We continue our coverage of the severe winter weather storms that swept across large portions of the United States, beginning with Winter Storm Fern and followed almost immediately by a powerful bomb cyclone that intensified conditions across the southeastern portion of the country. As previously reported, Winter Storm Fern brought widespread snow, ice, and freezing rain to states unaccustomed to prolonged winter events, creating hazardous travel conditions, widespread power outages, and significant strain on local and state emergency response agencies. In the storm’s wake, communities were left grappling with downed trees, impassable roads, and frozen infrastructure as temperatures plunged well below seasonal averages.
Compounding those challenges, a rapidly intensifying bomb cyclone developed along the East Coast, drawing in frigid Arctic air and producing heavy snow, strong winds, and dangerously low wind chills across much of the Southeast and Mid Atlantic. This type of storm, defined by a rapid drop in atmospheric pressure, intensified snowfall rates and wind gusts, worsening already treacherous conditions left behind by Fern. Millions across affected states experienced power disruptions, travel came to a near standstill in some areas, and emergency services reported a surge in vehicle accidents as ice covered roadways proved difficult to navigate. Prolonged exposure to extreme cold posed serious risks, particularly for vulnerable populations, prompting authorities to open warming shelters and urge residents to limit travel to emergencies only.
As recovery efforts began, State Defense Forces and National Guard units across the region were activated to support civil authorities and assist communities impacted by the back-to-back storms. In South Carolina, members of the South Carolina State Guard were integrated into operations at the Emergency Operations Center, providing coordination and support as conditions deteriorated. Local law enforcement reported significant snow accumulation and a sharp increase in traffic accidents, leading officials to strongly advise residents to stay off the roads. Guard members worked alongside partner agencies to support emergency response, while South Carolina National Guard units conducted vehicle recovery operations near major corridors such as Interstate 85 and assisted the South Carolina Department of Transportation by hauling hundreds of tons of road salt to improve roadway safety in communities like Sumter and Bishopville.
In Virginia, state military forces were also postured early to respond as winter weather threatened the eastern portion of the Commonwealth. Beginning Jan. 31, 2026, approximately 125 personnel from the Virginia National Guard and Virginia Defense Force were placed on duty and staged primarily across the Hampton Roads and Eastern Shore regions in anticipation of snow and deteriorating conditions. These forces included response teams, command and control elements, logistics personnel, and administrative support, all prepared to integrate with regional emergency managers as conditions evolved. Virginia Defense Force troops engaged in support response operations, reinforcing the Guard’s presence and expanding the Commonwealth’s ability to respond quickly at the local level.
Virginia National Guard troops were organized into multifunctional teams capable of clearing debris from roadways, restoring access to power line routes, and transporting essential commodities where needed. Heavy-duty tactical vehicles were staged to operate in deep snow or high-water conditions, ensuring mobility even as civilian travel became restricted. Additionally, Black Hawk helicopters equipped with rescue hoist capabilities were placed on alert, providing an aerial search-and-rescue option should ground access become impossible. This layered and flexible response posture underscored Virginia’s readiness to protect life, property, and critical infrastructure as the effects of the storm system moved through the region.
In Georgia, the response to Winter Storm Fern demonstrated a coordinated, multi-component effort by the Georgia Department of Defense. Following a state of emergency declaration by Governor Brian Kemp, the Georgia State Defense Force (GSDF) and the Georgia National Guard were activated to address icy roadways, fallen trees, and widespread power outages across North Georgia. Volunteers from the 878th Engineer Battalion and GSDF rapidly transitioned from scheduled training to full mission execution, pre-positioning equipment and personnel ahead of worsening conditions. Debris clearance teams worked county by county to reopen critical routes, while senior GSDF members provided on-the-spot training in chainsaw operations and safety to ensure new volunteers could operate effectively in hazardous environments. Together, Soldiers, Airmen, and State Defense Force troops traveled hundreds of miles, cleared dozens of routes, and restored access to isolated communities, underscoring the value of joint state military operations during domestic emergencies.
As recovery continues across the Southeast, these efforts highlight the essential role State Defense Forces and National Guard units play in disaster response and community recovery. Their ability to mobilize quickly, integrate with local and state agencies, and operate in austere conditions remains critical when severe weather strikes. We extend our sincere thanks to all State Defense Force Soldiers who were activated and took part in these recovery efforts. For those who remain on State Active Duty, please stay safe as operations continue and communities work toward full recovery.
VNG staged, ready for second winter storm of 2026
By Mike Vrabel | Virginia National Guard Public Affairs
RICHMOND, Va.
Virginia National Guard Soldiers and Airmen are staged and ready Jan. 31, 2026, primarily in the Hampton Roads and Eastern Shore regions, to support the response to snow expected to impact parts of Virginia.
Approximately 130 VNG personnel are on duty, including response teams, command and control, administrative and logistics resources and other support elements. Members of the Virginia Defense Force and Virginia Department of Military Affairs employees are also supporting response operations.
VNG crews will coordinate with regional emergency managers in their staging locations to conduct missions and provide assistance as needed beginning Jan. 31. VNG troops are organized in multifunctional teams capable of reducing debris to help clear roads and power line routes and move commodities. Troops also have heavy duty tactical trucks capable of traveling through deep snow or high water. Black Hawk helicopters with rescue hoist capabilities are also alerted and on standby.
