Governor declares State of Emergency; National Guard called out
Indiana Governor’s Announcement
Indiana Gov. Mike Braun has issued a State of Emergency declaration ahead of the worst of the oncoming storm.
According to the governor:
“In addition to the federal emergency response declaration, I have signed an executive order declaring a state of emergency in Indiana and directing the Indiana Department of Homeland Security to coordinate all of the state’s emergency response efforts, as well as ordering all executive branch agencies to provide any and all assistance and resources requested by IDHS.”
The declaration:
EXECUTIVE ORDER FOR: 26-03
DECLARATION OF A STATEWIDE DISASTER EMERGENCY DUE TO A SEVERE WINTER STORM
TO ALL WHOM THESE PRESENTS MAY COME, GREETINGS:
WHEREAS, beginning on or about January 23, 2026, the State of Indiana is expected to experience a severe winter storm producing significant snowfall, extreme cold temperatures, hazardous travel conditions, and threats to public health and safety;
WHEREAS, forecasts indicate that this winter storm will likely result in life-threatening cold, widespread transportation disruptions, increased demand on emergency services, potential power outages, and risks to vulnerable populations;
WHEREAS, such conditions constitute a disaster emergency as defined in Indiana Code § 10- 14-3-1, and threaten the lives, property, and economic stability of the citizens of Indiana;
WHEREAS, Indiana Code § 10-14-3-12 authorizes the Governor to declare a disaster emergency when a disaster has occurred or is imminent; and
WHEREAS, state agencies, local governments, and emergency responders must act in a coordinated and expedited manner to prepare for, respond to, and recover from the impacts of this winter storm.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Mike Braun, by virtue of the authority vested in me as Governor of the State of Indiana, do hereby order that:
1. Declare a statewide disaster emergency which shall be effective immediately and, pursuant to Indiana Code § 10-14-3-12, shall continue for a period of sixty (60) days, unless terminated sooner;
2. Direct the Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) to coordinate the state’s emergency response efforts, including preparation, response, recovery, and mitigation activities related to this disaster emergency; and
3. Order all executive branch agencies to provide assistance, resources, and personnel as requested by the IDHS to support emergency operations and ensure public safety.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I, Mike Braun, have hereunto set my hand and caused to be affixed the Great Seal of the State of Indiana, on this 23rd day of January, 2026.
Indiana National Guard called out for storm
Indiana National Guard Press Release
Approximately 110 Indiana National Guard soldiers and airmen have answered the call to help their fellow Hoosiers during this weekend’s severe weather event projected to impact central and southern Indiana.
Hoosier Guardsmen, along with Indiana State Police, Indiana Department of Transportation and Indiana Department of Homeland Security personnel, will assist stranded motorists and provide support during this severe winter weather event.
“Assisting our fellow Hoosiers in severe weather is an intrinsic part of who we are and what we do — we live here, we work here and we serve here,” said Maj. Gen. Larry Muennich, Indiana National Guard adjutant general, who leads the 12,000-member force.
The Indiana National Guard set up 12 highway assistance teams in armories throughout southwestern Indiana with a command and control team in Evansville.
The soldiers and airmen are scheduled to cover U.S. 41 from Evansville to Vincennes and Interstate 64 from New Albany to Evansville, Interstate 65 from New Albany to Columbus and Interstate 69 from Evansville to Bloomington.
The Indiana National Guard was activated by Gov. Mike Braun through the Indiana Department of Homeland Security.
Indiana National Guard soldiers and airmen serve in a dual mission to nation and state for overseas deployments and crises in the homeland.