CONCORD - A 12-person command and control team from the New Hampshire National Guard deployed to New York Wednesday to provide help for New York National guard units assisting communities that may be affected by the incoming Nor'easter.

The additional manpower will prevent New York from having to divert critical resources away from ongoing Hurricane Sandy relief efforts.

Gov. John Lynch activated the team, comprised of soldiers from Headquarters Company, 197th Fires Brigade based in Manchester , which was scheduled to arrive in New York last night.

The team will integrate into the New York National Guard's joint operations center in Latham, N.Y., north of Albany, to work with ground units that may need to provide health and welfare checks, evacuations, traffic control or the distribution of critical resources such as food, water, clothing, and fuel.

Lynch said that because New Yorkers are still recovering from the effects of hurricane Sandy. New Hampshire is pleased to join in supporting the relief efforts." The governor added: "New Hampshire stands ready to provide additional assistance if needed."