RICHMOND, Va. — Virginia National Guard (VNG) members are preparing for possible severe weather operations across the Commonwealth. Eight soldiers and four tactical trucks, capable of plowing through high water to rescue people, were staged on the Eastern Shore area of Virginia on Monday.
The soldiers are in contact with local emergency managers and will provide assistance if needed. VNG has also staged 12 soldiers and six trucks at readiness centers in the Hampton Roads area.
“The Virginia National Guard stays in close contact with the Virginia Department of Emergency Management and the rest of Virginia’s emergency response community when severe weather threatens in order to quickly and safely provide capabilities requested by localities,” explained Brig. Gen. James W. Ring, Virginia National Guard director of the joint staff. “We are extremely proud of the rapid response of our personnel to get high water transportation capabilities in place where it could be needed, and the VNG will remain on duty as long as possible flooding and high winds are expected. As always, we are very thankful for the continued support of families and employers which is absolutely critical to mission success.”
Typically, officials say VNG operations during a hurricane or tropical storm include transporting first responders, moving people to safe locations, distributing water and food to remote areas, and providing chain saw teams to help reduce debris to clear roads or power line routes.
Debris reduction teams have been alerted to the possible upcoming severe weather, but have not been activated or staged.
Virginia National Guard members mobilize ahead of possible severe weather
The Virginia Helicopter Aquatic Rescue Team has also been alerted to a higher state of readiness and can be fully activated if needed.
The Virginia National Guard initially staged approximately 60 soldiers and airmen at key locations in the Abingdon, Roanoke, Richmond and Virginia Beach areas for possible severe weather response operations related to Hurricane Ian Sept. 30, 2022.
Officials say most of those forces stood down Sunday, some were redirected to the Eastern Shore and additional personnel were brought on duty Monday in the Hampton Roads area.
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