Urgent Disaster Update: August 23

Disasters call on us to act now {NAME}, the Red Cross needs your help. Just this weekend, we saw Tropical Storm Henri make a rare landfall in Westerly, Rhode Island, on Sunday which left more than 100,000 households without power, devastating flooding in Tennessee that left over 20 dead and dozens missing, and ongoing critical wildfire conditions in western states which have burned over 4.5 million acres so far this year. These disasters bring devastating damage to communities across the country, leaving thousands displaced, not knowing whether they’ll have a home to return to. [{NAME}, families and individuals affected by disasters like these and countless other crises need your help.]( Your support can help the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, cleanup supplies, mental health support, and, most importantly, hope to families in need. I want to share with you today’s Daily Disaster Update — this update keeps Red Cross staff informed about our response to disasters big and small, from the significant disasters we’ve seen this weekend to everyday disasters like home fires across the country. [{NAME}, can you take a moment to help communities affected by disasters like the ones below with a gift today?]( Communities across the country count on the Red Cross for help every day — and supporting those in need is at the heart of what we do. We are so grateful for your continued support that makes it possible for the Red Cross to be there whenever and wherever we’re needed most. —American Red Cross Disaster Response Team [GIVE NOW]( [MAKE A MONTHLY IMPACT]( Having trouble viewing this message? [Click Here]( [A Red Cross volunteer moves disaster supplies.]( [American Red Cross]( Daily Disaster Update Hurricane Henri Henri strengthened to a Category 1 hurricane before weakening to a tropical storm and making a rare landfall near Westerly, Rhode Island, on Sunday. It is now a tropical depression but is still bringing heavy rainfall and flooding across parts of southern New England and the northern Mid-Atlantic states through Monday. Henri knocked out power for some 140,000 customers from New Jersey to Maine over the weekend. While Henri continues to weaken as it moves across Connecticut and Massachusetts today, heavy rain and flooding remain significant threats for portions of the Northeast through Monday night. The American Red Cross is coordinating with community partners and emergency responders as we respond to impacts from Henri. Working with our partners, 25 emergency shelters provided safe refuge for about 125 people as of Sunday morning. More than 420 Red Cross disaster responders are supporting efforts across the Northeast, having already served thousands of meals and snacks. As weather conditions improve in the next few days, we will be assessing the damage left behind by Henri, providing needed emergency supplies, and working with our partners to help those affected recover from this disaster. Alabama – Single-Family Fire A single family fire involving two adults and five children caused multiple significant injuries in Houston County. One adult and four children were taken to the hospital, and one child remains hospitalized. The Red Cross is working to provide health services and recovery assistance. Florida – Severe Storm Heavy rainfall created a significant amount of flooding in an apartment building in Okaloosa County. A shelter has been located at the Fort Walton Fairgrounds. The Red Cross is working to provide shelter, food and health services. A severe storm affected 10 homes in Bay County. The Red Cross is working to provide shelter and food. Massachusetts – Motel Fire A motel fire in Worcester County that initially affected 12 rooms has resulted in all 120 rooms being marked as uninhabitable at this time. All residents have been displaced. The Red Cross is working to provide shelter, food and recovery assistance, as well as health, mental health and spiritual care services. Mississippi – Tornado A tornado was spotted in Tishomingo County and wind damage has reportedly affected 50 homes and 200 residents. The Red Cross is working to provide health services and other support if needed. New Jersey - Flood Flooding is occurring in Middlesex County that is threatening various residents. The Red Cross is working to provide health and mental health services, spiritual care and critical emergency supplies. Pennsylvania – Flood Heavy rain caused flash flooding that affected a townhouse complex in Champaign County early Monday morning. The Red Cross is working to provide shelter and critical emergency supplies. Tennessee – Floods and Multi-Family Fire Within a 12-hour period Friday night into early Saturday, flooding affected Hickman, Houston, Humphreys and Dickson counties after a record 17 inches inundated Middle Tennessee. Sadly, this event has left over 20 dead and dozens missing. Damage assessments are underway. Local emergency management officials requested shelters to be opened in Dickson and Hickman counties, where the Red Cross provided personnel and supplies. On Sunday night, more than 90 people spent the night in five Red Cross and community shelters across Tennessee. In addition, the Red Cross is providing health and mental health support at a Reunification Center opened in a local high school. Plans have been developed to provide shelter, health and mental health services, damage assessment and recovery assistance in the days and weeks to come for the affected communities. In addition to this event, an apartment fire in Sullivan County has affected three units and resulted in power being shut off to the entire building. Electrical repairs must be made before power can be restored. The Red Cross expects to provide recovery assistance to the affected residents. Washington – Commercial Fire and Single-Family Fire A commercial fire in Pierce County prompted an evacuation that could affect thousands of homes. Local emergency management has requested water, snacks and lunch for 60 people at the evacuation center. The Red Cross is working to provide food and additional assistance as requested. A single-family fire with 2 fatalities occurred in Spokane County on Sunday. The Red Cross is working to provide health, mental health and spiritual care services. 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