Firefighters Saving Lives, Except Their Own

SAVING THOSE WHO SAVE OTHERS: A RETIRED CHIEF AIMS TO STOP FIREFIGHTER SUICIDES 
East County Magazine
By Miriam Raftery

November 22, 2017 

Most are young or in the prime of life; 228 were between age 17 and 30, 265 were  age 31 to 40, 269 were age 41 to 50, and 190 were age 51 to 60.  Firefighters in their  60s and 70s accounted for 48 and 30 suicides respectively, and 49 were of unknown age. 

(San Diego’s East County) – Last year, 69 firefighters in the U.S. died in the line of duty, the National Fire Protection Association reports. But far more  -- 139 – took their own lives.

So far this year, 86 firefighters have been lost through suicide—including Cal Fire Captain Ryan Mitchell, who killed himself at the Pine Valley Bridge in San Diego’s East County earlier this month.

Jeff Dill, CEO and founder of the Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance (www.ffbha.org) , is determined to save firefighters’ lives  through special workshops designed by a firefighter, for a firefighter.

The workshops are offered to fire departments across the nation. They focus on behavioral health awareness, suicide prevention, and making resources available to help firefighters and their families.  

“Five years ago, no one was taking down these names and numbers,” says Dill,  a retired battalion chief who got his masters degree in counseling in Illinois and has since done research to compile data on firefighter suicides, then went on to create programs to help prevent such tragedies.

Since 1880, when the earliest known suicide occurred (a fire chief in Auburn, New York), at least 1,078 firefighters have killed themselves.  Sixty of those deaths were in California, the fifth highest rate in the nation after Illinois, Texas, Pennsylvania and New York, the FFBHA reports.
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In 2008, I received and award from the IFO for my work as a Chaplain. That was topped off only by hearing this video, intended for National Guard and Reservists, was helping police officers and firefighters.

When we can understand regular folks surviving trauma, it shouldn't be hard to understand when someone risks their lives on a daily basis to end up suffering for what they are willing to do for the rest of us.

They wouldn't be wounded if they didn't care enough to endure all of it for our sake!

Dentist Didn't Want Veteran to Wait, So He Paid the Bill

Dentist pays $15,000 bill for military veteran's dental work

FOX 35 News

November 17, 2017

Instead of waiting months for the paperwork to go through the VA, Dr. Nguyen wanted to help him immediately and cease his pain. So, he took care of the bill and went to work.

HOUSTON, Tx. - Most of us don’t look forward to going to the dentist, but this story could relieve some fears about your next visit.

When retired Staff Sergeant David Tyler Harmon and dentist, Dr. David Nguyen, met at their local gym, Harmon decided to book a cleaning. He had no idea it would turn into two weeks of dental work. He also didn’t know about the kindness in his new dentist’s heart.

"I came in for a cleaning, and he's like, 'My goodness!'" Harmon told FOX 26. "And I start telling him all the pain I'm in."

"All veterans are heroes," said Dr. Nguyen. "They give up so much for this country, and whatever I can do just to help him out a little bit, it's all worth it to me." read more here

First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs Begins Again

One week later: Texas church members gather for first Sunday service after mass shooting

USA Today Network
Author: John C Moritz
November 12, 2017

“Do not allow the lives that were lost or changed, to be in vain,” he said. Then his voice cracked, and he had to pause. The congregation stood to applaud. He regained his voice: “I know everyone who gave their life that day. Some of them were my best friends —and my daughter.”read more here

Shooting at Church 27 People Killed and 27 Injured

At least 27 dead, more than two dozen injured in shooting at rural Texas church

ABC news

M. L. Nestel and Emily Shapiro

November 5, 2017

At least 27 people were killed and 27 others injured in a mass shooting at a church in rural Texas this morning, a law enforcement official told ABC News.

The alleged shooter, who has not been identified, is dead following the massacre in Sutherland Springs, about 40 miles southeast of San Antonio, authorities said.

Among those killed at the First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs was a 14-year-old girl named Annabelle Renee Pomeroy, according to her father, Frank Pomeroy, who is a pastor at the church.

read more here

Vietnam Veteran General Richard Cavazos Passed Away

Army's first Hispanic four-star general, Kingsville native dies
Corpus Christi Caller-Times
Alexandria Rodriguez
October 30, 2017

The man who was raised by a cowhand on King Ranch and eventually became the United States Army's first Hispanic four-star general has died.

