In response to a severe winter storm affecting 12 states, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) led federal efforts to support state and local emergency management. Under the direction of President Donald J. Trump, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem coordinated resources before, during, and after the storm.
“Over the last year, this administration has transformed FEMA into a lean, deployable disaster force that empowers and supports state and local governments,” said Secretary Noem. “Through every stage of this winter storm, the new FEMA delivered results to American communities, leveraging interagency resources and working with state and local governments to solve problems and keep people safe.”
Weather forecasts had predicted that up to 33 states could be impacted by snow, freezing rain, and low temperatures. In anticipation, Secretary Noem contacted governors about resource needs. DHS approved $2.2 billion in public assistance funding for states nationwide prior to the storm.
On January 22, FEMA activated the National Response Coordination Center (NRCC), bringing together staff from more than 10 federal agencies to coordinate disaster response. Resources such as generators, meals, water, blankets, and search-and-rescue teams were pre-positioned across federal sites.
Karen Evans, Senior Official Performing the Duties of the FEMA Administrator, participated in calls with emergency managers from affected states on December 23. She provided her direct contact information for urgent needs.
FEMA also communicated with energy sector companies through the Department of Energy before and during the storm to help maintain infrastructure operations.
DHS and FEMA began sharing preparedness information with the public before the weather event. Secretary Noem released a Public Service Announcement urging residents to stay alert and follow local officials’ directions. FEMA developed toolkits for government officials, first responders, private companies, and non-profits to amplify these messages.
On January 24, President Trump approved emergency declarations for 12 states: Arkansas, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. These declarations allowed nearly 900 counties and parishes—as well as four Tribal Nations—to access federal aid.
During the storm’s impact period in Washington D.C., DHS executives embedded with FEMA at NRCC monitored conditions continuously. Updates were received every thirty minutes by Secretary Noem’s team as they coordinated resource deployment.
Afterward, DHS and FEMA mobilized teams for recovery efforts as damage reports came in from affected areas such as blocked roadways and power outages:
- In Louisiana following a snow-blocked I-20 interstate that delayed first responders’ access to those in need; after coordination among state officials and multiple federal agencies including DOT at NRCC direction was given for delivery of sand and road-treatment materials so roads could be cleared.
- Mississippi and Tennessee experienced widespread power outages complicated by debris-filled roads; three U.S. Forest Service “hotshot crews” were deployed on January 28 to remove debris so linemen could restore electricity.
The NRCC continues operations supporting unmet needs in partnership with state authorities.
Louisiana Governor Landry visited FEMA headquarters today for briefings on ongoing recovery efforts from Karen S. Evans—Senior Official Performing Duties of FEMA Administrator—and Gregg Phillips—Associate Administrator of Response & Recovery—and thanked staff for their support.
Many residents remain without power or face challenges reopening businesses as recovery continues; DHS and FEMA stated they will keep working closely with states throughout this process.
