Support sent to western NC as Hurricane Helene makes landfall

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — As Hurricane Helene makes landfall in northern Florida Thursday evening, Communities in North Carolina are preparing for potential impacts in the coming days.  

Some areas of western NC could see as much as 15 inches of rain from the storm.  

Because of those high rainfall forecasts, 13 members of NC Task Force 11—which is made up of firefighters with Wilmington Fire and New Hanover County Fire Rescue—were sent to the Asheville area this Thursday morning. 

The team will assist authorities in those counties to perform water rescues.  

Battalion Chief of Special Operations John Stephenson said while high-water remains the biggest concern, there are different challenges in mountainous areas when compared to coastal environments.  

“Historically with the western counties, obviously in the mountains, you’re dealing with some mudslides and stuff,” Stephenson explained. “They have a lot of creeks that overflow. So, we have a swift water team because there we’re dealing with water that flows more swiftly than here.”  

New Hanover County 911 will also be operating as a backup call center for Buncombe County. 

Organizations like the American Red Cross have also mobilized dozens of volunteers to areas expected to be hit the hardest.  

Executive Director of the Cape Fear Red Cross Chapter James Jarvis noted many of their volunteers have been moved to western NC.  

“We’ve sent 10 local volunteers down to Florida to be there for the arrival of the storm, and we’ve got dozens of volunteers that have mobilized here in the western part of the state to prepare for North and South Carolina’s response,” Jarvis said. 

In Florida, Jarvis said, thousands are bracing for landfall.  

“There were already more than 80 shelters open in Florida open last night, with 2700 people in those shelters. So, it’s a very powerful storm,” Jarvis noted. 

Stephenson added most members of Task Force 11 will remain in our area to assist with any potential impacts at home. 

“So the team has over 50 members, and right now we’ve sent 13 members. So we still have the capability and the resources to respond to any local calls here,” Stephenson said. 

To donate or volunteer with the American Red Cross during this critical time, you can visit their website.