CHARLOTTE, USA – SEPTEMBER 27: Officials work at damaged area after the Hurricane Helene hits the southeast as bands of the tropical storm pass through the Carolinas causing power outages, school closing and downed trees in Charlotte NC, United States on September 27, 2024. (Photo by Peter Zay/Anadolu via Getty Images)
A Connecticut National Guard unit has been deployed to help with Helene disaster response and relief efforts in North Carolina, according to Gov. Ned Lamont.
A CH-47 Chinook helicopter and a five-member flight crew from the Connecticut Army National Guard's 1-169th Aviation Regiment left from Windsor Locks Friday morning heading to North Carolina.
By Friday morning, the storm had moved well inland to parts of Georgia.
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Though it has been downgraded to a tropical storm, Helene continues to dump a deluge of rain on Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina.
As much as 10 inches of rain has already fallen in North Carolina, with another 14 inches possible before the storm spins itself out in the Tennessee Valley. Forecasters say North Carolina could experience flooding not seen in the past century.
“The Connecticut National Guard stands ready to serve our communities, as always, to assist and respond not just here at home in Connecticut but across the nation, especially in times of crises,” commander of the Connecticut National Guard Major General Francis Evon said in a statement. “We proudly join forces with our fellow National Guards to provide critical support when it is needed most. Our commitment to protecting and serving is unwavering and extends beyond Connecticut’s borders, ensuring the safety and resilience of our country when called upon, no matter the challenge.”
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The Connecticut Army National Guard crew will spend about a week in North Carolina to assist with recovery efforts.
“I am appreciative of all the members of the Connecticut National Guard for always being ready and willing to respond to emergencies at a moment’s notice, and I thank the 1-169th Aviation Regiment for accepting this mission,” Gov. Lamont said.
