California firefighters sent to Kentucky to help with upcoming storms

California will send urban search and rescue firefighters to Kentucky to help with the severe storms forcasted to hit the state this week. 

"California understands the threat extreme weather poses and stands with Kentucky ahead of the storms set to impact their state," Gov. Gavin Newsom said. "These deployed resources will provide additional support to first responders across Kentucky to prepare and respond to storms."

The series of storms are expected to bring a severe weather risk that could bring a historic amount of rain and carries a strong possibility of devastating tornadoes. Ahead of the inclement weather, Gov. Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency, prompting FEMA to request additional help from California. 

"We are most concerned about the area of Western Kentucky that has gotten hit far too much, as well as a wider area of Western Kentucky," Gov. Beshear said. "Remember, these can be strong tornadoes, EF-2 and greater. We're really concerned about people's safety, especially in the overnight, because when storms or tornadoes hit while people are asleep, that's sadly when we've lost the most people." 

The California Governor's Office of Emergency Services said it will send four specially trained search and rescue firefighters to augment FEMA's Incident Support team. 

"As Kentucky prepares for a series of dangerous storms, we're proud to send California-based firefighters with expertise in responding to this type of weather," said Cal OES Director Nancy Ward. "Their experience will help bolster response efforts."

In addition to tornadoes, the storms could bring hail and flooding for four days.