Gov. Tim Walz authorized the Minnesota National Guard on Monday to provide assistance as Hurricane Milton intensifies and approaches Florida.

The deployment of the state’s National Guard was announced the same day the National Hurricane Center upgraded Milton to a powerful Category 5 hurricane.

Last week, Walz signed another executive order authorizing a response team to North Carolina, which has been devastated by Hurricane Helene.

“Minnesota will provide every resource we can to support communities across the south that have been devastated this hurricane season,” Walz said in a Monday statement. “In this time of crisis, Minnesota’s first responders have demonstrated unyielding dedication. Their efforts are making a critical difference.”

In North Carolina and South Carolina, the Minnesota National Guard, St. Louis County Mobile Command Post and the Minnesota All Hazard Incident Management Team are currently on site helping with recovery efforts.

The Minnesota National Guard is currently working with the state Department of Public Safety’s division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management to determine Florida’s needs and the mission’s objectives. The Minnesota Guard will remain in Florida until Nov. 6, or until assistance is no longer needed, whichever comes first.

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