Richard Edward Cavazos, 88, died Sunday. He was living in the Army Residence Community in San Antonio. He is survived by his wife, Caroline, said Bill Fee, who served under Cavazos during the Vietnam War in 1967.

"The infantry men he led in Vietnam have been close to him ever since we got back from Vietnam, Fee said. "He's been a tremendous supporter of us ever since we got back. He's a remarkable gentleman."

The general also was the first Hispanic to attain the rank of brigadier general, according to biography.com. Cavazos spent most of his childhood on King Ranch with his father, a World World I veteran and foreman of the ranch's Santa Gertrudis division, the San Antonio Express-News reported in 2016.
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Police Officer Takes Action When 89 Year Old Veteran Appeared Abused

Elderly neglect suspected after veteran pictured with growth on ear
KENS 5 San Antonio
Marvin Hurst
October 26, 2017

SAN ANTONIO - An elderly man sitting in a local fast food restaurant seemed unaware of massive growth near and on his ear. Luckily, a law enforcement agent in the same restaurant was.

Prior to the agent's management denying access for an interview with KENS 5, we talked with him informally about an image of elderly man posted on his personal Facebook page. He said the man was an 89-year-old veteran who looked like he had maggots crawling in his ear.

KENS 5 confirmed the San Antonio Fire Department sent an EMS crew to 3239 South East Military Drive on October 18.

According to the law enforcement agent, the elderly man refused treatment because he was worried about the cost of the ambulance ride. The agent said they convinced the man to go to the hospital.
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Man Risked Life to Save Veteran and Wife in Las Vegas

Veteran talks to man who shielded him, dying wife, after Vegas shooting
KWTX 10 News
Julie Hays
October 5, 2017

WACO, Texas (KWTX) An Army veteran whose wife of 32 years was killed in the Las Vegas shooting rampage heads home Friday, but not before he talked to the stranger who shielded him and his dying wife as shots rang out.

“It was a selfless act of kindness,” Tony Burditus said Thursday.

His wife Denise was among the 58 who died when Stephen Paddock opened fire on the crowd at the Route 91 Harvest Festival Sunday night on the Las Vegas Strip.

Burditus will fly back to West Virginia Friday after the Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office released his wife’s body.

But before he left Las Vegas he had an emotional phone conversation with the stranger who threw himself on top of the couple as bullets flew.

Sam Porter, a CPA from California, was attending the three-day music festival outside the Mandalay Bay hotel with 15 friends, mostly Los Angeles firefighters, when bullets began to rain down around them.

As news organizations began to identify the shooting victims and showed photographs, Porter immediately recognized Denise.
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Humble Heroic Marine Received Navy Cross

Marine Who Braved RPG Fire to Save Commander Receives Navy Cross

Military.com

Hope Hodge Seck

September 14, 2017

"I understand that this places me in a category of Marines that I would have never imagined to be a part of. I firmly believe that I was an ordinary Marine placed in an extraordinary situation." Eric Smith

Eric Smith, a native of Waxahachie, Texas, was presented by Maj. Gen. Paul Kennedy, head of Marine Corps Recruiting Command, with the The Navy Cross. (U.S. Marine Corps/Sgt. Courtney White)

A Marine veteran who left the service as a staff sergeant had his Silver Star award upgraded to the prestigious Navy Cross in a ceremony Thursday presided over by a two-star general.

Eric Smith, a native of Waxahachie, Texas, was presented by Maj. Gen. Paul Kennedy, head of Marine Corps Recruiting Command, with the military's second-highest valor award in recognition of his heroic actions while serving in Ramadi, Iraq, in 2004.

The medal was upgraded to the Navy Cross as part of an awards review initiated by the Pentagon in early 2011 to ensure that troops serving in wars after Sept. 11, 2001, were properly recognized for their heroism.

Smith's Navy Cross is the 40th presented to a Marine since the Sept. 11 attacks, officials said.

"I'm honored and humbled to be singled out against a sea of deserving Marines," he said. "The significance of this award is not lost on me, and I will wear it with pride."

read more here

A Hundred Vietnam Veterans Return from Honor Flight to Honors

Vietnam vets have emotional homecoming after Honor Flight trip

KXAN StaffPublished: September 9, 2017

AUSTIN (KXAN) – About 100 Vietnam War veterans returned home to Central Texas Saturday evening, after visiting our nation’s capital on behalf of Honor Flight.

