WASHINGTON (AP) — The expected high winds and slow movement of Hurricane Florence as it comes ashore will make rescue efforts challenging in the flooded areas, top Pentagon leaders said Thursday as the massive storm edged into the Carolinas.
Air Force Gen. Terrence J. O'Shaughnessy, head of U.S. Northern Command, said that while search and rescue is a top priority, the weather may prevent rescuers from getting in during the hours immediately after the storm hits.
"This particular storm I think is going to be challenging," O'Shaughnessy told reporters during a Pentagon briefing. "Because of the slow-moving nature of the storm, it could very well stay with high winds, inclement weather for a long period of time, which is going to mean that any rescue effort is going to take time."
He said it's not clear how many people refused to evacuate and have hunkered down in their homes or shelters. But getting to any of those in need will be difficult in the early stages of the storm.
According to O-Shaughnessy, there are about 7,000 U.S. military forces, including 4,000 National Guard and 3,000 active duty, currently in place and ready to respond to the storm, along with ships, helicopters, high-wheeled vehicles and other equipment. And, thousands of additional troops have been ordered to prepare to deploy if needed.
He warned that while local National Guard forces are well-positioned to respond to search and rescue needs, "the magnitude of the storm may exceed their capability." If that happens, he said the active duty troops and Coast Guard will be ready "at a moment's notice."
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