President Joe Biden issued a stern warning to residents in the path of Hurricane Helene, emphasizing the severity of the impending storm and the importance of following guidance from local and federal authorities. The President, speaking from the White House East Room, highlighted the preparations already in place and urged people to take necessary precautions.
Biden emphasized the catastrophic nature of the storm, with expected high winds and flooding across the southeast, starting in Florida. He mentioned that he and Vice President Kamala Harris have been actively engaged with FEMA to coordinate response efforts, with Administrator Criswell set to assess the situation on the ground.
The President noted that emergency declaration requests had been approved for Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and Alabama ahead of the storm's landfall. He also highlighted the deployment of over 1,000 personnel, including search and rescue teams, medical teams, power restoration crews, generators, water, and food supplies across the region.
Despite the preparations, Biden stressed the seriousness of the situation, warning of potential significant and deadly storm surges extending beyond the hurricane's immediate path. He urged residents to heed evacuation orders and listen to local officials for guidance to ensure their safety and that of their families.
As Hurricane Helene approaches, the President's message serves as a reminder of the importance of being vigilant and prepared in the face of natural disasters. Residents are encouraged to stay informed, follow instructions from authorities, and take necessary precautions to mitigate the impact of the storm.
