FEMA prepares to respond to dangerous storm surge, flash flooding in Hurricane Helene's aftermath
Officials urge residents to stay vigilant as Hurricane Helene continues to impact Florida and neighboring states.
Officials urge residents to stay vigilant as Hurricane Helene continues to impact Florida and neighboring states.
Officials urge residents to stay vigilant as Hurricane Helene continues to impact Florida and neighboring states.
As Hurricane Helene roared ashore in Florida Thursday night, high winds sent debris flying and caused significant damage.
But officials are warning of something they consider even more dangerous: "nightmarish" flash flooding and storm surge. They caution people to remain alert as Hurricane Helene continues to pose significant threats in Florida and surrounding areas.
Federal Emergency Management Agency Administrator Deanne Criswell says every resource, including food, water, generators and over 700 personnel, is ready to help. She warns that people in Helene's path and surrounding areas should heed local officials' warnings.
"They have got to take the threat of water from this storm seriously and not just look at the cone," Criswell said.
Criswell said emergency responders, medical teams, and engineer teams are standing by in neighboring states. With the storm moving further inland, FEMA expects more flash flooding and storm surge to happen in Florida and also in neighboring Georgia, Alabama, the Carolinas and Virginia.
"I am going to travel to Florida on Friday, and with that, we will be assessing damages," Criswell said. "If there is a major disaster declaration, that will open up even more resources."
Criswell says it has no issue responding to Helene and others in the short term, ensuring that immediate needs like shelter, food, and water are available.
But long-term recovery efforts, such as rebuilding and insurance, are not as clear.
FEMA has requested supplemental funding from Congress to assist with long-term projects, but the recent approval of a short-term budget did not include that request. Instead, the budget allows FEMA to use money already set aside in the president's budget.
Criswell says that without additional funding, FEMA could run out of resources by early next year.