Gov. Newsom addresses Hurricane Helene: ‘Our hearts are with all those impacted’

(KRON) — Gov. Gavin Newsom addressed those affected by Hurricane Helene, now upgraded to a Category 2 Storm, on the social platform X.

In the post published Saturday evening, Newsom expressed, “Our hearts are with all those impacted by Hurricane Helene. California has deployed 166 firefighters and support personnel, including the California Swiftwater Task Force. We will continue to support the work of emergency responders in these hard-hit states.”

A Category 2 storm features hazardous winds that range from 96 to 110 mph and has the potential to cause significant damage, according to the National Weather Service.

On Friday, Newsom announced the deployment of California Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) members to assist in the hurricane-stricken areas. He detailed that, in close coordination with FEMA, the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) is sending 151 firefighters and support personnel from California/FEMA US&R Task Forces 5, 6, and 8, comprising members from the Orange County Fire Authority, Riverside Fire Department, and San Diego Fire Department. This deployment also includes California Swiftwater Task Force 1 from the Los Angeles Fire Department.

Earlier this week, Newsom dispatched aid to Florida, following similar support for Texas in July and Georgia in August.

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