ARLINGTON, Va. - Hundreds of National Guard Soldiers in Texas and Louisiana were prepared to respond with manpower and equipment Thursday as Hurricane Humberto was downgraded to an inland tropical storm by the National Weather Service.
Humberto hit southeast Texas, near the Louisiana border, early in the morning as a Category 1 hurricane with sustained winds of 80 mph and higher gusts. The storm tracked to the northeast throughout the day and was downgraded to an inland tropical storm by the National Weather Service.
As of 12:30 p.m., the storm continued to travel northeast with sustained winds of 65 mph with higher gusts. Additional weakening of the storm was expected. Tornados were possible near the center of the storm.
"We have about 250 Soldiers called up," said Tech. Sgt. Gregory Ripps, a Texas National Guard spokesman. The state also had 50 "high-profile" trucks on standby with the capability to drive into flooded areas to conduct rescue operations.
Six UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters were on standby to respond to calls for emergency equipment, personnel, supplies and services.
In Louisiana, the state's Emergency Operation Centers were on alert as Gov. Kathleen Blanco declared a state of emergency.
Louisiana Guard officials said the state's preparations included placing the Army Guard's 3rd Battalion, 156th Infantry, located in the southwestern part of the state, on standby.
The National Weather Service predicted some locations would receive up to 15 inches of rain from the storm.
"Right now, we are monitoring the situation and preparing to respond if needed," said Capt. Taysha Deaton, a Louisiana Guard spokesperson.