It’s an experience they said was special for them, and the reception they received upon arrival back at Austin Bergstrom International Airport brought out an emotional response.

“It was my first time in D.C. I really enjoyed it, and I wish everybody could do it,” said Alerse Martinez, Vietnam veteran. “This, I think, is great. I wish we would have had this 50 years ago. It would have been different.”

They were met upstairs in the airport terminal’s west ticketing area with a welcome home greeting from a big crowd.

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Vietnam Veterans Take Honor Flight With Dignity and Grace

Austin veterans head to D.C. to visit war memorials

FOX 7 News
RaeAnn Christensen
September 8, 2017

“When we saw what happened with these veterans when they saw the wall and when they etched their buddies name off the wall, it was unbelievable, it was a very powerful and painful but a healing experience.” Dulen Lee

There was a long overdue proper send off at the Austin airport Friday morning as more than 100 veterans took off for Washington, D.C. It was part of Honor Flight Austin and was extra special because it was the largest group to go so far and they all served in the Vietnam War.

The vets were met with cheers, smiles, waves, some tears, and many thank yous.

“It's very nice to get recognized because we did not get recognition in the 1970s and 60s,” said veteran Dulen Lee. Lee was one of the many who served in the Vietnam War, considered one of the most controversial wars. Many were not well received when they made their way back home.

“People stayed away from you or insulted you one of the two,” he said.

Lee is part of the group from the Austin area that will be visiting at our Nation’s Capital. But there's one memorial for them in particular, that has special meaning, the one built in their honor.
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Combat Wounded Army Veteran Faces Charges After Threats to VA

Texas Army veteran accused of threatening Veterans Administration

Associated Press

September 8, 2017

SAN ANTONIO (AP) A wounded retired soldier arrested by FBI agents in San Antonio is accused of threatening to kill Veterans Administration workers and posting online threats to blow up an agency building.

Federal prosecutors say Walter Steven Crosley, 44, told a VA nurse in June that he "may be the next guy that takes y'all out" and posted videos online threatening to destroy the VA facility in Kerrville.

Authorities say Crosley, from Lakehills, about 30 miles northwest of San Antonio, spent 13 years in the Army.

read more here

12 Texas Non-Profits Score $3.1 Million for Veterans

Texas Veterans Commission awards $3.1 Million to twelve non-profit organizations in S.A.

LA Prensa
Nathaly Cruz
September 7, 2017

On Wed. Sept. 6, twelve non-profit organizations were awarded a total of $3.1 million dollars in grant funding from the Texas Veterans Commission Fund for Veterans’ Assistance at SAMMinistries’ Transitional Living and Learning Center, 5922 Blanco Rd.

The ceremony took place at SAMMinistries’ Transitional Living and Learning Center, 5922 Blanco Rd. SAMMinistries received $800,000 to help veterans stay in their homes through their home prevention program. (Photo, Nathaly Cruz)

The 12 non-profit organizations that received grant awards from the Texas Veterans Commission are, 

Alamo Area Council of Governments (AACOG) – $300,000, 

American GI Forum – $300,000, 

Catholic Charities – San Antonio – $300,000, 

Operation Comfort – $200,000, 

Project MEND – $250,000, 

Salvation Army – San Antonio – $300,000, 

SAMMinistries – $300,000 (in a General Assistance grant) $500,000 (Veteran Homelessness Prevention programs), 

Southwest Area Regional Transit – $200,000, 

Operation Finally Home – $75,000, 

Bexar County – $200,000 , 

Comal County – $75,000 

Marriage Management Consultants – $100,000.

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Florida Needs to Learn From Harvey's Mistakes Preparing for Irma

Harvey victims can't always get life-saving aid easily, volunteers lament

FOX News
Hollie McKay
September 6, 2017

After Hurricane Harvey slammed ashore almost two weeks ago, scores of Americans made their way to Texas – but offering a helping hand in crisis is far from straightforward, which has left many volunteers frustrated and disheartened.

Water bottles waiting to be delivered to those in need after Hurricane Harvey.

