American Red Cross deploys disaster responders from Arkansas & Missouri to prepare for Hurricane Helene

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – The American Red Cross of Arkansas and Missouri Region is gearing up to lend a helping hand to those impacted by Hurricane Helene.

Officials with the American Red Cross said there were 18 disaster responders deployed from Missouri and Arkansas for support during the storm. Five volunteers are from Arkansas and 13 are from Missouri.

Red Cross officials said two Emergency Response Vehicles will be available. One team left earlier this week, and another team is scheduled to leave from Little Rock Thursday.

“Time and time again, we have seen our volunteers step up to provide help and hope to those in need during their darkest hour,” Lori Arnold-Ellis, executive director for the Greater Arkansas Chapter said. “And we will continue to do so for as long as there is a need, whether at home or across the country.”

Hurricane Helene has developed into a category 3 Hurricane, moving in the Gulf of Mexico toward Florida.

Officials with the National Hurricane Center said the hurricane is expected to make landfall Thursday night. Weather officials in Florida described the storm as “unsurvivable.” Hurricane Helene is expected to weaken once it makes landfall, but damaging winds are still possible.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK.