WASHINGTON — Wednesday night, Hurricane Milton slammed into Florida, about 250 miles away from where Hurricane Helene hit two weeks ago.
"Most people here who we have interacted with have not seen anything like this," said Jennifer Hiner, a medical specialist with Virginia Task Force One (VA-TF1).
Hiner and the team deployed at the end of September to Florida, but were moved to North Carolina to help there. She said the community has been so kind to the team and appreciative.
"They're hugging us. They're crying. They are very thankful and appreciative that we are here," said Hiner.
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She told WUSA9 they've been watching closely as Milton made it's way across Florida.
"We are all watching the news, watching the storm get ready to hit an effected area that already went through a lot," said Hiner.
For now, they're staying put in North Carolina, but that could change in the coming days.
"We definitely want to be there and help the residents of Florida. But, we can't leave until our job is done in North Carolina, so that's where our focus is," said Hiner.
Tuesday night, Maryland Task Force One sent a crew down to North Carolina, to relieve those who were already stationed there.
And Thursday morning, the National Capital and Greater Chesapeake Region of the Red Cross has planned to deploy two large command and control vehicles to Florida, making a 900 mile journey from Gaithersburg.
The first vehicle is named “Red Wolf.”
It's about 40 feet long and is used as a mobile command and control center.
It's equipped with a 50-foot extendable mast that can hold antennae and cameras, as well as a 20-foot mast with similar capabilities.
"It has satellite communications, the ability to monitor weather," said Scott Marder, the Regional Communications Manager for the National Capital and Greater Chesapeake Region Red Cross.
The second vehicle is “Rollin Nolan,” It's 30 feet long.
"We can turn it into a place to meet with families who are recovering. We can use it as a space for workers on the ground," said Marder.
The Red Cross spokesperson told WUSA9 to remember, that these storms will have a lasting impact on the communities impacted.
"Once the storm comes through they're going to go through a very difficult and long recovery process. This isn't going to be overnight for many of them and it's going to be a long time before their lives return to normal," said Marder.
He said the Red Cross is always accepting donations. And for those who want to help in person, there are also volunteer opportunities.
If you'd like to volunteer with the Red Cross, click here.
Another way you can help is by donating blood. Marder told WUSA9 that Helene canceled more than 100 blood drives.
For more information about where you can donate blood, click here.
