President Donald Trump signed an emergency declaration for Florida, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico ahead of “potentially catastrophic” Hurricane Irma, slated to slam the state in the coming days.
Trump declared the emergencies for the respective areas on Tuesday night, according to the Florida Sun-Sentinel and The Associated Press. It comes after Florida Gov. Rick Scott mobilized the National Guard, suspended tolls on Florida roadways, and signed an emergency declaration.
“If there is an evacuation order, follow it,” Scott said Tuesday evening. “We can rebuild your home, but we cannot rebuild your life.”
Trump “offered the full resources of the federal government as we get ready for this major storm,” Scott told the Sun-Sentinel.
The U.S. Navy, meanwhile, will evacuate 5,000 personnel from stations in Florida.
