EXECUTIVE ORDER 26-05

WHEREAS, I have been advised by the State Emergency Management Agency that the ongoing and forecast severe winter storm systems have caused, or have the potential to cause, damages associated with freezing rain, snow, sleet, and extremely low temperatures, impacting communities throughout the State of Missouri; and

WHEREAS, the severe winter storm systems reaching Missouri on January 23, 2026, and continuing have created a condition of distress and hazard to the safety, welfare, and property of the people of the State of Missouri beyond the capabilities of some local jurisdictions and other established agencies; and

WHEREAS, the State of Missouri must continue to be proactive where the health and safety of its citizens are concerned; and

WHEREAS, the resources of the State of Missouri continue to be needed to assist affected jurisdictions and to help relieve the condition of distress and hazard to the safety and welfare of our fellow Missourians; and

WHEREAS, an invocation of the provisions of sections 44.100 and 44.110, RSMo, is required to ensure the safety and welfare of the people of Missouri and to activate the resources necessary to keep Missourians safe.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, MIKE KEHOE, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF MISSOURI, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the State of Missouri, including sections 44.100 and 44.110, RSMo, do hereby declare that a State of Emergency exists in the State of Missouri and direct the Missouri State Emergency Operations Plan activated.

I further order, pursuant to sections 41.480 and 41.690, RSMo, the Adjutant General of the State of Missouri, or his designee, to call and order into active service such portions of the organized militia as he deems necessary to aid the executive officials of Missouri, to protect life and property, and it is further directed that the Adjutant General or his designee, and through him, the commanding officer of any unit or other organization of such organized militia so called into active service take such action and employ such equipment as may be necessary in support of civilian authorities, and provide such assistance as may be authorized and directed by the Governor of this State.

I further authorize state agencies to provide assistance as needed.

This Order shall terminate on February 22, 2026, unless extended in whole or in part. 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused to be affixed the Great Seal of the State of Missouri, in the City of Jefferson, on this 22nd day of January, 2026.

[signature of Michael Kehoe] 
MIKE KEHOE
GOVERNOR

ATTEST:

[signature of Denny Hoskins] 
DENNY HOSKINS
SECRETARY OF STATE

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