GREENSBORO, N.C. — Hurricane Helene is expected to bring heavy winds and rain to the Southeast.
Fire departments across the Triad are preparing to send rescue teams out to the mountains and the western parts of North Carolina ahead of the storm to assist with flooding in those areas.
The Greensboro Fire Department sent 18 members of their Search & Rescue Team last night to Brevard, North Carolina ahead of the storm. They are expected to remain on assignment for up to seven days. The team will be coordinating with members of the Fayetteville Fire Department as part of a state-led deployment.
"The safety of North Carolina’s residents is our top priority, and we are proud to assist in any way we can during this critical time," Greensboro Fire Chief Jim Robinson said. "Our SAR team is well-trained and prepared to respond to the challenging conditions that come with hurricane-related disasters."
The Winston-Salem Fire Department said their crews had been working through the night in McDowell County.
Wilkes County is under a state of emergency. Emergency services in the area opened their Emergency Operations Center at 8 a.m. on Thursday to house all emergency responder officials during the storm.
Surry County is preparing for the storm with equipment and crews being prepped for whatever comes their way.
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