Texas Sends Help to Florida as Tropical Storm Helene Strengthens
As Tropical Storm Helene gains strength and is projected to become a major hurricane before making landfall in Florida, Texas is stepping in to provide assistance to their fellow Americans in need. The storm, currently forming in the western Caribbean, is anticipated to intensify in the Gulf of Mexico and head towards the Big Bend area of Florida as a Category 3 hurricane.
Upon this forecast, Governor Greg Abbott has directed the Texas Department of Emergency Management to mobilize Texas A&M Task Force 1 to Florida in advance of the storm’s arrival. This specialized task force, equipped with 80 individuals, 15 vehicles, six boats, and six canines, stands ready to assist with urban search-and-rescue efforts as needed.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Governor Abbott expressed solidarity with Florida, stating, “Texas will always stand with our fellow Americans and lend a helping hand during times of crisis. Texans understand firsthand the importance of hurricane preparedness and the ability to deploy resources for a swift response effort to protect those impacted by a storm. I thank our first responders for stepping up to provide this crucial assistance to the state of Florida. Cecilia and I ask Texans to join us in prayer for Florida as Tropical Storm Helene approaches their shores.”
Texas A&M Task Force 1 is part of FEMA’s National Urban Search and Rescue System, consisting of 28 federal teams trained to respond to disasters and emergencies nationwide.
For more information on Tropical Storm Helene and its projected impact, visit the related story linked below.