Michigan State Police sends help to North Carolina after flooding from Tropical Storm Helene

A 19-member task force will conduct missions, including water rescues and flood response operations, to reports of trapped residents and motorists.

MICHIGAN—The Michigan State Police Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division has deployed a task force to help with potential water search and rescue operations in North Carolina caused by Tropical Storm Helene.

Tropical storm and flood warnings are in effect across North Carolina, where more than half a foot of rain fell before Hurricane Helene slammed into Florida as a powerful Category 4 storm. Flash floods, landslides, and heavy winds are expected to intensify in North Carolina as Tropical Storm Helene moves inland.

The 19-member Michigan Task Force 1 Type I Swiftwater Team deployed on September 26 for a nine-day mission. The team comprises responders from 10 local fire departments across Michigan and will join rescuers from North Carolina and several other states.

“We anticipate dangerous conditions but stand ready to assist when other states are in need of help,” said Capt. Kevin Sweeney, deputy state director of Emergency Management and commander of the MSP/EMHSD. “We are proud of Michigan Task Force 1 and the reputation it has built as a live-saving resource. The state of North Carolina made a direct request for this specific team. We wish them a safe and successful mission.”

MI-TF1 will conduct missions, including water rescues and flood response operations to reports of trapped residents and motorists. The team is also able to rescue small animals and pets.

The team is expected to be on the ground in North Carolina through October 4.