Oklahoma National Guard Task Force Thunder clears D.C. snow and ice after Winter Storm Fern

Guardsmen expand visible support during prolonged subfreezing conditions

Oklahoma National Guard soldiers deployed to Washington, D.C., as part of Task Force Thunder have been conducting ice and snow removal alongside patrol duties following Winter Storm Fern, as the region faced persistent subfreezing temperatures that hardened precipitation into difficult-to-remove layers.

Images and official mission reporting from early February 2026 show Guardsmen clearing walkways and addressing refrozen buildup that remained in place well after the storm’s main snowfall and icing ended. The hardened mixture was described by personnel as requiring tools beyond standard shovels, including metal shovels and, in some cases, hammers to break apart compacted layers before removal.

Deployment framework and scope

Task Force Thunder’s deployment began in early December 2025, when Oklahoma authorized approximately 160 Guardsmen to volunteer for a roughly 90-day assignment in the nation’s capital. The mission operates under Joint Task Force D.C. and supports a federal initiative branded “D.C. Safe and Beautiful.”

While the core assignment includes presence patrols, the Oklahoma contingent reported that teams also undertook additional assistance when encountering hazardous conditions, including clearing ice near schools and along commonly used pedestrian routes. Commanders characterized these tasks as voluntary actions carried out alongside assigned patrol responsibilities.

Community interactions during operational support

Task Force leadership reported that interactions with residents and business owners became a notable component of day-to-day operations during the extended cold period. Soldiers described receiving positive feedback from civilians and being offered temporary places to warm up during shifts, reflecting the operational reality of outdoor work in freezing conditions.

“We had about six inches of snow and then another two inches of freezing rain on top of that… we have to break it up, with metal shovels or sometimes with hammers before we can shovel it away.”

Why the ice lingered—and what it meant operationally

Winter Storm Fern affected a large portion of the United States from January 23–25, 2026, producing widespread snow and significant icing across multiple regions. In the Washington-area corridor, the storm’s impacts were compounded by extended cold that limited melting and allowed precipitation to bond to pavement, prolonging hazards on sidewalks and neighborhood streets.

• Task Force Thunder reported clearing pedestrian routes and addressing ice accumulation that persisted weeks after the storm.
• Units described prioritizing areas where foot traffic and access—such as near schools—were most affected.
• Personnel also reported assisting motorists with minor roadside needs encountered during patrols, including changing flat tires.

Forecasts at the time of the Oklahoma Guard’s reporting suggested additional cold episodes were possible, keeping conditions favorable for refreezing and continued ice hazards. Task Force Thunder remained engaged in patrols and hazard mitigation activities as the winter response continued into February.