Virginia’s first responders carry out over 70 water rescues as Helene’s storms hit

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Virginia’s first responders carried out over 70 water rescues throughout the state on Friday as the effects of Helene are felt in the Commonwealth.

Gov. Glenn Youngkin celebrated the hard work of both Virginia State Police and the Virginia National Guard as they responded to areas impacted by storms surrounding Helene on Friday, Sept. 27.

“Today, with the heroic actions of our swift water rescue teams from Virginia State Police and Virginia National Guard, there have been more than 70 successful swift water rescue operations, including a minor,” Youngkin said in a statement Friday night.

Youngkin’s office reported that there are nearly 300,000 power outages throughout Virginia as of the time of reporting. Restoring power is one of several priorities officials have on their list.

“The Virginia Emergency Support Team remains fully activated on 24-hour shifts, with waters expected to crest in the early morning hours,” Youngkin said. “Virginia National Guard and Department of Forestry teams will continue working through the night with chainsaw teams and [The Virginia Department of Transportation] has debris clearance teams active.”

Southwestern Virginia was especially impacted by these storms. According to Youngkin, his administration is working to bring food and water to that region, supporting its food supply operations, points of distribution and shelters.

As of the time of reporting, at least two people have died and at least two people have been injured in Virginia during Friday’s severe weather. This includes a woman in Craig County who was killed when a barn and large tree fell, as well as an unidentified person from western Virginia, per the Virginia Department of Health .

“This storm remains a life-threatening event,” Youngkin said. “We urge all Virginians to stay informed, allow our courageous first responders and emergency officials to continue their work and heed the warnings of local and state officials as rescue, recovery and restoration continues across the Commonwealth.”

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