President Donald Trump canceled a rally in Mississippi due to Hurricane Florence, which is expected to hit the southeastern United States and will likely affect much of the Mid-Atlantic region for days to come.
The U.S. National Hurricane Center said that Florence has reached Category 4 strength and is expected to make landfall in North Carolina or South Carolina.
He added: “With Hurricane Florence on its way, we determined that this is the safest decision.”
The president was going to rally to support Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) and Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) for their November 2018 bids. Trump endorsed both politicians.
“Cindy is honored to have President Trump’s endorsement and support in this year’s election,” Hyde-Smith’s said Sept. 10. “However, as our neighbors on the East Coast prepare for Hurricane Florence’s landfall, we agree with the decision to cancel this Friday’s rally.”
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the people in the path of the storm,” the statement added.
Florence, which is packing 130 mph winds, is slated to strengthen and hit the Carolinas and Virginia, according to the latest forecast models from the NHC.
The governors of Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina have all declared a state of emergency for their states ahead of the storm’s landfall.
“Interests in the southeastern and mid-Atlantic states should monitor the progress of Florence. Storm Surge and Hurricane watches could be issued for portions of these areas by Tuesday (Sept. 11) morning,” said the NHC in the update.