“For the second time in as many weeks, our Soldiers and Airmen are ready to help their communities as heavy snow is forecasted for parts of Virginia,” said Brig. Gen. Todd H. Hubbard, VNG Director of the Joint Staff. “Our personnel have once again responded quickly and safely, and stand ready to support emergency response operations as needed and help keep Virginians safe.”
VNG personnel responded to a statewide winter weather event Jan. 24 – 27, 2026. More than 300 Soldiers, Airmen and VDF members responded across Virginia to stage for possible response operations, such as a commodity distribution mission in Marion, Virginia. There, VNG Soldiers helped distribute cases of water and ready-to-eat meals. Photos from that storm’s response can be seen at https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCHEhP.
During domestic operations, the VNG responds as part of a multi-agency team to provide support capability requests submitted through the Virginia Emergency Support Team by Virginia localities.
The VNG cannot respond to direct requests for support. Localities looking for VNG support should make their requests to the VEST, and they determine which organization can best provide the requested assistance as they coordinate the regional and statewide response.
Virginia National Guard Soldiers and Airmen are staged and ready Jan. 31, 2026, primarily in the Hampton Roads and Eastern Shore regions, to support the response to snow expected to impact parts of Virginia.
Approximately 125 VNG personnel are on duty, including response teams, command and control, administrative and logistics resources and other support elements. Members of the Virginia Defense Force are also supporting response operations.
VNG crews will coordinate with regional emergency managers in their staging locations to conduct missions and provide assistance as needed beginning Jan. 31. VNG troops are organized in multifunctional teams capable of reducing debris to help clear roads and power line routes and move commodities. Troops also have heavy duty tactical trucks capable of traveling through deep snow or high water. Black Hawk helicopters with rescue hoist capabilities are also alerted and on standby.
Georgia DoD Demonstrates Operational Readiness During Winter Storm Fern
TOCCOA, GEORGIA, UNITED STATES 01.27.2026 Story by Sgt. 1st Class Jeron Walker 124th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
State and military officials mobilized emergency resources across North Georgia in late January as Winter Storm Fern blanketed the region with ice. In anticipation of this winter storm, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp declared a state of emergency on Jan. 22, 2026, activating the Georgia National Guard and Georgia State Defense Force (GSDF) the following day.
The activation came as icy roadways, widespread power outages, and fallen trees created hazardous conditions throughout the region, requiring additional manpower to support local agencies, restore access, and assist communities impacted by the severe winter weather.
“I remain amazed at the quality of individuals that serve in our organization and their desire to assist their fellow citizens in emergency situations,” stated Lt. Col. Michael Chism, the commander of the 878th Engineer Battalion.
Chism noted that they were alerted on Friday that the battalion may have to assist. By Sunday, they had over the required number of Soldiers volunteering for the mission. By Monday, the volunteers started clearing roads on the most heavily impacted counties in North Georgia as directed.
“Soldiers rapidly transitioned from a scheduled drill weekend to mission execution, pre-positioning assets ahead of deteriorating weather conditions,” said Maj. Andrew Schmetzer, an operations officer with the 878th Engineer Battalion.
This mission marked the first hazardous winter weather relief operation jointly conducted by the Georgia National Guard and the Georgia State Defense Force since 2014. Although more than a decade has passed since the last comparable operation, the Georgia Department of Defense demonstrated its continued ability to adapt and overcome obstacles that could impede mission execution.
Several volunteers activated for Winter Storm Fern also supported the 2014 snowstorm response, bringing valuable institutional knowledge to the mission. Chism, one of the senior leaders who served during the 2014 winter storm, emphasized that a critical lesson learned was the importance of leaders reinforcing the need for Soldiers and volunteers to carry essential equipment in the event of a vehicle breakdown during hazardous conditions.
Since some of the volunteers were new to this particular mission, the senior members of the GSDF led classes on how to operate and troubleshoot chainsaws. They also taught the safety precautions when utilizing such machinery whereas the senior leaders of the 878th Engineer Battalion ensured that the volunteers had deliberate risk assessments and knowledge on safely maneuvering through icy conditions on the roadways.
“Alongside the State Defense Force and local authorities, Soldiers and Airmen traveled 900 miles while clearing 50 routes, demonstrating resiliency, teamwork, and a strong commitment to serving their communities when they were needed most,” said Schmetzer.
The Georgia Department of Defense comprises of Georgia Army National Guard Soldiers, Georgia Air National Guard Airmen, Georgia State Defense Force Volunteers, and state and federal civilian employees.
Winter Weather Alert: Please Stay Off the Roads
Local law enforcement is reporting significant snow accumulation across the region, and drivers on the roads are causing a sharp increase in accidents. Conditions are deteriorating quickly.
For your safety and the safety of first responders, please avoid all travel unless it is an absolute emergency. Staying off the roads helps keep them clear for emergency crews and reduces the risk of additional collisions. The South Carolina State Guard is actively assisting with storm efforts and will keep you updated as new information is made available.
