WORCESTER COUNTY, Mass. - Southbridge Firefighters TJ Edwards and Lt. Chris Wilson are two of 50 first responders in Central Massachusetts who are preparing to help with search and rescue efforts, during Tropical Storm Henri. 

What You Need To Know

  • Tropical Storm Henri is expected to hit New England this weekend
  • Technical teams in Central Massachusetts are ready to help with search and rescue efforts during Tropical Storm Henri
  • About 50 first responders are part of the Technical Teams
  • Fire officials say to avoid travel and roads that flood easily

Sutton Fire Chief Matt Belsito, is chairman of one the technical teams, which will go out into flash flooding.

“This is what the men and women of these specialized teams train for," Chief Belsito said. He says Central Massachusetts fire districts are working together with the state to prepare for this weekend's storm. High winds and heavy ran fall are expected.

“We are prepared. We are ready," Belsito said. "The entire Commonwealth, I can tell you with great confidence, is prepared and ready."

And fire officials aren’t the only ones gearing up for the hurricane. Residents like Ed Barker are grabbing extra groceries.

“Just something to be, you know, prepared for like a heat wave, you know," Barker said. "You have stuff on hand to take care of, batteries that kind of thing."

“I think that's gonna be what it is. I mean it's New England and we never know what we're going to get, so it's going to be what it is," Kim Youkstetter said. "We'll just stay inside and have a good time." 

Chief Belsito says staying indoors is exactly what you should do in bad weather, otherwise firefighters could end up trying to save you.