Tennessee Swiftwater Rescue Team heading to Florida ahead of hurricane

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WJHL) — The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) announced on Wednesday that it had deployed a Swiftwater Rescue Team to Florida to assist in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.

The hurricane is expected to bring heavy rain, serious flooding, extreme winds and other dangers to parts of Florida.

According to a news release from TEMA, the Swiftwater Rescue Team is made up of “highly trained professionals in swift water rescue, search and recovery, and medical response.”

The team is comprised of 17 members from the Nashville and Franklin Fire Departments and the Williamson County Emergency Management Agency.

“Our top priority is protecting lives, and we are proud to use the Emergency Management Assistance Compact network to support our coastal states in their time of need,” TEMA Director Patrick C. Sheehan said in the release. “With Hurricane Helene rapidly approaching, our team is prepared to act swiftly and effectively to help mitigate the storm’s impact and assist in rescue operations. I’m incredibly grateful for our local partners’ willingness to embody the volunteer spirit.”

Impacts from Hurricane Helene are anticipated to hit Tennessee on Thursday.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather.