More than 3,500 National Guard soldiers and airmen have been deployed to Florida in response to the onslaught of wind, rain and floods brought on by Tropical Storm Debby.

The storm, which landed in Florida on Aug. 5 as a Category 1 hurricane before being downgraded to a tropical storm, was expected to continue moving through portions of the Southeast U.S., delivering heavy rainfall, storm surges and a potential for some tornadoes, according to the National Weather Service.

The governors of Florida, South Carolina and Kentucky mobilized personnel and resources to help with the devastation caused by the storm, including helicopters and ground tactical vehicles, according to Tom Wheeler, a spokesman for the Army National Guard.

“The South Carolina National Guard is trained and ready to assist the citizens of the state of Florida,” Maj. Gen. R. Van McCarty, the adjutant general of South Carolina, said in a news release. “The 1050th [Transportation Battalion] has the ability to mobilize for support on short notice and will be providing resources as needed.” 

Some 70 National Guard soldiers and 30 high-water vehicles, with additional support and personnel, had moved into Florida by Aug. 4 to assist local and state officials with various recovery efforts, according to the South Carolina news release.

The high-water vehicles can be used in areas flooded by storm surges to provide access to roads that may be cut off to other vehicles and increase access to inaccessible areas other than by boats.

“The soldiers of the 1050th Transportation Battalion are ready to support this nation and are excited to be afforded the opportunity to support the citizens of Florida during this time of need,” Col. Denton Smith, commander of the South Carolina National Guard 59th Troop Command, said in the release.