Guard Positioning Troops In Va. For Storm Help

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) -- The National Guard Bureau is positioning troops in Virginia to provide assistance in the state and other states after Hurricane Irene passes.

If needed, the Virginia National Guard says the troops and equipment could be deployed in Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey or Washington, D.C.

South Carolina National Guard members are coming to Sandston to help position aviation equipment. Tennessee National Guard troops are on alert and could come to Virginia on Sunday to provide help across the region.

About 325 Virginia National Guard troops are staged at Guard facilities in Bowling Green, Emporia and Sandston. They have also joined Virginia State Police near Onancock on the Eastern Shore.

Anticipated missions include high water transport and recovery, light debris removal and route clearance.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)