OHIO — Ohio Task Force 1 is situated in Orlando, ready to help the region as Hurricane Helene approaches.
Hurricane Helene, currently a Category 2, is expected to make landfall in Florida's Big Bend coast, east of Pensacola, by Thursday evening.
Spectrum News 1 meteorologists said flooding has already been occurring in the mountainous parts of North Carolina, and some mountain communities could expect 18 inches of rain.
Not only is the hurricane expected to create flash flooding, but a lot of landslides as well.
To help, OTF-1 is assisting local responders without placing more demand on resources.
OTF-1 sent 82 members that are skilled in water rescue, K-9 and more. Additonally, they took over 50 tons of equipment with them.
In addition to OTF-1, Tennessee Task Force 1, Virginia Task Force 1 and Virginia Task Force 2, Indiana Task Force 1 and Texas Task Force 1 are also down south to assist.