President Trump and his administration are buckling in for Hurricane Florence, a Category 4 hurricane expected to slam into the Carolinas by Friday. Experts are saying Florence, a "monster," could be one of the most powerful storms to ever hit the East Coast.
Hurricane Florence is looking even bigger than anticipated. It will be arriving soon. FEMA, First Responders and Law Enforcement are supplied and ready. Be safe!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 12, 2018
The safety of American people is my absolute highest priority. Heed the directions of your State and Local Officials. Please be prepared, be careful and be SAFE! https://t.co/YP7ssITwW9 pic.twitter.com/LZIUCgdPTH
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 11, 2018
Just had calls with South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper, and Virginia Governor Ralph Northam regarding the incoming storm. Federal Government stands by, ready to assist 24/7.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 10, 2018
My people just informed me that this is one of the worst storms to hit the East Coast in many years. Also, looking like a direct hit on North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia. Please be prepared, be careful and be SAFE!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 10, 2018
Was just briefed via phone by @DHSgov @SecNielsen and @FEMA @FEMA_Brock, along with @VP Mike Pence and Chief of Staff, John Kelly on incoming storm which is very dangerous. Heed the directions of your State and Local Officials - and know that WE are here for you. Be SAFE! pic.twitter.com/sN8D5NvrBa
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 10, 2018
President Trump is receiving regular updates on the situation. Yesterday Homeland Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen and FEMA Administrator Brock Long were at the White House to break down the federal government's preparedness plan. The entire coastlines of North and South Carolina, in addition to some parts of southeastern Virginia, are under a mandatory evacuation plan.
"Unfortunately, Hurricane Florence is setting out to be a devastating event to the Carolinas, and potentially Virginia as well. So as you can see, they're forecasting a major landfalling storm -- Category 3 or 4 storm at landfall. The biggest hazard that we're worried about is storm surge," Long said. "That's the primary driver of the evacuations that are underway by the states of North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia right now. But as this system comes in and makes landfall, during the weekend it's forecast to stall out, lose its strength and its steering currents, and drop copious amounts of rainfall."
"This has an opportunity of being a very devastating storm. The power is going to be off for weeks. You're going to be displaced from your home in the coastal areas. And there will be flooding in the inland areas as well. So these are going to be statewide events. The hazards will be statewide," Long continued.
Meanwhile, those choosing to ride out the storm in evacuation zones are being told first responders will not be available to help them once Florence makes landfall.
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