The Missouri National Guard responded to a large winter storm that covered most of Missouri, including Joplin. The 294th Engineer Company, based in Pierce City, Mo., went on standby at the order of Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon to be prepared and ready to respond to requests from a variety of state agencies and the citizens of Missouri. The 294th was assigned several missions including assisting the Missouri State Highway Patrol with vehicle checks on Interstate 44 between Sarcoxie and the Missouri-Oklahoma State line.