Local water rescue teams on high alert as Hurricane Helene threatens heavy rainfall and flash flooding

The approach of Hurricane Helene is causing unease among residents who remember the devastating floods caused by the remnants of Tropical Storm Fred in 2021.

That storm led to deadly floods and mudslides in western North Carolina communities like Canton in Haywood County.

As Helene draws closer, local emergency services are preparing for potential flooding and water rescues.

“We are responding with what we refer to as a structural rescue team,” said Chief Patrick Marks of the Raleigh Fire Department. “We have quite a bit of equipment in case of building collapse or mudslides.”

Early in the morning, the team was gearing up with boats and other water rescue gear, a necessity in case flash flooding occurs.

“We also have water rescue capability,” Marks said. “We’re carrying boats, which is critical in these types of situations.”

Raleigh’s water rescue teams are fully prepared and on high alert, ensuring they are ready to respond to any emergencies that may arise.

The hurricane, currently projected to land in southern Florida as a Category 3, raises concerns about heavy rainfall, storm surges and potential flooding across North Carolina, including inland areas like Raleigh.

The team was preparing for the six-hour trip from Raleigh to Haywood County.

Thirty firefighters, medics and other personnel will be heading out, equipped to be self-sufficient for the duration of the deployment.

“We’re taking a team of 30 people. We plan on being fully self-sufficient, which means we are bringing our own medics, communication system, food, water and shelter.”

Raleigh’s water rescue teams are part of a statewide emergency response network, pooling resources with agencies from surrounding counties to ensure they can meet the demand.

Over the past week, rescue teams have conducted simulated water rescues, practicing maneuvers to retrieve stranded individuals from submerged vehicles and setting up staging areas for quick deployment.

The challenges these teams face can be daunting. As Marks pointed out, when responding to disasters, there may be moments when “seconds are all we have to effect a rescue, especially if someone is trapped or entangled.”

The team has experience working under pressure and in dangerous environments. This will be firefighter Matt Wacenske’s third deployment for natural disaster rescue. Reflecting on the mix of excitement and danger.

“It happens quickly,” said Wacenske. “If you get trapped in water, there’s not a whole lot you can do to fight it.”

Despite the danger, the rescue team is motivated by the opportunity to help people in dire situations.

“It’s not an easy situation for anyone,” Wacenske said. “We don’t do this every day—maybe once or three times a year. But when you can help people, it’s incredible.”

Due to the city’s inland location, the primary risk comes from flash flooding triggered by prolonged rainfall.

The National Weather Service has already warned about possible flash floods, and parts of the city have been identified as high-risk zones.