NEW YORK (1010 WINS) — Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Thursday that she is sending aid in the form of a swift water rescue team and emergency equipment to New York’s neighbors down the coast in North Carolina, where powerful Category 4 storm Hurricane Helene is expected to intensify.
A team of 16 swift water rescue personnel—made of members from the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, the state’s Department of Environmental Conservation and State Police—were en route to Conover, North Carolina on Thursday.
Once they arrive, the resources will be deployed to areas most in need, officials said. In addition to personnel, two canines were deployed as well as emergency response equipment, including Zodiac boats and motors with trailers, two high-water rescue vehicles and drones.
“New Yorkers lead by example and help our neighbors in times of despair,” Hochul said. “Our expert swift water rescue team and the equipment they will bring with them will help save lives and protect against the potential destruction of property from Hurricane Helene. I thank these brave New Yorkers for answering the call and look forward to their safe return.”
Rain began battering parts of North Carolina on Thursday, with up to 10 inches having fallen in the mountains and up to 14 possible before the deluge ends. Gov. Roy Cooper has declared a state of emergency, joining the governors of South Carolina, Florida, Georgia and Virginia.
“Stay safe and listen to local emergency officials,” Cooper wrote on X at about 4:45 p.m. “Helene will bring historic flooding, landslides and strong winds.”
Helene is expected to landfall on Florida's northwest coast Thursday night, bringing dangerous winds and rains to much of the southeastern United States. According to the U.S. National Hurricane Center, earlier in the day it was only 120 miles west of Tampa and had sustained winds of 130 mph.
According to Hochul, the New York team can conduct search and water rescues for both people and animals, provide emergency medical care and support helicopter rescue operations. The professionals are trained to work in areas with compromised access to roadways, utilities, transportation and medical facilities.
“DEC Forest Rangers are some of the most highly trained search and rescue professionals in the country and we are fortunate that they are always willing to answer the call when other states are in need,” DEC Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar said. “As preparations for Hurricane Helene’s landfall continue, I thank our experts for accepting the challenge and joining a team of heroes from across New York State.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.