Major players from the Texas National Guard and Texas State Troopers to the Red Cross, FEMA, Salvation Army quickly dispatched into the disaster zone, along with police, church groups, local and state aid groups and other well-intentioned people, quickly creating a chaos akin to too many cooks in the kitchen. It left assets and supplies languishing.

“We were trying to help a small community of people without food, water or electricity and had little contact with rescuers to receive supplies. They were very upset,” Chris Fiore, a 20-year-old volunteer Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and Texas native, told Fox News this week from Deweyville, Texas – a small town about 110 miles northeast of Houston washed out by floods. 

“But we were told by police that they couldn’t let anyone in and didn’t seem to have a good reason behind it. We had cases of water, MREs, dog food and basic sanitary items – we just wanted to bring people supplies. It was impossible for me just to sit in my house while people are in need.”

Fiore was joined by five well-trained U.S. military veterans that had aligned with Southeast Texas (SETX) Disaster Relief. One of those veterans told Fox News that for the first couple of days they routinely saw and heard law enforcement personnel actively turning away volunteer search-and-rescue organizations with supplies or information about people who needed help.
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Floridians Prepare for Monster Invasion, And Irma!

National Reporters and Irma, Which is Worse?
Combat PTSD Wounded Times
Kathie Costos
September 13, 2017

This is what is coming to Florida.

Hurricane Irma Is Passing Over Virgin Islands as a Potentially Catastrophic Category 5 Hurricane; Dangerous Threat for Florida, Southeast

Weather Channel Update

Sep 6 2017 04:00 

But so are they!

You may think this is bad enough, but consider what, or who, is coming because of Hurricane Irma, it can be worse than it has to be if reporters forget that our lives are on the line now and for a very long time to come.

I remember Charlie, Frances and Jeanne in 2004. None of them were much fun. Every year since then, whenever hurricane season started, as soon as the weather report had anything brewing in the Atlantic, we took deep breaths, and waited, remembering what we had already experienced. To put it bluntly, it sucked!

Most of us paid close attention to what was happening in Texas and we were heartbroken for them but we we also deeply admired how they responded. They helped each other! They helped total strangers. They did whatever they could to make sure they did not let anyone do it alone without trying to make a difference.

We saw all the First Responders leaving their own families and homes to make sure Texans were as safe as possible. We saw National Guardsmen, Coast Guard, volunteers from all over the country and groups, rush in to help total strangers. 

What we saw were images like this on the Weather Channel

Matthew Koser, hypothermic and shaking, is rescued from atop his car after looking for important papers and heirlooms inside his grandfather's house after it was flooded by heavy rains from Hurricane Harvey August 29, 2017 in the Bear Creek neighborhood of west Houston, Texas. The neighborhood flooded after water was released from nearby Addicks Reservoir. (Erich Schlegel/Getty Images)

What we also saw were many reporters also risking their lives to make sure their stories were told. Most, were commendable and people from across the country responded because of how you told their stories. You showed us the heartbreaking images of destroyed homes as much as you showed us the heartwarming images of people being rescued.

What we also witnessed are things like this.

I track what you are reporting all across the country on veterans stories. It is bad enough that few of the national reporters care to get the story right and do not take the lazy way out, that is, when they bother to report on them at all. Most of the posts within the over 28,000 on Combat PTSD Wounded Times, do not come from CNN, MSNBC or FOX, even though all three are operating 24-7. Guess that politics means a lot more than our veterans, or is it just an easier topic? Not sure which anymore.

Most of the reports here are done on the local level, all across the country by their local reporters, telling the stories about people right in their own backyards. When we are hit with something like a natural disaster, so are they. They do not get to hop on a plane and get back to their own territory and put is all behind them.

With Social Media what is now, to tell the truth, national reporters are not as vital as they used to be. It is about time that they either figured that one out and respected that their topic of the day is our lives!

So, as the stores run out of water, bread, and food, along with alcohol, gas stations run out of gas and everyone is getting evacuated into the Orlando area, looking for what we don't have. I was driving to work at 5:00 am, searching for gas to make sure I'd be able to get to my job the rest of the week. Finally after 3 statations, I found some left.

Please keep that in mind when you are complaining about the hardships you have to endure to report on what we will have to live with long after you get to go home and forget all about our stories the same way you just forgot all about Texas and what Hurricane Harvey did to them.

