West Virginia National Guard deploying to Florida to aid Hurricane Milton response

CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) — Around 40 members of the West Virginia National Guard are set to be deployed to Florida to aid in recovery and response efforts as Hurricane Milton approaches the state.

Hurricane Milton is expected make landfall in the Tampa Bay region on Oct. 9 as a Category 3 storm.

According to a Tuesday release from the office of Governor Jim Justice, around 10-12 Airmen will deploy to assist search and recovery operations while approximately 30 engineers will deploy to assist in debris removal and management operations.

“With the devastation of Hurricane Helene still present, Florida is now under threat of a storm with even deadlier potential,” Maj. Gen. Bill Crane, Adjutant General of the West Virginia National Guard, said. “Our Soldiers and Airmen will be there to help support response and relief efforts as needed, support first responders and officials, help citizens survive, and help stabilize communities in the aftermath of Milton. One of the most important missions of our National Guard is neighbors helping neighbors.”

Both deployed groups are expected to be on the ground for around12 days while under the command of the Florida National Guard, providing assistance where needed as determined by state and local officials.

Gov. Justice ordered the deployment through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact, an agreement to render mutual aid among states and territories of the United States during disasters.

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