CHARLOTTE, N.C. — More than 180 members of the National Guard will deploy to North Carolina’s coast ahead of Hurricane Matthew.
The governor of North Carolina called the hurricane slow moving and unpredictable.
North Carolina is one of several states under a State of Emergency.
"We're ready to move,” Gov. Pat McCrory said Wednesday at a news conference. “We're still guarded and our forces are on call.”
It’s been a busy couple of weeks for North Carolina’s National Guard.
More than 200 members were recently deployed to Charlotte when some protests turned violent after the police shooting death of Keith Lamont Scott, who Charlotte-Mecklenburg police said had a gun.
The National Guard remains motivated and ready to respond as Hurricane Matthew approaches, officials said.
“Many guardsmen have been through natural disasters and know what it can do to families and neighborhoods,” said Lt. Col. Matthew Devivo, with the North Carolina National Guard.
A fleet of more than 20 high-water rescue trucks will also head to North Carolina’s cost.
The trucks can drive through two and a half feet of water. This will allow members to rescue potential flood victims and transport any needed supplies.
"We can pull people out of a bad situation if need be,” said Sgt. 1st Class David Leary.
The National Guard will also be on hand to help with road closures and communication needs, should areas lose phone, internet or satellite reception.
Officials said members will be stationed in several towns near the coast and will likely arrive in these locations Thursday afternoon or evening.
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