Harvey Flood Waters Claimed Life of Homeless Veteran Who Died in His Wheelchair

Homeless veteran found dead in Bradenton floodwaters

FOX 13 News

Evan Axelbank

August 28, 2017

She pulled the man to the driveway, and, to her astonishment, recognized him as a homeless veteran.

BRADENTON (FOX 13) - A man was found dead in the flooding that ravaged Bradenton on Sunday.

Deputies say at around 8:45 p.m., a woman called to say she had found the man on Whitfield Ave. and 43rd Court East

"I would hate to hear one of my family members passed away that way," said Spencer, who found the man and his tipped-over wheelchair. "I ran in, grabbed my phone, dialed 911.

At first, she didn't realize what she saw in the water was a wheelchair.

"I thought that my neighbor had a garbage can out there, and I thought that is kind of silly. It was in the water, it was going to float away. I looked a little harder and I realized it looked like a wheelchair."

read more here

Texas Veterans Have Resources During Harvey Recovery

Here's How Harvey Is Impacting Military, Veteran Benefits

Military.com

Amy Bushatz and Jim Absher

August 29, 2017

With America's fourth-largest city under water, up to 13 million people impacted across Texas and Louisiana and at least 15 deaths, Hurricane Harvey is wreaking havoc across the southern U.S.

Texas National Guardsmen aid citizens in heavily flooded areas of Houston after Hurricane Harvey. Lt. Zachary West/Army

While the Texas National Guard and the U.S. Coast Guard have joined local, state and federal agencies in responding to what could be the worst natural disaster to ever strike Texas, the Veterans Affairs Department has also issued notices for a handful of benefits.

If you're a military family member, retiree or veteran in the impacted areas, several military and VA benefits have been temporarily changed in response to the ongoing crisis.

VA Hospitals, Clinics

Across impacted areas in Texas, some community health and outpatient Department of Veterans Affairs clinics are closed as a result of the storm. The Houston VA Medical Center, however, is open and fully operational, officials posted on that facility's website.

A series of mobile vet centers to provide counseling services were being deployed to impacted areas, such as Corpus Christi, or have been placed on standby, according to VA officials. Within the area impacted by Harvey are over 510,000 veterans and 115 VA clinics, they said.

The VA has also put in place their Pharmacy Disaster Relief Plan. Eligible veterans with a VA ID Card who need an emergency supply of medications can go to any CVS or HEB pharmacy with a written prescription or active VA prescription bottle to receive a 14-day supply. Veterans who need assistance can also call the Heritage Health Solutions Veterans Help line at 1-866 265-0124 to speak to a representative, officials said.

read more here 

Hurricane Harvey Fueled the Water But Compassion is Fueling Hope

Compassion Takes Center Stage in Texas

Combat PTSD Wounded Times

Kathie Costos

August 28, 2017

What if everyday was like America's Got Talent, but instead of talent, it was about compassion? Instead of talent, you were competing with your gifts. Instead of going onto a stage, you were being watched and judged for how you used the gifts you had. Would you want to enter this contest?

I was thinking about this before work today. Since I get up around 4:00 am, it is pretty quiet with few distractions. I was checking in on how things are going in Texas when I was reading about, probably hundreds of strangers, showing up to help other strangers with whatever they had to give.

They were not trying to get on camera or get publicity. We'll probably never know the names of most of the rescuers, just like we will never know the names of the heroes doing it on a daily basis. Each one of them left their own families, their homes and put their lives on the line so they could make a difference.

Now that is compassion fueling courage! So many times we see things like this and then wonder how regular people got there? What is it inside of them that compelled them to do such a thing? When we see people getting paid to do the dangerous jobs, we don't seem too interested in wondering at all. Why is that?

There is a group that has been using their gifts abundantly. They did it in the military and then they have been doing it as civilians. TEAM RUBICON is heading into Texas. They made the announcement on Twitter

"I knew to expect devastation and hard work. What I didn’t expect was the incredible team made up of veterans and civilians ready to meet the challenges of the day. We know exactly where we’re headed and confident we can make a difference in the lives of those affected by disasters. In a single day, we’ve managed to become brothers and sisters." Lissie Hagerman USAF Veteran

Obviously they'd get my vote for compassion in action category. So would a lot of other people expecting nothing to come back to them other than the sense of having done something with their lives at the end of the day.

