UPDATE 2: Multimedia Release: Coast Guard Hurricane Florence Response

Multimedia Release

Sept. 17, 2018 U.S. Coast Guard Hurricane Florence Response Contact: Hurricane Response Media Operations Centers Hampton Roads/Elizabeth City: (757) 295-8435 North Carolina: (252) 515-0895 USCGHurricaneFlorence@gmail.com South Carolina: (305) 318-1864 D7CGFlorence@gmail.com Hurricane Florence online newsroom

UPDATE 2: Coast Guard Hurricane Florence Response

Editors' Note: Click on images to download high resolution version.

ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. - Coast Guard response operations are underway in the coastal portion of North Carolina, Saturday.

• Coast Guard helicopter crews from across the Coast Guard have rescued 206 people and 108 pets in North Carolina since Hurricane Florence began.
• Coast Guard shallow water response teams are clearing roads in the counties of Samson, Cumberland, Columbus and Lenoir to enable emergency crews and shallow water vessels to reach those in distress.
• Currently there are more than 3,000 Coast Guard members responding to Hurricane Florence.
• There are 35 shallow-water rescue boat teams deployed to North Carolina.
• The Coast Guard is currently conducting air operations based out of Elizabeth City and Savannah.
• Port Condition Zulu remains in effect for the ports of Wilmington, Morehead City, and Georgetown, S.C. In Port Condition Zulu the port is closed, and all port operations are suspended.
• The ports of Charleston, S.C., and Hampton Roads, VA, have been reopened, but mariners are encouraged to use extreme caution.
• Seven buoy-tending cutters have been directed to North Carolina to survey and open the ports of Wilmington and Morehead City as well as the North Carolina ferry system.
• Coast Guard helicopter crews from Air Station Savannah searched the entirety of the Georgia and South Carolina coast without finding anyone in need. These nine aircraft will be deployed to Myrtle Beach to begin operating in affected areas of North Carolina Sunday.

"Coast Guard personnel continue to work with our federal, state and local agency partners to aid those impacted by Hurricane Florence," said Rear Adm. Keith Smith, commander, Coast Guard 5th District. "With the continued rainfall and record-level inland flooding, we highly encourage residents to heed the orders and instructions of their local officials, and to call 9-1-1 if you are in danger or need of assistance.  Our interagency response includes rotary and fixed wing aircraft and shallow water response teams prepared to respond to emergencies."

 

-USCG-