Trump Weighs in on Hurricane Florence: ‘Please Be Prepared’

President Donald Trump weighed in on Hurricane Florence potentially slamming into the East Coast later this week.

“To the incredible citizens of North Carolina, South Carolina and the entire East Coast - the storm looks very bad! Please take all necessary precautions. We have already began mobilizing our assets to respond accordingly, and we are here for you!” he tweeted.

Later, Trump tweeted photos of him, Vice President Mike Pence, and Chief of Staff John Kelly meeting with Homeland Security and FEMA officials.

“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!” he tweeted on the night of Sept. 10.

The president added later: “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.”

At 11 p.m. on Sept. 10, the U.S. National Hurricane Center said that Florence moved closer to the U.S. East Coast.

“Interests in the southeastern and mid-Atlantic states should monitor the progress of Florence. Storm Surge and Hurricane watches are likely be issued for portions of these areas on Tuesday,” said the NHC.

The storm has Category 4 winds of 140 mph and is moving west-northwest at 13 mph.

“A west- northwestward to northwestward motion and an increase in forward speed are expected during the next couple of days. On the forecast track, the center of Florence will move over the southwestern Atlantic Ocean between Bermuda and the Bahamas Tuesday (Sept. 12) and Wednesday (Sept. 13), and approach the coast of North Carolina or South Carolina on Thursday,” according to the NHC.