augment local and state response efforts. Across multiple states, State Defense Forces and National Guard units were placed on alert or activated to assist with logistics, emergency operations, shelter support, and potential rescue missions as the storm advanced.
In Texas, preparations began well ahead of the storm’s arrival. Soldiers, Airmen, and State Guardsmen conducted targeted training focused on icy-road navigation using snow chains and interagency equipment familiarization alongside the Williamson County Fire Department. These exercises were designed to ensure rapid readiness for vehicle recovery, rescue operations, and support to civil authorities. Personnel and specialized rescue equipment were pre-positioned across the state, allowing response forces to react quickly as conditions worsened. Members of the Texas Army National Guard, Texas Air National Guard, and the Texas State Guard (State Defense Force) coordinated closely with local and state emergency agencies to maintain a unified response posture focused on protecting life and property.
Earlier in the week, under clear skies, Texas military forces mobilized in response to orders from Governor Greg Abbott, emphasizing that early preparation is critical for effective emergency response. State leaders reinforced public safety messaging, encouraging residents to follow the “4 Ps” of winter preparation – People, Pets, Pipes, and Plants – while staying informed through the Texas Division of Emergency Management. We have been informed that Texas State Guard troops have been activated and are working side by side with National Guard personnel. Additional details regarding mission scope and troop numbers are expected as operations continue.
In Virginia, members of the Virginia Defense Force were placed on state active duty to provide administrative and logistical support to the Virginia National Guard as winter weather impacts approached. On Jan. 24, 2026, approximately 300 Virginia National Guard Soldiers and Airmen staged at facilities across the Commonwealth alongside Virginia Defense Force troops. These forces include response teams, command and control elements, and logistics personnel prepared to support localities as conditions deteriorate.
Virginia National Guard troops are organized into multifunctional teams capable of clearing debris, assisting with commodity movement, and operating heavy tactical vehicles designed for deep snow conditions. Black Hawk helicopters equipped with rescue hoist capabilities were also placed on alert. During domestic operations, Guard forces respond as part of a multi-agency framework, supporting requests coordinated through the Virginia Emergency Support Team. Virginia Defense Force members play a critical enabling role in sustaining these operations by supporting planning, administration, and logistical coordination.
In South Carolina, we spoke directly with representatives of the South Carolina State Guard, who confirmed that their troops have been activated in response to the storm. Guardsmen are currently performing shelter operations across the state and assisting in Emergency Operations Centers in multiple counties. Additional personnel remain on standby, ready to deploy as conditions evolve or as new mission requirements emerge.
As this winter storm continues to impact large regions of the country, we are actively reaching out to National Guard and State Guard public affairs offices to confirm mission details, troop activation numbers, and conditions on the ground. This article will be updated as more information becomes available, highlighting the continued role State Defense Forces play in supporting their communities during severe weather and domestic emergencies.
Texas Soldiers, Airmen, and State Guardsmen conducted training ahead of Winter Storm Fern. Exercises included icy-road navigation using snow chains and interagency equipment familiarization with the Williamson County Fire Department.
These preparations ensure our teams are ready for critical rescue and vehicle recovery missions. Our priority remains the protection of life and property across the state.
Personnel and specialized rescue equipment are now positioned across the state in anticipation of Winter Storm Fern. Members of the Texas Army and Air National Guard, along with the State Guard, are operating in coordination with local and state emergency agencies to ensure a rapid response.
The Texas Military Department remains prepared to support community safety throughout the duration of this weather event.
State emergency response resources are staged across Texas in preparation for potential impacts from winter weather.
Are You Ready?
Members of the Virginia Defense Force on state active duty provide administrative and logistical support to Virginia National Guard Soldiers and Airmen staging Jan. 24, 2026, at VNG facilities across the Commonwealth to support the response to the significant winter weather expected to impact Virginia. Approximately 300 VNG personnel are on duty, including response teams, command and control, administrative and logistics resources and other support elements.
Sources: Texas State Guard – Virginia Defense Force – Virginia National Guard – South Carolina State Guard PAO
