WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — The Coast Guard noted that it is working with US federal and state agencies that coordinate the initial response to the hurricane.
"Aircraft, prepositioned out of harm's way prior to the storm, are on scene in western Florida and affected areas to conduct search-and-rescue operations and then assess the status of ports and waterways," the release stated.
Hurricane Hermine hit Florida on early Friday morning, but has since weakened into a tropical storm.