- Artists transform hurricane aftermath into hoop-inspired masterpieces at Charlotte exhibit
- NC's cost for Hurricane Helene damage is nearly $60 billion, state says
- State to develop drone program to better respond to disasters like Helene, Florence
- South Carolina residents face deadline to get storm debris out to the curb after Hurricane Helene
- SCDOT to pick up Hurricane Helene debris for a final day in South Carolina
Pentagon: Slow-moving hurricane to make rescues challenging
Share on Facebook
Tweet on Twitter
By LOLITA C. BALDOR, Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) — Senior Defense Department officials say the expected high winds and slow movement of Hurricane Florence as it comes ashore will make rescue efforts challenging in the flooded areas.
– Advertisement –
Air Force Gen. Terrence J. O’Shaughnessy, head of U.S. Northern Command, says search and rescue is a top priority, but weather may prevent rescuers from getting in during the hours immediately after the storm hits.
O’Shaughnessy says there are about 7,000 U.S. military forces, including 4,000 National Guard and 3,000 active duty, currently in place and ready to respond to the storm, along with ships, helicopters, high-wheeled vehicles and other equipment. Thousands more have been ordered to prepare to deploy if needed.
He says the magnitude of the storm may exceed the ability of the state-activated National Guard troops.