The thing is, when you are a giver, accustomed to using your gifts, and have nothing to do, it actually wears on your soul more than the exhaustion of giving what you could in the first place. Not being used, makes you feel as if you are not needed and then that is when everything you did in the past comes back with the worst you faced instead of how doing the best you could do filled your soul.

So, how about when you are considering how to help the people in Texas, you consider helping TEAM RUBICON help others as well as helping them help each other use the gifts they have to give?

Home Depot Foundation Commits $1 Million to Help Texas Recover

Remember our friends with the Home Depot Foundation showing up to help veterans? Well they're at it again! This time they are responding to Texas after Harvey hit them hard.

The Home Depot Foundation Commits $1 Million to Hurricane Harvey Disaster Relief Efforts

ATLANTA, Aug. 28, 2017 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ -- The Home Depot® Foundation today announced its commitment of $1 million to support Hurricane Harvey disaster relief efforts in Texas and Louisiana.

Funds will be distributed to several nonprofit partners including the American Red Cross, Salvation Army, Convoy of Hope, Operation Blessing and Team Rubicon to support both short-term relief and rebuilding needs.

"Our hearts and full support go out to our communities, customers and associates that are being impacted by Hurricane Harvey," said Shannon Gerber, executive director of The Home Depot Foundation. "The Home Depot Foundation and Team Depot volunteers will work alongside our disaster relief partners to assist the people and areas impacted by this catastrophic storm."

In addition to helping the communities affected by Hurricane Harvey, the Foundation's employee assistance program, The Homer Fund, will provide emergency financial assistance to associates who have been affected by this tragedy.

read more here

Hurricane Harvey: Fake National Guard Social Media Message Warning

TS Harvey victims, don't share viral National Guard social media message

The number is not for a government agency

Houston Chronicle

Sunday, August 27, 2017

Houston area residents should not share or copy and paste an alleged number for the National Guard, even if intentions are noble. 

A message reading "The National Guard is being deployed to our Texas area. If you find yourself in a state of emergency. Call 1-800-527-3907. Please copy, paste or share!" is making the rounds on Facebook and Twitter. 

That phone number is for an insurance company based out of state and not a number to an actual governmental entity. 

read more here

POTUS Pardons and Harvey Pounds Texas

What was POTUS getting ready for as Harvey headed to US?

1. President Trump Grants Pardon for Former Sheriff Joe Arpaio
NBC News
by PHIL HELSEL and VAUGHN HILLYARD
August 25, 2017

President Donald Trump on Friday pardoned former Arizona sheriff Joe Arpaio, who was convicted of criminal contempt for ignoring a judge’s order not to detain suspected undocumented immigrants, the White House said.

Trump at a campaign-style rally in Phoenix strongly suggested he would pardon Arpaio, the former sheriff of Maricopa County. Arpaio had said he would appeal his conviction on misdemeanor contempt.
read more here

Is that what he as focused on as the monster Harvey was headed toward Texas? It looks like he had something else on his mind as well.

2. Trump Halts Pentagon Payments for Transgender SurgeryNBC Newsby ALI VITALI August 25, 2017
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump on Friday stopped funding for sex-reassignment treatment for transgender people currently in the military and barred the Pentagon from accepting any more transgender people into the services.

The president signed a memo giving new guidance to his previously-tweeted ban on transgender individuals serving in the U.S. military, according to a senior White House official who briefed reporters on condition of anonymity.

Trump signed the memo, the details of which were first reported by The Wall Street Journal, on Friday and directed the departments of Defense and Homeland Security to stop funding of sex-reassignment procedures and deny entry of transgender individuals into the military.
Openly transgender individuals will be barred until the Secretary of Defense "provides a recommendation to the contrary that I find convincing," Trump's memo reads. read more here

Hurricane Harvey Slams Texas, Risk of ‘Catastrophic Flooding’

NBC News

Saphora Smith

August 26, 2017

More than 200,000 people were without power Saturday after Hurricane Harvey smashed into Texas, bringing prolonged rainfall that was expected to cause "catastrophic flooding."

It made landfall near Corpus Christi as a Category 4 storm, with maximum sustained winds of 130mph, and weakened as it moved slowly inland to become Category 1 by 6 a.m. ET.

But while the winds eased to 90mph, forecasters warned that torrential rain would be a major threat.

"It's hard to imagine just how horrific and destructive this amount of water will be," NBC News meteorologist Bill Karins said.

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