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Texas sends emergency task force to Florida as it prepares for Hurricane Dorian
Gov. Greg Abbott has sent a task force of 45 people equipped with flood and swift water boats to Florida to assist the state as it prepares for Hurricane Dorian.
The Category 4 storm was bearing down on the Bahamas Saturday morning and slated to approach Florida around Wednesday. The latest forecast showed the storm staying offshore of Florida, avoiding a direct hit.
“Texas offers its full support to the state of Florida,” Abbott said in announcing the deployment of the task force. “I am grateful to our first responders who have stepped up to assist Floridians in their time of need, and I ask that all Texans pray for all those in the path of this storm.”
The Texas Task Force I includes specialized water rescue responders from several Texas cities, according to the governor’s office. It could end up sending an additional six boat squads.
The Texas Game Wardens are also prepared to respond, Abbott said.
The Salvation Army is also sending Texas personnel to Florida. In a release, the organization said an 11-person incident management team, five mobile kitchens and five rapid response units would head there Monday.